A family man involved in riots that followed the murder of soldier Lee Rigby has been given a suspended jail term.
Paul Lloyd was singled out from a group of men who clashed with police when a supposed peace walk turned violent, Bristol Crown Court heard. The court was told members of the English Defence League, as well as supporters of United Against Fascists, converged in Kingswood for the social-media-sparked event. Police arrested Lloyd in a melee that resulted and spotted him mouthing “EDL” during a stand-off in a pub in St George, the court heard. Lloyd, 39, of Farley Close in Little Stoke, pleaded guilty to threatening unlawful violence.
Judge Michael Longman told him: “The disorder that erupted that day was quite shocking and inexcusable. There were many people that involved themselves in unlawful violence. It is quite clear you played a prominent role and were described as a protagonist. You came to the attention of a police officer, you formed a barricade with others and you were seen throwing glasses and furniture, though not at anyone. You were deliberately attempting to frustrate the attempts of police to calm the situation down and contain it.”
The judge handed Lloyd a nine-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, with 200 hours of unpaid work. He was ordered to pay £150 prosecution costs and an £80 victim surcharge.
For previous cases arising out of the EDL riot see here and here.