Lisa Bishop, from Lawrence Weston, was sentenced to 26 months in prison
By The Nexus Gazette.
17th August, 2024.
A mother-of-five, Lisa Bishop, has been sentenced to 26 months in prison for her involvement in a violent disorder that took place outside a hotel housing asylum seekers in Bristol. The incident, which occurred during an anti-immigration protest, has been described as “terrifying” by authorities and has highlighted the challenges of maintaining public safety during such events.
On August 3, Lisa Bishop was among the protesters gathered in Bristol to express opposition to the housing of asylum seekers at the Mercure Hotel. The protest, which started peacefully, quickly escalated as tensions rose between the demonstrators and the small police presence assigned to monitor the situation.
Bishop, who was described by Judge Martin Picton as being in a prominent position during the ordeal, was seen throwing a can and shouting verbal abuse. Her actions, along with those of other protesters, caused considerable fear among the asylum seekers inside the hotel, many of whom were already vulnerable and seeking refuge from dangerous situations.
The situation became increasingly volatile as the group Bishop was part of grew more agitated and aggressive. The police, who were initially outnumbered, struggled to maintain control. A small cycle team, deployed to monitor the protest, found themselves at significant risk as the mob’s aggression intensified.
Despite being overwhelmed, the officers showed remarkable bravery, standing their ground and calling for assistance as the situation spiraled. The judge commended the officers for their courage, acknowledging the difficult circumstances they faced that night.
The protest and ensuing violence came at a significant cost to the city, with expenses related to the incident totaling £385,000 and continuing to rise. The financial burden, however, pales in comparison to the psychological and emotional toll on those who were targeted by the mob.
Lisa Bishop, who admitted to her actions, expressed deep regret for her involvement. In court, she stated that she was “disgusted and ashamed” of her behavior during the protest. Her sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense, as the court sought to send a clear message about the consequences of participating in violent and disorderly conduct.
Bishop is not the only individual facing legal repercussions for their role in the protest. Jamie Easterbrook and Elly-Jayne Cox, who were also involved in the violent disorder, received jail sentences for their actions. Additionally, Joseph Bradford’s sentencing has been adjourned pending a pre-sentence report.
This case underscores the importance of maintaining peace and safety during protests and highlights the potential consequences of allowing such events to devolve into violence. It serves as a stark reminder of the impact that disorderly conduct can have on vulnerable individuals and the broader community.
Resources:
1.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c70j588k5nqo
2.https://www.msn.com/en-ph/news/world/woman-jailed-for-involvement-in-terrifying-mob/ar-AA1oVoYy
3.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cze5g4djeplo