Outrage over fundraiser for family of Bristol rioter who attacked police

A fundraiser for the family of a father who was jailed for attacking police outside a hotel for asylum seekers in Bristol has sparked outrage online.

Donors included Tristan Tate, brother of self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate, who donated £2,500.

Dominic Capaldi, 34, was sentenced to 34 months in prison on Wednesday after he was caught on video throwing objects at police officers in the city's Castle Park as the crowd chanted “Send them back”.

The excavator also targeted the police, who tried to prevent demonstrators from entering the Mercure hotel where asylum seekers are housed.

The crowdfunding campaign for Capaldi's family was launched by his friend on Friday and was intended to raise £1,000. However, by midday on Saturday, more than £3,000 had already been raised. The fund claims the ruling is unlawful.

A description on the page read: “Dom was arrested and tried on a fast track basis before being sentenced to 34 months in prison for taking part in a demonstration in Bristol which he said was necessary for the safety of his children's future.

“Unfortunately, he leaves behind a wife and children as well as an unpaid mortgage.

“Please dig deep into your pockets if you can and help his family through this absurd time.”

A total of 34 people have donated so far, including former kickboxer Tristan Tate, who is currently awaiting trial in Romania with his brother Andrew, a social influencer. They are accused of rape, forming an organized criminal group and human trafficking – charges they deny.

He shared the news of his donation with his three million followers on X.

In an interview with Piers Morgan earlier this month, Andrew Tate admitted he was wrong in his assessment of the suspect in the Southport stabbing that sparked nationwide unrest.

The fundraiser sparked outrage on social media, with one person writing: “Didn't he throw things at the police? Isn't that a crime?”

Another said: “He pleaded [sic] guilty. He didn't have to do that, he could have taken it to court. He obviously thought he had been caught red-handed.”

Another added: “This guy went on a rampage so we immigrants would be kicked out of this country. No thanks, I'd rather donate to the local mosque.”

“Keep going mate – HE was filmed throwing things at police and pleaded guilty to violent disorder… you're not giving him a penny you moron!” said another social media user.

Bristol Crown Court heard that Capaldi's child turned seven on the day of sentencing and that the consequences of his crime would have a “significant” impact on his family.

Capaldi's defence lawyer John Stokes said in court: “It is unfortunately a case of 'hindsight is 20/20'. Now, in hindsight, he realises the stupidity of his actions that day.”

Sentencing Capaldi to 34 months in prison, Judge Martin Picton told the court: “This was the first protest in Bristol since Southport to turn violent. However, it must be seen in the context of coordinated actions by extremists who sparked violence and thereby instilled fear throughout the community.”

He added: “You were part of it. You were part of a large, confrontational group that acted together. In particular, you chose to throw objects at the mounted police officers who had to put themselves in danger to protect others.”

According to the Ministry of Justice, as of August 15, a total of 460 people appeared before the district court on charges related to the riots.

At least 72 people under the age of 18 were also believed to have been charged.