News / anarchists
Woman sentenced after using homemade stingers
A woman has been sentenced to two years in prison after setting home-made stinger devices, which damaged three police cars on New Year’s Eve
Emma Sheppard, 33, admitted three counts of conspiracy to commit criminal damage, reckless to endanger life.
DI Andy Beavan said her actions were part of a “reckless and dangerous plan”.
“Sheppard placed crude home-made stinger devices, which each had around five large nails sticking through a piece of wood, in the road with the sole aim of damaging the police vehicles.
The damage was investigated by a specialist police team set up to deal with domestic extremism. The Op Rhone team at Avon and Somerset police are investigating more than 100 incidents of criminal damage and arson.
DI Bevan added: “We have a long and proud history of facilitating peaceful protest and also supporting people who choose alternative lifestyles. We respect their right to lead their lives however they choose and the large majority do so in a safe and law-abiding manner.
“Where protest crosses the line into criminality, we’ll take a tough stance in order to keep our communities safe and feeling safe.”
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