Matt was arrested with over 75 people after the confrontation with the police at Bristol’s Bridewell police station at the Kill the Bill demonstration on March 21st 2021. He was convicted was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
What happened on 21st March was an outpouring of rage against the violence of the police. The crowd fought back after police officers attacked the crowd with batons and riot shields. Pepper spray was used indiscriminately, people were charged with police horses. The protesters fought back, seizing police riot shields, helmets and batons to defend themselves. By the end of the evening several police vehicles had been set on fire.
As of October 2023, Matt is held in HMP Portland.