Four men in court charged over Belfast disorder _ Hieuuk

Four men have appeared at Belfast Magistrates court charged in relation to recent public disorder.

District Judge Rafferty reiterated the message that those observing or participating in public disorder would be refused bail, save for exceptional circumstances.

Police said they dealt with serious public disorder on Wednesday night in the Connswater area of east Belfast.

They told the court fireworks, missiles and petrol bombs had been thrown at officers.

When hearing the case of 18-year-old Cameron Armstrong of Lewis Gardens, who was charged with rioting, the police told the court footage had captured of a male heavily involved in the riot.

They believed that Mr Armstrong’s clothes matched those of the male on their footage.

His legal team told court, he had just turned 18 and was there to have a look at what was occurring.

They added that he had been encouraged by his sister to stay at home and when he saw the situation deteriorate, he decided to leave.

Objecting to bail, police said the United Kingdom had experienced public disorder with racial undertones, and set out that more disorder is likely in the coming days.

As bail was refused, District Judge Rafferty said anybody involving themselves as participant or curious observer, except for exceptional circumstances, would be remanded into custody.

Bail was also refused for 33-year-old Colin Moneypenny from Dhu Varren Crescent.

He was charged with throwing petrol bombs at police land rovers, criminal damage, resisting police and rioting.

Police told the court they believed they observed him emerging from the crowd wearing a mask and throwing petrol bombs.

While making a case for bail, his legal representative said he knew the request would be like “rolling a boulder up a very steep hill”.

He continued that “the current climate makes it difficult” but then laid out what he felt were a number of discrepancies.

The legal team said he had been in the area because he wanted to make a purchase from McDonald’s before realising it was closed.

They said he then spectated the disorder but denied involvement.

George Main, 25, from Hatton Drive also appeared in the court on Friday.

He was charged with rioting, throwing a petrol bomb at police land rovers with police inside, and obstructing police.

Mr Main nodded yes to understanding the charges.

There was no application with bail.

Also appearing in the dock was Paul McCaughey, 32, from Gotha Street.

He was charged with possessing and throwing a petrol bomb at a police land rover or police.

He also faces a rioting charge.

Mr McCaughey spoke only to confirm he understood the charges.

There was no bail application and he was remanded in custody.

All cases will be heard again on 6th September.