A man who became involved in street disorder surrounding the North’s union flag protests was jailed for four months yesterday.
Jamie Robert Colgan (25) admitted a charge of riotous behaviour which occurred in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim, just days after the demonstrations began.
He was given the prison term at Belfast Magistrates’ Court yesterday but released on £500 bail after lodging an appeal against the sentence.
Colgan, of Tulleevin Drive, Newtownabbey, was banned from going within 500m of any parade or protest until his challenge is heard.
Colgan was arrested along with other suspects following an outbreak of violence at Drumcree Place on December 8th last year. Days earlier councillors in Belfast had decided to restrict the flying of the union flag at City Hall, sparking widespread trouble.
Colgan must also stay in accommodation approved by police while out on bail.
So far police have arrested 234 people under Operation Dulcet, an initiative set up to investigate offences linked to the disorder over the flag.
Charges have been brought against 177 suspects, and another 75 files referred to the public prosecution service.