A man who admitted being part of a riotous crowd which attacked police in Belfast on Sunday afternoon was given a three-month suspended jail sentence yesterday. John McAleenan (21), from Oldpark Square, Belfast, admitted a charge of riotous behaviour.
The Magistrates Court was told police were attacked by a stone-throwing crowd in the Oldpark area and McAleenan was arrested after he was seen throwing stones in Ballymoney Street. A defence solicitor said he had been drinking and his recollection of events was vague.
Four other men were also charged with riotous behaviour and assaulting police. Mr Colin McCaffrey (29), of Willowvale Avenue, Belfast, appeared in the court with his face and T-shirt covered in blood. His solicitor said he was making his way home past Woodbourne RUC station when he alleged he was set upon by police officers and received a broken nose and other injuries. He was remanded on bail and ordered to observe a curfew from 8 p.m. until 7.30 a.m. Bail was also granted to two other defendants and the remaining one was remanded in custody.