Two men charged with illegally blocking road in Co Antrim during fuel protests in April
Two men are charged with obstruction of a road.
The charge is that on April 14 this year at Moneynick Road, Toome, “without lawful authority or reasonable excuse intentionally or negligently obstructed the free passage along a road contrary to Article 88 of the Roads (Northern Ireland) Order 1993”.
The accused are Damien John Neeson (50), of Ballynagilly Road near Cookstown, and Gary Nicholl (28), of Whitesides Road at Whitesides Corner near Ballymena.
Damien Neeson's defence barrister said his solicitor wants to "try and resolve the case".
Gary Nicholl's defence solicitor said he wishes to make representations to prosecutors about the case.
At Antrim Magistrates' Court, sitting in Ballymena today, district judge Nigel Broderick noted the charge is a "fine only" offence.
The cases were adjourned until later this month.
No further details were given to the court.
On April 14 there had been a number of protests in Northern Ireland about the price of fuel.
A PSNI press release on April 14 said: "A number of protests, involving slow moving vehicles, took place across Northern Ireland today, Tuesday, April 14.
"Areas affected included the Sydenham Bypass, Westlink, M2, A1, A4 and A5.
"The A6 at Toome was also blocked by protesters for a period of time.
“A proportionate policing response was implemented to ensure public safety and to help minimise disruption to the wider community.
"During the policing operation the drivers of a number of vehicles were issued with fixed penalty notices for road traffic offences and a number of other persons were cautioned for public order offences.
"Chief Superintendent Norman Haslett said: ‘Today’s policing operation was designed to minimise disruption to the strategic road network, maintain business as usual at critical infrastructure and to prevent escalation and prolonged disruption.
“‘The right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are fundamental human rights which are protected in law and allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest.
"‘However, these rights are balanced by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.
“An evidence-gathering operation was in place and we will now review the footage gathered in order to consider further prosecution for any potential offences.’”