Ballymena man who threw masonry at police during riots is jailed for six months

Gary Steven Givens, of Victoria Park, committed the offence at the car park at Braidwater Retail Park and Larne Road Link. Ballymena Magistrates' Court heard how he had thrown masonry at police.

A prosecutor said it was not believed the defendant's case was "aggravated by hostility". The defendant had 33 previous convictions. A defence solicitor said the defendant was drinking in a bar when he heard about disturbances and "out of idle curiosity" had gone to watch events unfold. He had then gone to other bars and had more drink which mixed with medication. At 12.20am when the riots were "dying down" the defendant picked up two pieces of masonry and threw them at police. He had no recollection and could not explain his behaviour which he regrets and was ashamed of, it was said. The solicitor said the fact the case was prosecuted in the Magistrates' Court showed it was in the "lowest category of disturbances that particular night" as other cases had gone to the Crown Court. District Judge Nigel Broderick said there "must be an element of deterrence to these sentences" and handed down a six months sentence. £500 bail was fixed for appeal. As part of the bail the defendant is not to attend any public demonstration or protests, whether notified or not.