Youths in court on charges linked to Ballymena trouble as police say public disorder could lead to deaths
A judge said widespread fear and trauma has been caused to people in Ballymena and other towns by "despicable" rioting in recent days.
District Judge Nigel Broderick was speaking at Ballymena Magistrates' Court on Thursday where two boys - aged 15 and 17 - who cannot be named because of their ages - were charged with riotous assembly in Ballymena.
A 15-year-old schoolboy with no record was charged with riotous assembly and causing criminal damage to wheelie bins at around 12.30am on Wednesday at Braidwater Retail Park.
Objecting to bail, a police officer said the had been serious disorder in Ballymena in recent nights with hundreds of people damaging public and private property.
Masonry, wood, road signs and shopping trolleys were used against police.
Police were said to have located a balaclava, a bottle and a "large rock" on the 15-year-old.
The officer said it was "serious racially aggravated public disorder".
He said police believe it was important to send out a strong deterrent message as it was feared public disorder could lead to the deaths.
The 15-year-old's defence barrister said some people believed there was a level of "excitement" involved.
Judge Broderick said such people should be "disabused" of such thoughts as rioting causes fear in society and is "anything but exciting".
The 17-year-old did not apply for bail.
The two youths were remanded into custody and their cases were adjourned to the Youth Court in Ballymena.