Pair in court over disturbances in Carrickfergus

Colin Simms, 36, and Robert Surgenor, 46, face charges linked to disturbances in the Castlemara area of Carrickfergus at the start of the month.

Police were called to the scene amid reports that a large group of men, some masked and carrying weapons, had gathered in the area.

Officers dispersed the crowd and seized items including a crossbow.

Fire crews also dealt with a burning bonfire.

Simms, of Blackthorn Park in the town, is charged with causing a dangerous article and material to be on a road.

The alleged offences involve a barricade and tyres being deposited on the Oakwood Road on July 2.

At Belfast Magistrates’ Court his lawyer confirmed he will be pleading not guilty to the charges.

With a date for a contested hearing set to be fixed in two weeks’ time, Simms was released on continuing bail.

Meanwhile Surgenor, from Drummond Court in Larne, Co Antrim, is accused of riotous behaviour in the vicinity of Oakfield Drive the previous night.

He nodded when asked if he understood the single charge against him.

Releasing Surgenor on the same conditions, the district judge told him to return to court in four weeks’ time for an update in the case.