Man charged with riot and arson during disorder at Coleraine's Railway Place given custodial sentence

43-year-old Adam Sawicki was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on October 19, to four years – half of which is to be served in prison, and half on licence.

Sawicki, whose address was listed as Maghaberry Prison, had been charged for the offences on October 12, 2025.

On June 9 last year, large-scale disorder broke out on the streets of Ballymena and across Northern Ireland, involving a crowd of rioters and lasting for three consecutive nights.

On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at around 8pm, it was reported that approximately 50 people attacked a bus in the Railway Place area of Coleraine, with estimations of people present rising to around 200.

A barricade was constructed and set alight in the road, and Sawicki was seen pulling a large industrial bin from the Union Street area and placing it into the fire.

Sawicki was charged with damaging “by fire certain property namely a bin, railway tracks and a road” and with riotous assembly.

Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector O'Loan said: “In shameful scenes, there was large-scale disorder by people intent on causing harm. Damage was caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises with people left fearing for their lives.

“Our officers came under attack and many left injured after petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them.

“At the time, we assured the public that we will work tirelessly to restore calm and ensure that anyone who chooses to take part in this criminality is brought to justice.

“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted – today’s sentencing is one of many over this disorder.

“We would also repeat our appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive.

"Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Should you wish to make a report anonymously, you can do so by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org”