Five-year sentence for Ballymena summer riot ‘instigator’ with 'appalling record'
A man who was an “instigator” in the rioting in Ballymena last summer and who encouraged others to join was handed a five-year sentence on Wednesday (September 9).
Jailing the 29-year-old, Judge Peter Irvine KC told the defendant his case had multiple aggravating features, including that the riot “had racist undertones” and his “appalling record” of 75 convictions.
Ordering Bradley Philip Douglas to serve half his sentence in jail and the remainder on licence, Judge Irvine told him that given the leading and persistent role he played, if he had not admitted his guilt the sentence would have been seven and a half years.
At an earlier hearing Douglas, with an address at Waveney Mews in Ballymena, entered guilty pleas to two counts of riot on 10 and 11 June, and one count of burglary of a property on Clonavon Terrace, “with intent to do unlawful damage”.
During his sentence remarks at Antrim Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge Irvine recounted that across the UK in the summer of 2025, “there was a significant spike in public disorder with racial undertones,” where the homes, businesses and properties of ethnic minorities had been specifically targeted and burnt.
On 9 June, hours after three Romanian teenagers appeared in court accused of rape, “large-scale disorder broke out on the streets of Ballymena, involving large crowds of rioters and continued for three consecutive nights,” said the judge, adding that further violence broke out in other towns and cities across Northern Ireland.
Multiple homes were attacked and set on fire, including one property where there were seven adults and five children inside, and another where a pregnant woman and her child suffered smoke inhalation.
Eight families were displaced and in addition, more than 50 police officers were injured after they were attacked by crowds throwing masonry, fireworks and petrol bombs during rioting which “had a serious impact on the police capacity to police effectively and to keep people safe.”
Minority Families
Larne Leisure Centre was also attacked when there were ethnic minority families inside, “clearly demonstrating the racist motivation for the offending” and more than 40 children from ethnic minority families and a teacher left their school, “fearing for their safety”.
Turning to Douglas’ offending, Judge Irvine outlined that when he arrived at the scene on 10 June, he was “clearly prepared” to engage in disorder as he was wearing gloves and was already masked.
While there had been rioting the night before, nothing had yet happened on 10 June and the court heard it was Douglas who threw the first missile at police, sparking off further attacks on officers.
Judge Irvine told the court that over the course of the next two hours, Douglas was captured on video smashing masonry for himself and others to throw at police and hurling the metal legs of a trampoline at police lines.
The judge said Douglas’ involvement was “sustained and continual, using masonry, poles and bottles” to attack police and at several points, “you were seen entering the property on Clonavon Terrace to find items and using those to attack police”.
The following night, 11 June, Douglas was involved in rioting again “although at a lesser level”. On that second night, the 29-year-old was at the bridge in Harryville and he threw two missiles at police. Douglas was arrested on 27 June and the court heard that he has remained in custody since.
Judge Irvine said that “clearly, the offending is aggravated by reason of hostility involving race” and in addition to Douglas’ “extensive and appalling record, your role was clearly that of an instigator”.
According to defence reports, Douglas has a history of PTSD and ADHD, as well as issues with poor mental health and drug abuse. The reports also suggested that Douglas “has a perception of himself, that he enjoys being handsome” and sees himself as a “de facto leader”.
Jailing the defendant, Judge Irvine said that “clearly, a deterrent sentence is required”.
Commenting after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said: “On Monday, 9th June 2025 large scale disorder broke out on the streets of Ballymena involving a large crowd of rioters. Further violence then followed across other areas in Northern Ireland.
“Damage was caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises with people left fearing for their lives. Our officers also came under attack and many left injured after petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them.
“On 10th June 2025 at approximately 8.20pm police systems captured footage of a male, later identified as Douglas, throwing rocks and metal poles at police in the Clonavon Terrace area.
“He was identified as one of the main instigators of this riot – and was the first individual to attack police using masonry, metal poles and bottles. Other individuals joined in and began to act in a similar manner.
“Douglas also entered a property in the same area that had already sustained damage – throwing items from the home at officers. He was located by police on 22nd June and arrested for the offences of riot and burglary and subsequently charged.
“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted – today’s sentencing is one of many over this disorder – with a substantial sentence handed down in court.
“We would reiterate 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.”