Jail term for Ballymena man (20) seen building barricade and attacking house during riot
A 20-year-old Ballymena man has been handed a jail sentence in connection with disorder in the town in June of last year.
He was convicted of riot, intentionally encouraging or assisting riot, and burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage.
At Antrim Crown Court on Thursday (November 5), Calum Bell, from Shancoole, was sentenced to 60 months – with half this time to be spent in custody and half on licence.
Speaking after the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said on Monday, June 9, large-scale disorder broke out on the streets of Ballymena involving a large crowd of rioters.
On that date, he added, “Bell was seen building a barricade using green safety barriers on the Clonavon Road, before leading a group down the rear of properties on the Clonavon/Waveney Road.
"He then pointed at a property and proceeded to throw masonry at the house, along with others in the group, before running back to Clonavon.
"Bell was also seen breaking up a piece of masonry into smaller pieces and, while in a large group, the door of a property was forced open and Bell went inside for a period of time. The crowd then moved off, with Bell subsequently then leaving the property and running down Waveney Road.
“Following the release of his image by police as part of a social media and local media appeal, Bell was identified and subsequently arrested and charged.
“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted and today’s sentencing is one of many in relation to this disorder.”