Two individuals who fired missiles at police during an April 2021 riot in Belfast have been sentenced to a 20-month prison sentence, half of which will be served in prison. After a gathering in Sandy Row and Shaftesbury Square, the four-hour brawl erupted.
Petrol bombs, flares, stones, and pyrotechnics were hurled at police, injuring 27 policemen.
A woman who hurled bottles and debris at officers and shoved dumpsters was sentenced to a 20-month suspended sentence.
Mark McEwan, 26, of Knockane Way, Newtownabbey, and Jake Michael Clarkin, 22, of Olympia Parade, Belfast, appeared in front of Belfast Crown Court on Friday, with Paige Nelson, 20, of Renfrew Walk.
The court heard that her 20-month sentence was postponed for three years owing to “special circumstances.”
All three – who were strangers to one another – were apprehended on the night of the brawl.
Crown barrister Philip Henry described the incident as “severe public disruption,” with around a third of the 150 persons assembled at the site participating in the rioting.
Nelson was allegedly shown on camera hurling glass bottles and stones at cops and their Land Rovers, as well as collapsing as she attempted to throw a huge piece of debris at an officer.
Clarkin was also recorded on surveillance footage hurling bricks at policemen and lighting fire to a huge industrial container he was pushing toward officers.
McEwan launched two rockets toward police officers.
The court heard that all three had accepted their actions and expressed regret. None of them had a prior criminal record. Judge Fowler stated that each defendant has a history of mental health difficulties.
He added: “Offences of riot occur in Northern Ireland with monotonous regularity. They lead to injury of police officers, damage to local shops and businesses, and tensions within the communities.”
“Others have to be deterred from becoming involved in such lawlessness.”
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