Judge issues warning to those involved in Belfast disorder

The three accused appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court in relation to criminal damage in Rathlin Street, Woodvale

A judge has warned anyone involved in the recent disorder in Belfast that they can expect to be refused bail, and be remanded straight to prison, if they appear before her.

District Judge Anne Marshall was speaking as she denied bail for three men who appeared in the dock over Tuesday's violence in the Woodvale area.

The three accused appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court in relation to criminal damage in Rathlin Street, Woodvale.

They faced charges including criminal damage, riotous behaviour, incitement to hatred and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Police said it happened during a time of large-scale disorder and they believed the alleged attacks on the properties were racially motivated.

Windows and front doors in Rathlin Street were smashed with hammers and there was extensive damage at around 21.30 BST on Tuesday.

While two properties were attacked, police confirmed they were unable to speak to or identify a resident or owner for one of the homes.

The court was told a police helicopter directed officers on the ground to three suspects who were wearing balaclavas.

Craig John Watson, 41, of Rathlin Street, is charged with criminal damage to two properties on Rathlin Street in Belfast on Tuesday.

He was also charged with using threatening behaviour which was abusive or insulting intending thereby to stir up hatred or arouse fear.

The court heard while a balaclava was located on his person when arrested, his legal team said it was not his and that he had been approached by someone in the UVF and asked to put it in his pocket.

Police also told the court they believed he had been pointing out addresses of people not born in Northern Ireland.

His defence said that was not the case and told the court he was pointing out his own house to protect it.

Curtis Bell, 28, of Fingal Street, was charged with criminal damage of a window and door at a property on Rathlin Street.

The court heard Mr Bell was caught by police who found a balaclava, which he stated he found and did not belong to him.

Police also found a small quantity of cannabis.

Reece Dolman, 26, of Cambrai Street, was charged with criminal damage, riotous behaviour and possession of an offensive weapon, a hammer.

His legal team said that he had been out of the house but had not been involved in the trouble.

Bail was refused for the three men.

The case will be heard again on 5 September.