Youth appears in court over rioting in Belfast

Police have been responding to outbreaks of violent disorder in Belfast in recent days

A 15-year-old has appeared in court charged with two counts of riot and possession of an offensive weapon with intent.

A police officer told Belfast Magistrates' Court the teenager was linked to "some of the most serious violence Belfast has seen" for some time.

The charges relate to disorder in south Belfast on Monday night and in the Broadway area of the city on 15 and 16 July.

A defence lawyer said the boy, who cannot be named because of his age, was vulnerable.

'Just with his friends'

Appearing via videolink, the accused spoke to confirm he understood the charges.

A police officer said that on the dates listed last month the 15-year-old was observed as being part of the main group who took part in "violent disorder" in the Broadway area where petrol bombs and masonry were thrown at officers.

A defence lawyer said the teenager had admitted "throwing a stone".

The court also heard he was witnessed taking part in the anti-immigration protest in Belfast city centre on Saturday, and was part of the group that walked through the streets after leaving Wellington Place.

The accused was also placed as being part of the group of people that gathered on Monday night (5 August) in Sandy Row, where police again come under sustained attack with petrol bombs and masonry thrown.

The court heard the young person had told police he was "just with his friends".

A defence barrister said his client was vulnerable and the charges from this month were linked simply "to his presence".

Denying bail, the judge said he was conscious the defendant was "a child by law" but with the lack of an approved bail address, he said it was necessary to protect the public.