Four remanded in custody over rioting in Belfast

Four more people have been remanded in custody at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Saturday in connection with rioting.

They included 18-year-old Diego Audley, of Rockland Street in Belfast, and 62-year-old David Dubois of Ravenswood Park, Belfast.

Matthew Brogan, 28, with an address at Utility Street in Belfast, also faced the court, as did a 16-year-old who cannot be identified because of his age.

“Attacking a person who is trying to run a business because of the colour of his skin is as bad as it gets,” said Judge Mark Hamill.

Audley Diego was charged with two counts of riot and two counts of having masonry as a weapon with intent to cause criminal damage relating to riots on 16 July at Broadway and 3 August on Sandy Row.

Police footage captured him on CCTV taking part in the riots, the court heard.

Initially he had his face covered and his solicitor said it was not him and that identification was an issue in the case.

Judge Mark Hamill said the riots are "appalling, racially-motivated attacks" adding: " In no way in the world can I grant him bail."

David Dubois was also charged with rioting at Sandy Row .

CCTV footage captured him in the middle of a riot attempting to encourage others, the court was told.

His defence claimed he set a good example by presenting himself to police.

The judge said he wanted to encourage people coming forward but bail was again refused.

'You cannot go out and do this'

Matthew Brogan was charged with riot.

He was also charged with aiding and abetting the arson of a car on 3 August and possessing cocaine on 8 August.

There was no application for bail.

A 16-year-old who cannot be identified was charged with one count of riot and one of possessing fireworks.

He was also charged with two counts of possessing weapons, namely a traffic cone and masonry, with intent to cause criminal damage, and one count of theft of money from the owner of Bash café whose business premises was attacked.

The court heard the defendant was captured on CCTV footage cheering outside Bash café as the till was removed from the premises.

The court also heard he appeared to take something from the till and put it in his pocket.

The defendant admitted throwing masonry, traffic cones and fireworks.

Judge Hamill said he was not prepared to grant the teenager bail as he did not want to send a message to 16-year-olds that "you can go out and do this".