Man, 38, appears in court over south Belfast disorder

James Thompson appeared in court in Belfast on Thursday

A man has appeared in court charged with rioting and indecent behaviour during disturbances in south Belfast this week.

James Thompson, 38, of Carnreagh Bend in Newtownabbey, is alleged to have committed the offences in the Broadway area on Tuesday.

The defendant appeared at Belfast Magistrates' Court on Thursday, where a police constable said he was observed holding and throwing a brick and dropping his trousers at least three times “baring his bottom”.

A defence lawyer said his client claims he was in the area visiting relatives and went to the scene to “calm down” the situation.

'Paint splattered' trainers

The PSNI representative said the defendant's alleged movements at the scene were tracked by an air support unit.

She said it was the police case that he was seen discarding clothing, including a glove.

The constable also said the PSNI is making the case that he was wearing "paint splattered" trainers and tracksuit bottoms, consistent with paint being used to attack police lines during the violence.

However, she said the police did not capture any facial recognition of the defendant, adding that she believed he had his face covered.

Police were attacked during trouble at the Broadway roundabout

The defence lawyer told the court that James Thompson grew up in the area and was visiting his mother and sister and "would be known" in the area.

He said there is nothing to support what was being suggested against his client in court.

The police told the judge that they have no evidence to suggest that Mr Thompson was "instrumental" in the events which were unfolding on the ground.

After hearing submissions from the police and the defence, the judge told Mr Thompson that he was being granted bail "by the skin of your teeth".

A number of restrictions were imposed on the defendant including a ban on entering an area around Glenmachan Street, along with a further ban on drinking alcohol in public.

The case is due back in court on next month.