Man played 'organisational role' in disorder

Belfast saw several days of disorder at the start of August

A court has heard a man accused of rioting in south Belfast helped to push a car through gates before it was set alight.

Police told Belfast Magistrates' Court that Matthew Brogan, 28, with an address at a hostel in Utility Street, played an organisational role in the serious disorder which broke out after an anti-immigration protest in the city.

Mr Brogan was arrested after a member of the public identified him among images of suspects which police released to the media.

The court heard Mr Brogan was observed on aerial footage of unrest in the Sandy Row area on 3 August.

He then opened a set of gates on nearby Wellwood Street and assisted others in rocking a Vauxhall Astra to move it, according to police.

The car was set alight, causing £700 worth of damage and destroying bank cards and £200 in cash in a wallet belonging to the owner.

During police interviews, he admitted attending the scene for three hours but denied taking part in the disorder and claimed he was only trying to prevent damage to the vehicle.

Mr Brogan told police he was only there to watch and had followed a crowd to where he thought events would "kick off".

His barrister said this was the first time anybody has raised issues about him being an organiser or manager of anybody else involved.

He was refused bail on charges of riotous assembly, aiding and abetting arson, and possession of Class A drugs.