The Five Demands

Four in court on Twelfth riot charges (UTV)

A Belfast man charged with rioting in Ardoyne on the Twelfth of July told police: “I love you guys but I’ll still fight you”, a court has heard.

Gary Martin, from Benview Drive in Belfast, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court on Saturday. He is also facing charges of riotous assembly and using offensive weapons – alleged to be a wooden stick and a glass bottle.

It is claimed the 41-year-old took part in the disorder on the Crumlin and Hesketh Roads, when he allegedly sat on the ground, linked arms with others, and told people “Get down there and start a riot”.

Also in the dock was 18-year-old Dean Cromie, from Alliance Road in the city, who is charged with using the branch of a tree and blocks of tarmac as offensive weapons, as well as riotous assembly.

Aiden McCrory, 24, of Eglantine Avenue in Belfast also faces charges of riotous assembly, two charges of assaulting a police officer and one of resisting police.

The fourth man, Michael McDonnell is accused of attacking a policeman, resisting arrest and riotous assembly.

Police say the Ardoyne Road man spat at officers, punched a riot policeman’s helmet and swore at them, later throwing a bottle.

The 23-year-old gave the thumbs up to supporters in the public gallery on Saturday.

All four men were refused bail by District Judge McKibbin, and are due to appear in court again next month.

Man arrested over PSNI ‘murder bid’ (UTV)

A man is being questioned about the attempted murder of police officers after shots were fired during rioting on the Twelfth of July.

The 33-year-old was arrested in north Belfast on Saturday evening and a PSNI spokesperson said he has been taken to Antrim Serious Crime Suite.

Ten shots were fired from the nationalist side in the Brompton Park area of Ardoyne at around 12.30am on Friday.

More than 20 officers were injured when petrol bombs, bricks, stones and bottles were thrown at them amid “significant disorder” by both nationalist and loyalist protesters.

Chief Constable Matt Baggott said the violence, which broke out after an Orange Order parade past the Ardoyne shops on Thursday, was used as a cover for the attempted murder of police officers.

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