Belfast man charged with rioting on his own doorstep

Charge relates to public disorder during anti-internment parade last month

A north Belfast man has been remanded into custody charged with rioting on his own doorstep.
A north Belfast man has been remanded into custody charged with rioting on his own doorstep.

A north Belfast man has been remanded into custody charged with rioting on his own doorstep.

John Joseph Burns (23) was charged on Saturday at Belfast Magistrates Court with rioting, assaulting two police officers and causing criminal damage to a police Land Rover on August 9th last. Burns, from Rosapenna Street was also accused of driving while disqualified and without insurance on Glenard Brook on June 3rd.

The charges of riot and criminal damage arise after serious public disorder arose during an annual anti-internment parade last month.

Nine officers were injured as police came under attack from a 60-strong crowd involved in violence which broke out an hour after the march was stopped at the corner of the Oldpark Road and Rosapenna Street for breaching a Parades Commission determination over its timing.

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Bricks, missiles and petrol bombs were thrown at police lines during the disorder.

A police officer told the court she believes she can connect Burns to each of the charges, adding that she also executed four warrants for his arrest.

District Judge Bernie Kelly remanded Burns into custody to appear again via videolink on October 1st.