Three Teenagers Charged with Riot, Remanded in Custody in Ballymena Disorder

Three teenagers, aged 15, 17, and 18, have been charged with riot-related offences following consecutive nights of disorder in Ballymena, Co Antrim, which involved damage to property and posed serious risks to residents, including foreign nationals. The 15-year-old also faces charges of criminal damage, and police emphasized the need for a strong court message to deter further violence, warning that ongoing disorder could result in serious injury or death. The 18-year-old, Michael Elliott, admitted to participating in the riot and was arrested after police observed suspicious behavior near a residential property that had been set on fire. Despite defense arguments for bail with conditions, District Judge Nigel Broderick refused bail for all three, citing credible evidence and the severity of the public disorder. The judge condemned the rioting as "despicable," highlighting the widespread fear and trauma caused in Ballymena, and stressed that anyone involved will be dealt with robustly by the courts. The cases of the youths will return to court later in June and July as investigations continue.