A MEMBER of the Apprentice Boys carried a ceremonial staff pike as a weapon during the Easter Monday fracas on the Ormeau Road in Belfast, the city's Magistrates Court heard yesterday.
William Irwin (43), a labourer, was said to have been identified on a police video of the rioting which followed the re routing of the parade. Irwin, a father of two, of Silverbirch Court, in Shankill, Belfast, admitted disorderly behaviour and possessing an offensive weapon.
The prosecuting lawyer said there was sporadic rioting near the Ormeau Bridge before the incident involving Irwin.
"As a band marched up to the police ranks he marched forward and, wielding the pike as a weapon, he struck out at police riot shields," said the lawyer.
"He was restrained by other Apprentice Boys and calmed down. Later he fully admitted his involvement and apologised for his actions."
Mr Billy McNulty, defending, said Irwin was a member of the Campsie Club of the Apprentice Boys on the Shankill Road and accepted the great shame he had brought on the club, himself and his family.
"He simply ran forward at the police in the heat of the moment and great credit is due members of his club and the RUC for defusing the situation," said Mr McNulty. Irwin had been at a march earlier in the day and had lawful authority to carry the ceremonial pike.
"But in using it in the manner which he did he committed the offence of having an offensive weapon," said the solicitor.
Resident magistrate Mr Ian Bamford wanted time to consider the appropriate sentence and adjourned the case for a week.
Irwin was remanded on continuing bail.