A member of the Apprentice Boys who hit a policeman's riot shield with a ceremonial staff during Easter Monday incidents on Belfast's Ormeau Road was given a prison sentence yesterday.
However, the four month sentence imposed on William Irwin (43), a labourer, for possessing an offensive weapon, was suspended for three years.
Irwin, a father of two, from Silverbirch Court, in the Shankill area of Belfast, was also fined £125 for disorderly behaviour.
He had pleaded guilty to both offences a week ago and the magistrate, Mr Ian Bamford, deferred sentence until yesterday.
