A man injured by a plastic bullet fired by the security forces during violent clashes at the Orange Order Drumcree Parade yesterday appeared in court today charged with rioting.
Mr David Cully (43) from Gosford Gardens, Markethill, Co Armagh, was remanded in custody until July 25th charged with riotous assembly.
Mr Cully appeared in the dock with his arm bandaged and in a sling.
Two others - 17-year-old Mr Alan Cheney of Rogan Manor, Glengormley, Co Antrim and Mr Mark Wilson (37) of The Beeches, Maghera, Co Derry - were remanded in custody to the same date on the same charge when they too appeared at Craigavon Magistrates' Court.
The police decision to charge the men with the more serious scheduled offence of riotous assembly as opposed to riotous behaviour meant the court had no alternative but to remand them in custody rather than deal with them immediately.
A police constable told the court the more serious charge had been preferred because of the number and extent of police injuries at Drumcree. Twenty-four officers were injured during the violence.
The officer told the court that when charged last night, Mr Cully replied: "I am sorry and I apologise for my behaviour."
His solicitor Mr Richard Monteith told the court his client had been seriously injured yesterday and had fully co-operated with the police.
"It is unfortunate that the opportunity to have this matter dealt with at an early stage has been denied him."
The police constable told the court that when he charged Mr Cheney he replied: "The only thing I can say is sorry."
Mr Wilson responded: "I believe this is political discrimination, being charged with a scheduled offence."
All three men are expected to seek bail from the High Court in Belfast tomorrow.
Meanwhile all was quiet on Drumcree Hill this morning. Police and troops maintained their security presence and at first light today strengthened the barrier across the road leading from Drumcree to the Nationalist Garvaghy Road down which the Orangemen had been refused permission to parade.
PA