TWO ALLEGED teenage rioters have been refused bail as a judge spoke of the “almost universal revulsion” at the Twelfth of July street violence in Belfast.
Ruairí Muldoon and Kevin McFall were each charged with riotous assembly, possessing a petrol bomb and throwing a petrol bomb.
The pair, both aged 18, were accused in connection with the serious disorder which erupted at Ardoyne in the north of the city. Police came under sustained attack from mobs during three nights of trouble.
Belfast Magistrates Court heard yesterday that Mr Muldoon, of Fortwilliam Demense in the city, had made admissions over his involvement. His solicitor, Billy McNulty, said he had identified himself on CCTV footage and co-operated with police.
However, with police opposing bail due to fears of possible re-offending, Deputy District Judge Philip Mateer QC ruled that he should be remanded in custody.
He said: “I really can’t conceive of circumstances where I can possibly entertain Mr Muldoon as a proper applicant for bail.
“The almost universal revulsion the community has expressed for the latest upsurge in public disorder is very much in my mind.”
Mr McFall, of Moyard Parade, Belfast, is also accused of committing a lewd act towards a female police officer.
The court heard he was charged after he was detained at the weekend in connection with a separate alleged attack on a taxi-rank office door.
His barrister, John O’Connor, said Mr McFall denied claims that he is seen throwing a petrol bomb on footage of the rioting.
Mr O’Connor raised points about the clothing and balaclava worn by the alleged troublemaker seen on CCTV. “There are identifiable issues in respect of the riotous assembly ,” he added.
But refusing his bail application, Judge Mateer said: “No matter what conditions one devises I can’t really take the chance.”
Both accused were remanded in custody to appear again in three weeks on video link.