Rioter Jailed for Anti-Immigrant Violence

0:00On April 20th, a 23-year-old man from Ballymena got 32 months in prison this week for his role in last June's anti-immigrant riots. Curtis Dunlop pleaded guilty to rioting on June 11th in the Co-Anterym town, with half his sentence behind bars and half on license. Ironically, he was the one struck in the groin by a police baton round during the chaos. The violence kicked off after a peaceful march, protesting and alleged assault on a teenage girl. But it quickly turned ugly with mobs targeting. Immigrant areas. Dunlop was spotted early evening throwing masonry at a police vehicle, then joining others in a non-stop barrage of fireworks, bottles and stones at. Officers until around 10 pm. Folks in the neighborhood were terrified as homes, cars, and businesses got smashed or set ablaze, leaving people fearing for their lives. Police officers face petrol bombs and heavy projectiles, too, with many inning of injured from the large-scale disorder. Detective Chief Inspector Michael O'Lean called the scene shameful, praising his team's tireless work to bring rioters to justice.

1:06This sentencing marks one of many prosecutions, still rolling out from those days of unrest. As investigations continue across the North, it serves as a stark reminder that fueling hate riots comes with real consequences no matter who gets. Caught in the crossfire.