Man charged over Ballymena riots claims gang of youths egged him into attacking cops
A man with more than 100 convictions charged over rioting in Ballymena was egged into it by a gang of masked youths, a court has been told.
Robert McDowell was arrested on June 12 after violence in the town the previous night.
Belfast High Court was told police had come under attack with masonry, bottles and petrol bombs during 'racially motivated public disorder involving hundreds of people'.
According to the prosecution, 56-year-old McDowell threw bottles at police lines.
The defendant, from Patrick Place in the town, was charged with rioting after his arrest.
He was allegedly seen wearing a green camouflage jacket with masked youths throwing fireworks and masonry at police.
Footage is said to show McDowell, from Patrick Place in the town, putting on a balaclava beforehand.
According to the defendant, a gang of youths handed him this balaclava.
The court was told that after he was arrested the following day, he admitted throwing bottles, saying he had acted 'out of stupidity'.
A prosecuting lawyer called on the judge to refuse McDowell bail.
'There are still peaceful protests ongoing, and the concern is that, if released on bail, this man will be tempted into the same situation,' they said.
Defence counsel Stephen Law accepted that with his client having amassed 114 convictions over 40 years, 'it's a difficult application for bail', adding only that McDowell wished to get back to his vulnerable daughter.
Mr Justice Humphries denied bail. McDowell will appear before court again on a date yet to be fixed.
Robert McDowell
Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 27th
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