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Belfast Telegraph
40 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Slurry incident before Ballymena Pride parade helped ‘galvanise support'
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime. A 20-year-old man was arrested on Sunday as part of the police investigation into the incident. He was released on bail the following morning. A 19-year-old man was also arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday. The parade went ahead on Saturday afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part. Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town. A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards. Scott Cuthbertson, chief executive of The Rainbow Project, told BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster that the incident had 'helped galvanise support' for the event. 'Firstly obviously I was a little bit concerned, I went to the site and I saw all the local businesses trying to clean up the mess, and I realised it was a very sad and disgusting event, but actually it wasn't going to put a dampener on things,' he said. 'As I've said earlier I think it helped galvanise support for that Pride event. "To see all the people on the streets of Ballymena celebrating, having a good time, enjoying themselves but also talking about the issues of diversity and inclusion in the town was really important.' Mr Cuthbertson added that it was important the parade went ahead, marking Ballymena's first Pride event. 'There are LGBTQIA+ people in every single part of Northern Ireland so to have a Ballymena pride is important just to show the young people that are growing up there that these issues are important, that everybody gets to be visible, and open about who they are where they live,' he said. Mr Cuthbertson said that organisers of the event had taken time to engage with the local community ahead of the event. He added: 'I'm certainly looking forward to attending next year if they decide to run another one, and there are bigger issues at play here. 'This is about a celebration of cultures and identities, wherever you live in Northern Ireland, and whoever you are.' News Catch Up - June 30th 2025 He added that many who hadn't originally planned to take part in the parade changed their minds after the incident. 'And that was supported by the local community who came out in the thousands,' he said. "It was a really amazing atmosphere walking through the streets with everybody waving their flags, everyone in rainbow colours and there was just a lot of vibrancy and excitement through the town. 'I spoke to young people and older people alike. We had one gentleman talk about how he grew up in Ballymena but he didn't get to grow up gay because it was never a place that he felt he could come out, and all these years later to be able to celebrate who he was in his won town was really quite something.'
Sunday World
19 hours ago
- Sunday World
Second young man arrested after slurry ‘hate crime' ahead of Ballymena Pride parade
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime Mid and East Antrim Pride takes place in Ballymena. A protest was staged at the bandstand in the centre of the town by religious groups. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye The parade took place for the first time in Ballymena. Crowds at the Pride parade (left) after a clean up operation in Ballymena town centre (right) A 20-year-old man has been arrested as part of the police investigation into an incident in which slurry was spread on the streets of Ballymena - hours before the town's first Pride parade. Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime. A 19-year-old man has already been charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday. Now in a statement on Sunday, the PSNI said they have also arrested a 20-year-old man. A spokesperson added: 'Officers investigating an incident in which slurry was spread on a number of roads in Ballymena on Saturday 28th June, have arrested a 20 year old man. 'The man was arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of criminal damage, aiding and abetting criminal damage and causing material to be deposited on a road and he remains in custody at this time. 'The matter is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing. "Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 191 of 28/06/25.' The parade went ahead yesterday afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part. Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town. A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards. Political representatives led condemnation of the incident, with one MLA saying it was a 'disgusting' attempt to intimidate those taking part in the Pride parade. Local people and businesses took part in a clean-up operation yesterday. The Pride parade started at 2pm and finished up at Greenvale Street, which was one of the areas affected, an hour later. Organisers said the event was an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.' Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped clear the area ahead of the parade. He branded the incident 'disgusting'. Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community.' She added: 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.' Justice Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word. 'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.' UUP MLA Doug Beattie also condemned what happened. Crowds at the Pride parade (left) after a clean up operation in Ballymena town centre (right) News in 90 Seconds - June 29th 'I think this is appalling, stupid and a level of hatred not wanted by the majority of people in Ballymena,' he said. Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: 'This is a disgraceful act, clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part.' SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said it was a 'shameful and targeted act of intimidation'. Ahead of the parade, the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in Ballymena 'to ensure everyone's safety'. 'Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community,' a spokesperson said. 'We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.'
Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Second young man arrested after slurry ‘hate crime' ahead of Ballymena Pride parade
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight on Friday into Saturday, as a hate crime. A 19-year-old man has already been arrested and charged in connection with the incident and is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday. Now in a statement on Sunday, the PSNI said they have also arrested a 20-year-old man. A spokesperson added: 'Officers investigating an incident in which slurry was spread on a number of roads in Ballymena on Saturday 28th June, have arrested a 20 year old man. 'The man was arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of criminal damage, aiding and abetting criminal damage and causing material to be deposited on a road and he remains in custody at this time. 'The matter is being treated as a hate crime and enquiries are ongoing. "Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 191 of 28/06/25.' The parade went ahead yesterday afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part. Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town. A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards. Political representatives led condemnation of the incident, with one MLA saying it was a 'disgusting' attempt to intimidate those taking part in the Pride parade. Local people and businesses took part in a clean-up operation yesterday. The Pride parade started at 2pm and finished up at Greenvale Street, which was one of the areas affected, an hour later. Organisers said the event was an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.' Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped clear the area ahead of the parade. He branded the incident 'disgusting'. Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community.' She added: 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.' Justice Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word. 'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.' UUP MLA Doug Beattie also condemned what happened. 'I think this is appalling, stupid and a level of hatred not wanted by the majority of people in Ballymena,' he said. Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: 'This is a disgraceful act, clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part.' SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said it was a 'shameful and targeted act of intimidation'. Ahead of the parade, the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in Ballymena 'to ensure everyone's safety'. 'Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community,' a spokesperson said. 'We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Crowds enjoy Ballymena Pride while teenager charged over ‘disgusting' slurry incident ahead of parade
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight, as a hate crime. The parade went ahead this afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part. Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town. A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards. This afternoon the PSNI said the man had been charged in connection with the slurry incident ahead of the parade. 'A 19-year-old man, arrested in the Granville Road area of Ballymena, after slurry was spread on a number of roads in the area on Saturday morning, has been charged with criminal damage, possession of an article with a blade or point and causing material to be deposited on a road. "He is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday, June 30. "As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.' Political representatives led condemnation of the incident, with one MLA saying it was a 'disgusting' attempt to intimidate those taking part in the Pride parade. Local people and businesses took part in a clean-up operation this morning. The Pride parade started at 2pm and finished up at Greenvale Street, which was one of the areas affected, an hour later. Organisers said the event was an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.' Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped clear the area ahead of the parade. He branded the incident 'disgusting'. Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community.' She added: 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.' Justice Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word. 'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.' Watch: Belfast Pride Parade 2024 UUP MLA Doug Beattie also condemned what happened. 'I think this is appalling, stupid and a level of hatred not wanted by the majority of people in Ballymena,' he said. Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: 'This is a disgraceful act, clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part.' SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said it was a 'shameful and targeted act of intimidation'. Ahead of the parade, the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in Ballymena 'to ensure everyone's safety'. 'Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community,' a spokesperson said. 'We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.'
Belfast Telegraph
2 days ago
- Belfast Telegraph
Crowds enjoy Pride parade in Ballymena as teenager charged over slurry incident
Police are treating the incident, which happened overnight, as a hate crime. The parade went ahead this afternoon, with colourful scenes on the streets as hundreds of people took part. Banners and rainbow flags were carried as the procession made its way through the town. A small counter-protest was also staged, with some displaying religious messages on placards. This afternoon the PSNI said the man had been charged in connection with the slurry incident ahead of the parade. 'A 19-year-old man, arrested in the Granville Road area of Ballymena, after slurry was spread on a number of roads in the area on Saturday morning, has been charged with criminal damage, possession of an article with a blade or point and causing material to be deposited on a road. "He is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on Monday, June 30. "As is normal procedure, all charges are reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.' Political representatives led condemnation of the incident, with one MLA saying it was a 'disgusting' attempt to intimidate those taking part in the Pride parade. Local people and businesses took part in a clean-up operation this morning. The Pride parade started at 2pm and finished up at Greenvale Street, which was one of the areas affected, an hour later. Organisers said the event was an effort to celebrate "diversity, inclusion and cross-community unity.' Scott Cuthbertson from The Rainbow Project thanked local businesses who helped clear the area ahead of the parade. He branded the incident 'disgusting'. Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland said 'There is no place for this kind of disgusting and deliberate attempt to intimidate, disrupt or shame those taking part in a peaceful and joyful celebration of love, identity and community.' News Catch Up - Friday 27th June She added: 'Ballymena Pride is a historic and hopeful moment for our town. No amount of hate will drown out the message of inclusion, solidarity, and pride that today represents.' Justice Minister Naomi Long said on X: 'I despair the mentality of those who spread slurry on the streets of their town motivated by hate and bigotry. Disgusting in every sense of the word. 'Solidarity to all at Ballymena Pride. It's a frightening time but love will always triumph over hate.' UUP MLA Doug Beattie also condemned what happened. 'I think this is appalling, stupid and a level of hatred not wanted by the majority of people in Ballymena,' he said. Sinn Féin MLA Philip McGuigan said: 'This is a disgraceful act, clearly intended to disrupt Ballymena's first pride parade and intimidate those taking part.' SDLP councillor Séamas de Faoite said it was a 'shameful and targeted act of intimidation'. Ahead of the parade, the PSNI said there would be an increased police presence in Ballymena 'to ensure everyone's safety'. 'Pride is an important event for those in our community who identify as LGBT+ and for those who want to show support for our LGBT+ community,' a spokesperson said. 'We want members of our LGBT+ communities in Mid and East Antrim to feel represented by their Police Service and to know that if they come forward to report an incident, they will be met with fairness and respect, particularly if they have been subject to hate crime in any form.'
