Antrim

The PSNI described the rioting as ‘shameful’ and added that there was ‘large-scale disorder by people intent on causing harm’.

TWO MEN HAVE been jailed in connection with rioting that broke out in Ballymena last summer.

Violence erupted in the Co Antrim town in June 2025 after an alleged sexual assault of a girl in the town.

The charges against the two teenagers were later withdrawn after new evidence in the case came to light.

The Public Prosecution Service in Northern Ireland said in November that “the test for prosecution is no longer met on evidential grounds, and therefore the case should not proceed”.

At Antrim Crown Court on Wednesday, Jack Redmond (22) from Ballymena, was sentenced to 27 months, with 13-and-a-half months to be spent in custody, and the remainder on licence, after he was convicted of two counts of common law riot.

Logan Carley (24) also from the Ballymena area, was sentenced to 30 months, with 15 months to be spent in custody, and 15 months on licence, after he was convicted of common law riot.

Redmond was identified as having participated in serious disorder in Ballymena on 9 and 10 June 2025, while Carley was identified as having participated in the disorder on 11 June.

A PSNI spokesperson described the rioting as “shameful scenes” and added that there was “large-scale disorder by people intent on causing harm”.

The spokesperson said damage was caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises with people left fearing for their lives.

PSNI officers also came under attack and many were left injured after petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them.

Police vans at Clonavon Terrance in Ballymena in June 2025 Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

“At the time, we assured the public that we will work tirelessly to restore calm and ensure that anyone who chooses to take part in this criminality is brought to justice,” said the PSNI spokesperson.

“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted – this sentencing is one of many over this disorder.”