FREED ON BAIL |
Michael Elliott entered a not guilty plea to the single charge against him, namely that he “riotously assembled together with others” on 10 June this year
Michael Elliott. Photo by Liam McBurney/PA
A Ballymena teenager today denied rioting in the town.
Standing in the dock of Antrim Crown Court, 18-year-old Michael Elliott entered a not guilty plea to the single charge against him, namely that he “riotously assembled together with others” on 10 June this year.
Following the brief, formal arraignment, defence counsel Jonathan Browne told the court that while video footage had been served, “I have not had an opportunity to view that yet.”
Previous courts have heard that according to the police case, crowds of rioters attacked police with bricks, bottles, masonry, petrol bombs and fireworks and a masked youth was seen to be part of that crowd in the Bridge Street area of the town.
The masked youth was spotted running away but after police gave chase, he was caught a short distance away and the court heard how Elliott was still wearing the balaclava and gloves when he was arrested.
The court has also heard that during police interviews, “he made admissions to riot…but blamed the police for the whole thing.”
He said he had been trying to get to a “peaceful protest” in Harryville but officers had blocked his path and when he was diverted, he became involved in the rioting “because others were doing it.”
In court today, Mr Browne suggested listing the case as a stand-by trial and for the case to be reviewed in the meantime.
Elliott, from Raceview Road, was freed on continuing bail and Judge Philip Gilpin scheduled the case as a stand-by trial on 10 November.
Michael Elliott. Photo by Liam McBurney/PA
News in 90 Seconds – October 20th