A MAN IN his 20s has been jailed for two years for his role in rioting in the Co Antrim town of Ballymena in June.

Jake Quigley (21) from Ballymena was sentenced today for his role in what the PSNI has described as “sustained race-motivated disorder” in the Clonavon area of Ballymena on 9 June.

He was given a two-year prison sentence and two years on licence.

PSNI Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan described the scenes on 9 June as “shameful scenes” and added that there was “large-scale disorder by people intent on causing harm”.

O’Loan noted that damage had been caused to homes, cars, roads and local business premises, with “people left fearing for their lives”.

Police vans at Clonavon Terrance in Ballymena. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

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

“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 O’Loan today after the sentencing.

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

The PSNI yesterday said that it has made 100 arrests since serious rioting erupted in Ballymena in June.

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Violence erupted in Ballymena after an alleged sexual assault of a girl in the town.

But a peaceful protest in the Co Antrim town over the alleged assault was followed by attacks on police and properties housing ethnic minorities, described by the PSNI at the time as “racist thuggery”.

The disturbances lasted for several nights and spread to other areas of Northern Ireland including Portadown, Larne, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry and Coleraine.