Man described as an 'instigator' in Ballymena riots jailed

A man described as an "instigator" of rioting in Ballymena last year has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison.

Bradley Philip Douglas, from Waveney Mews in Ballymena, was handed a five-year sentence at Antrim Crown Court on Wednesday and will spend two-and-a-half years in prison, followed by a further two-and-a-half years on licence.

Jailing Douglas, the judge told the 29-year-old that, given the leading and persistent role he played in the disorder, the sentence would have been longer had he not admitted his guilt.

At an earlier hearing, Douglas pleaded guilty to two counts of riot on 10 and 11 June 2025 and one count of burglary of a property on Clonavon Terrace.

During his sentencing remarks on Wednesday, the judge outlined that when Douglas arrived at the scene on 10 June, he was "clearly prepared" to engage in disorder, as he was wearing gloves and was already masked.

The court heard that Douglas threw the first missile at police, sparking further attacks on officers.

Over the course of the next two hours, the judge said Douglas was then subsequently captured on video smashing masonry for himself and others to throw at police, and hurling the metal legs of a trampoline at police lines.

The judge said Douglas' involvement was "sustained and continual, using masonry, poles and bottles" to attack police and that, at several points, "you were seen entering the property on Clonavon Terrace… to find items and using those to attack police".

The court heard that on the following night, Douglas was again involved in rioting, "although at a lesser level" this time.

The court was told he was at a bridge in the Harryville area on 11 June and was said to have thrown two missiles at police.

Judge Irvine said that "clearly, the offending is aggravated by reason of hostility involving race" and that Douglas' role "was clearly that of an instigator".

Jailing Douglas, Judge Irvine said that "clearly, a deterrent sentence is required".

Det Ch Insp Michael O'Loan of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) welcomed the five-year term handed down to Douglas.

The senior officer said Douglas was identified as "one of the main instigators" of rioting in Ballymena on 10 June and said he was the "first individual to attack police using masonry, metal poles and bottles".

"Other individuals joined in and began to act in a similar manner," O'Loan added.

O'Loan said a dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted.

"Today's sentencing is one of many over this disorder - with a substantial sentence handed down in court."