A prison term has been handed down by Ballymena Magistrates’ Court to the first person convicted of rioting in Ballymena in June.

Jamie Lee McCracken (34) was sentenced yesterday, Thursday 31st July, to four months in custody after he pleaded guilty to riotous behaviour.

McCracken, of no fixed abode, was arrested during one of the nights of sustained race-motivated disorder in the area of Bridge Street on Wednesday, 11th June.

Chief Superintendent Sue Steen said: “In shameful scenes, largely motivated by pure race hatred, this area of Ballymena town was ravaged by people intent on causing harm. Damage was caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises with people left fearing for their lives.

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

“McCracken was seen throwing a brick towards officers and was arrested minutes later in Linenhall Street/Church Street.

“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 - just as McCracken has been.

 “Our dedicated public order inquiry team is working tirelessly to ensure that those involved in this shameful violence are brought before our courts to face the consequences of their actions. To date, we have made 53 arrests of males and females aged between 12 and 56 with 46 people charged."

Chief Superintendent Steen concluded: “To those who were threatened or affected by this violence: we are committed to keeping our communities safe. Hate crime has no place in our society and we will continue to be proactive in our approach to ensure justice for victims. Those responsible for these hate-fuelled acts are being prosecuted – this will continue over the coming months.

“We would also repeat our appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive.”

Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. Should you wish to make a report anonymously, you can do so by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org