Today, Thursday 26th June, 28-year-old Matthew Brogan was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court for his part in sustained disorder in the city on Saturday, 3rd August 2024.

Brogan was found guilty of riot at an earlier hearing and was today sentenced to 40 months - 20 months to be served in custody and 20 months on licence. 

Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: “On Saturday, 3rd August 2024 an illegal parade followed an anti-immigration rally in Belfast city centre. A short time later, prolonged public disorder broke out which saw businesses and vehicles burnt, and police officers attacked.

“In the following days, unrest and attacks on the homes and businesses of those from ethnic minority backgrounds continued. Since then, we have had a dedicated public order inquiry team in place, working tirelessly to ensure that all those involved in this shameful violence were brought before our courts to face the consequences of their actions.”

Assistant Chief Constable Beck continued: “From around 8pm that Saturday, police evidence-gathering teams observed a man in a light blue hooded-top in the Sandy Row area. He was filmed engaging with masked individuals, and throwing both masonry and bottles at police.

“At around 9.40pm, the same man, now wearing a yellow t-shirt, was seen in our footage opening a gate for a group of people who had broken into a car near to a community centre. The car was moved and set alight in Wellwood Street.

“Subsequently, we released a number of still images from our recorded footage to the public, appealing for their help in identifying those suspected to be involved in the disorder.

“Community information led to Matthew Brogan being identified as the man in the distinctive yellow t-shirt."