Rioter who manned Ballymena barricades is jailed

Ballymena Man Linked To 2025 Disorder Sentenced to Five Years

A CUSTODIAL sentence was handed down by Antrim Crown Court on Thursday in connection with the disorder in Ballymena during the early summer of 2025.

Calum Bell, 20, was sentenced to 60 months after being convicted of riot, intentionally encouraging or assisting riot, and burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage.

Half of this time is to be spent in custody, with the other half on licence.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said, “On Monday, 9th June, 2025 large-scale disorder broke out on the streets of Ballymena involving a large crowd of rioters. Further violence then followed across other areas in Northern Ireland.

“Damage was caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises, with people left fearing for their lives. Our officers also came under attack and many were left injured after petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them.

“On Monday, 9th June, Bell was seen building a barricade using green safety barriers on the Clonavon Road, before leading a group down the rear of properties on the Clonavon/Waveney Road.

“Bell was also seen breaking up a piece of masonry into smaller pieces and, while in a large group, the door of a property was forced open and Bell went inside for a period of time.

“The crowd then moved off, with Bell subsequently then leaving the property and running down Waveney Road.”

In his closing remarks with regards to Mr Bell’s sentencing, the Detective Chief Inspector congratulated the local investigation team responsible for identifying Mr Bell, and restated the PSNI’s ongoing commitment to tracking down and charging those responsible for the upheaval.

He also appealed yet again for anyone with information relevant to last summer’s disorder to come forward.

“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted and today’s sentencing is one of many in relation to this disorder,” he said on Thursday.

“We would reiterate 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.”

A report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form: http://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals

Alternatively, 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