Ballymena man jailed over petrol bomb attack during June 2025 disorder
Jailed: 22-year-old Ballymena man Neil Baguley
Monday 05 October 2026
A 22-year-old Ballymena man has been sentenced to four years over his involvement in serious disorder in the town in June 2025, including an attack on police officers and vehicles with a petrol bomb.
Neil Baguley was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Monday for the offences of riot and criminal damage. He will spend two years in custody, with the remaining two years on licence.
Petrol bomb attack captured on footage
The sentencing relates to large-scale disorder which broke out in Ballymena on Monday 9 June 2025, before further violence followed in other parts of Northern Ireland.
Police said Baguley was captured on footage that evening attacking officers and police vehicles at Clonavon Terrace and Linenhall Street with a petrol bomb and other items.
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 left injured after petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them.
“On the evening of Monday 9th June 2025, police systems captured footage of a male, later identified as Baguley, attacking police officers and vehicles at Clonavon Terrace and Linenhall Street with a petrol bomb and other items.”
Baguley handed himself in after police appeal
Baguley handed himself in to police on Tuesday 16 September 2025 after images of him had been released to the media. He was subsequently charged.
DCI O’Loan said the sentence was one of a number secured in connection with the disorder.
“Our 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.”
Police continue appeal for information
Police are continuing to ask anyone who was a victim of crime during the disorder, or who has information about any offence, to come forward.
DCI O’Loan added:
“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.”
Information can also be submitted to police using the non-emergency reporting form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals.
Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The four-year sentence means Baguley will serve half of the term in custody before spending the remaining two years on licence.
