Ballymena riot offender jailed for 32 months as police warn “we will work tirelessly” to bring all involved to justice

Jailed: Curtis Dunlop (23)

A 23-year-old man who took part in sustained rioting on the streets of Ballymena during three nights of disorder last summer has been jailed for 32 months, as police reiterated their commitment to pursuing all those involved in the violence.

Kurtis Dunlop, 23, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Monday, 20 April, after pleading guilty to the offence of riot linked to the disturbances that erupted in June 2025.

He will serve half of the sentence — 16 months — in custody, with the remaining 16 months on licence.

Three nights of violence across Ballymena and beyond

The conviction stems from large-scale disorder which broke out on Monday, 9 June 2025, when rioting erupted in Ballymena and continued for three consecutive nights.

The unrest was not confined to the town. Further violence spread across Northern Ireland, including incidents in Larne, Newtownabbey, Portadown and Derry/Londonderry, marking one of the most significant periods of public disorder in recent years.

Police described the scenes as widespread and dangerous, with rioters targeting officers and causing damage across multiple communities.

Attack on police lines in Bridge Street

During the initial outbreak of disorder, Dunlop was identified in Bridge Street, Ballymena, where he was seen throwing a piece of masonry at a police vehicle.

Shortly afterwards, he joined other rioters in what police described as a sustained and coordinated attack on officers. Missiles including fireworks, bottles and other objects were thrown at police lines as officers attempted to contain the violence.

The incidents formed part of a broader pattern of organised hostility directed at emergency services over the course of the unrest.

Homes, businesses and lives put at risk

Speaking following the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan outlined the scale of the damage and fear caused during the disturbances.

“In shameful scenes, there was large-scale disorder by people intent on causing harm,” he said.

“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.”

The violence not only left physical damage in its wake but also created a climate of fear for residents and business owners caught up in the disorder.

Police vow continued action as more cases expected

DCI O’Loan emphasised that Dunlop’s sentencing is part of a wider ongoing effort to hold those responsible to account.

“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,” he said.

“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted – today’s sentencing is one of many over this disorder.”

Police have indicated that further prosecutions are expected as investigations continue into the events of June 2025.

Public urged to come forward with information

As inquiries remain ongoing, the Police Service of Northern Ireland has renewed its appeal for information from the public.

Anyone who has been a victim of crime, or who holds information relating to the disorder or other incidents, is asked to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Reports can also be submitted online via the PSNI non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Those wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Police have stressed that all information received will be acted upon as part of their continuing efforts to investigate and prosecute those involved.

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At a glance

• Kurtis Dunlop, 23, jailed for 32 months for riot offence

• Sentence split: 16 months in custody, 16 months on licence

• Disorder began on 9 June 2025 and lasted three nights in Ballymena

• Violence spread to Larne, Newtownabbey, Portadown and Derry/Londonderry

• Dunlop seen throwing masonry at police vehicle in Bridge Street

• Sustained attacks on police involved fireworks, bottles and missiles

• Officers injured and widespread damage reported to homes and businesses

• Police say sentencing is “one of many” with further prosecutions expected

• Public urged to report information via 101, 999, PSNI website or Crimestoppers