Ballymena teenager jailed for 22 months over role in June 2025 riots
Jailed: 18-year-old Ballymena man Kyden Carley
Monday 12 October 2026
An 18-year-old Ballymena man has been sentenced to 44 months after being convicted of riot in connection with the violent disorder that engulfed the town in June 2025.
Kydyn Carley, from Ballymena, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court today, Monday 12 October, receiving a sentence of 22 months in custody followed by 22 months on licence.
The court heard details of his involvement in the disorder on Monday 9 June 2025, including building barricades, throwing objects at police and helping to shield the flame used to light a petrol bomb.
Barricades and attacks on police
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said Carley had been involved in disturbances at several locations across Ballymena, including Harryville, Clonavon Road, North Road, Linenhall Street and Bridge Street.
Describing the events, DCI O’Loan said:
“On Monday, 9th June, Carley was part of a smaller group on Gilmore Street in Harryville. Unmasked, he made his way to North Road, where he proceeded to take a number of traffic work signs on to Clonavon Road and helped create a barricade.
“A few minutes later he was seen wearing a mask and helping to tip over a boat, before making further barricades later in the evening and throwing bottles at police lines on the Clonavon Road. Carley was further identified as entering a back garden with other rioters and assisting in the lighting of a petrol bomb by shielding the flame from the wind.”
Police also identified Carley among a crowd that chased officers attempting to make an arrest on North Road, forcing them to flee for their safety.
He was further identified as participating in damage to a police vehicle on Linenhall Street and throwing masonry at officers on Bridge Street.
Violence left residents fearing for their lives
The sentencing relates to the widespread disorder that broke out in Ballymena on 9 June 2025, with further violence subsequently occurring in other parts of Northern Ireland.
Homes, vehicles, roads and business premises were damaged during the disturbances, while police officers were injured as they came under attack.
DCI 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.”
Teenager handed himself in following police appeal
Carley was identified through the police investigation, with his image subsequently released as part of an appeal through social media and local news outlets.
Following the appeal, he handed himself in to police and was arrested and charged with common law riot.
DCI O’Loan said:
“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.”
Police continue to appeal for information
Police are continuing to encourage anyone affected by criminal activity, or who holds information about offences, to come forward.
DCI O’Loan said:
“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 through the PSNI’s online 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 visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org
Carley’s sentencing adds to the court outcomes arising from the June 2025 disorder, as police continue their efforts to bring those responsible for offences committed during the violence before the courts.
