Cullybackey man jailed after family hid in attic for five hours during Ballymena disorder

Jailed: Cullybackey man Adam Connolly

A Cullybackey man has been sentenced to four years after unlawfully entering and damaging a Ballymena home while a terrified family hid in the attic for almost five hours during the disorder that engulfed the town last year.

Adam Connolly, 34, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court today, Wednesday 16 September, after being convicted of burglary with intent to cause unlawful damage.

He will spend half of the four-year sentence in custody and the remaining half on licence.

Family hid in attic for almost five hours

The offence happened at a house in Clonavon Terrace on Monday 9 June 2025, when large-scale disorder broke out in Ballymena and was followed by further violence elsewhere in Northern Ireland.

Police said their systems captured footage of Connolly unlawfully entering the house and causing damage inside.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said:

“On Monday 9th June 2025, police systems captured footage of a male, later identified as Connolly, unlawfully entering a house in Clonavon Terrace and causing damage inside. The family that was inside the house at the time had to hide in the attic for almost 5 hours, terrified for their safety.

“Connolly handed himself into police on Friday 4th July after images of him had been issued by police to the media and he was subsequently charged.”

At an earlier High Court bail hearing in July 2025, prosecutors said children were among those inside the property and described the family as Bulgarian. The court heard Connolly repeatedly kicked a locked internal door after others had forced open the front entrance.

Homes businesses and police targeted

DCI O’Loan said the violence in Ballymena caused widespread damage and left residents fearing for their safety.

He 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.”

Police investigation continues

Police described today’s sentencing as one of a number arising from the disorder and said investigators remained committed to prosecuting those involved.

DCI O’Loan added:

“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.

“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.

Anyone wishing to provide information anonymously can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

The four-year sentence means Connolly will serve two years in custody and two years on licence following his release.