Larne man jailed after ‘racial hatred’ riot attack on leisure centre
Sentenced: Larne man Dean Huxley
A Larne man has been sentenced to 32 months in connection with serious disorder which saw a leisure centre attacked and set alight during violence police say was motivated by racial hatred.
Dean Huxley, 33, from Larne, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court today, Tuesday 15 September, after being convicted of riot.
He will spend 14 months in custody, with the remaining 18 months on licence.
Leisure centre attacked and set alight
The conviction relates to disorder at Larne Leisure Centre on Wednesday 11 June 2025, during a period of violence which had been ongoing across Northern Ireland since Monday 9 June.
Police said families had sought safety at the leisure centre during the unrest. They had left before the disorder that evening, although other centre users remained inside the building.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said:
“At approximately 8pm, a crowd gathered outside the leisure centre, which was then attacked and set alight. Police attended and the crowd began to throw masonry at officers, and bins and chairs at the front windows of the building.”
Public information helped identify Huxley
Police subsequently released still images of a man involved in the disorder as part of their investigation.
DCI O’Loan said:
“Still images of one man involved in the disorder were released to the public and thanks to the information received, he was identified as Dean Huxley. He was arrested by officers on 14th August 2025 and later charged with riot.”
Police say violence was motivated by racial hatred
Describing the impact of the disorder, DCI O’Loan said:
“This was a terrifying experience for the leisure centre users, and there is no doubt that the perpetrators of this violence were motivated by racial hatred towards those they believed were present.
“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved in this shameful disorder are prosecuted and, indeed, this is one of many which has led to the handing down of a substantial sentence.”
Police have reiterated their appeal for information about crime and urged victims 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.”
Reports can also be made through the PSNI’s non-emergency online reporting form. Information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.
The sentence marks another prosecution arising from the June 2025 disorder, with police continuing to pursue those identified as having taken part in the violence.
