21-year-old sentenced to 28 months after footage captured sustained attack on officers during Ballymena riots
Jailed: 21-year-old Ballymena man Jacob Sharp
Wednesday 4 November 2026
A 21-year-old Ballymena man has been sentenced to 28 months in prison after attacking police officers with bricks and destroying a privately owned boat during the serious disorder that engulfed the town in June 2025.
Jacob Sharp, from Ballymena, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Wednesday 4 November after being convicted of riot.
He will serve 14 months in custody, with the remaining 14 months on licence.
Police footage captured sustained attack
The court case relates to the large-scale violence that erupted in Ballymena on Monday 9 June 2025, when crowds gathered in the town and disorder subsequently spread to other parts of Northern Ireland.
According to police, Sharp was among a crowd in the Clonavon Terrace area that evening and remained with the group as it became increasingly hostile towards officers and attacked private property.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said police footage captured Sharp repeatedly attacking officers with bricks and destroying a privately owned boat.
Following a public appeal in which police released his image through social media and local news outlets, Sharp handed himself in. He was subsequently arrested and admitted the offence of riot.
Homes damaged and officers injured during violence
The disorder caused extensive damage to roads, homes, vehicles and business premises, while residents were left fearing for their safety.
Police officers also came under attack, with many injured as petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at them.
Detective Chief Inspector 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.”
Further prosecutions linked to Ballymena disorder
Police said Sharp's sentencing forms part of a wider investigation into the violence, with a dedicated team working to bring those responsible before the courts.
Detective Chief Inspector 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 are continuing to encourage victims and witnesses to provide information about offences committed during the unrest.
Detective Chief Inspector 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.”
How to provide information to police
Anyone with information about criminal offences can contact police through the following channels:
• Police non-emergency number: 101
• Emergency assistance: 999
• Online police reporting: https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals
• Crimestoppers anonymous reporting: 0800 555 111
• Crimestoppers online: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
The latest sentence marks another court outcome arising from the June 2025 disorder, as police continue their efforts to hold those involved in the violence accountable.
