The 32-year-old was sentenced for six offences arising from trouble which flared in the city last summer
A 32-year old Co Antrim man who “lost his head” and participated in a riot which occurred after an anti-immigration protest in Belfast was jailed for 19 months today.
When Jamie Clarke, from Innis Walk in Newtownabbey, has served his prison sentence he will spend an additional 19 months on supervised licence.
During today’s sentencing it emerged that Clarke received a death threat when, in his previous role as a security guard at Belfast docks, he intercepted a drugs package belonging to the Kinahan crime cartel.
He was sentenced at Belfast Crown Court today for six offences arising from trouble which flared in the city last summer. On August 3, 2024, an anti-immigrant rally was held in Belfast and following this, a crowd began making its way to the Islamic Centre on University Road.
A short time later, public disorder broke out in the Donegall Road/Sandy Row area which saw police come under attack and several businesses being targeted. Two CCTV clips were played in court which captured a portion of Clarke’s involvement.
Branding Clarke as an “active participant” who both threw missiles and encouraged others during the riot, a Crown barrister told Judge Patrick Lynch KC that a barber’s shop was occupied by a number of people when it was targeted. A hostile group shouting ‘get out’ and ‘away back home’ stood outside the Top Fade Barbers on Sandy Row and pelted the premises with missiles.
A gas cylinder was thrown into the premises by a male and after the item was ejected back on to the street by someone within the barber’s, Clarke was captured on CCTV lifting the cylinder and throwing it back into the barber’s.
The business owner said the incident left him feeling “frustrated, angry, upset and concerned about further escalations”, adding “my customers and I are in fear of being hurt whilst inside if this happens again.”
Clarke also threw a bottle at an upper window of the Inis Hotel and was part of a crowd that threw missiles at the Holiday Inn. Following his arrest, Clarke refused to comment other than to say “It’s not me”.
He subsequently pleaded guilty to six offences committed on August 3, 2024 – namely rioting and two counts of attempting to damage or destroy property at two hotels housing asylum seekers on University Street – namely the Ibis Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express.
Clarke also admitted unlawfully causing by force, threats or menace a foreign national from operating the Top Fade Barbers on Sandy Row, causing damage to the property belonging to the same male and unlawfully causing by force, threat or menace this male to leave a place where he was for the time being a resident or in occupation.
Defence barrister Paul Bacon told Judge Lynch that Clarke has made the case that he “stumbled” upon the protest and that whilst he was initially not going to participate, he then “lost his head” and became embroiled in the riot that followed.
Saying Clarke’s behaviour was “nothing short of disgraceful”, Mr Bacon said he had been asked by his client to apologise for his behaviour on the day in question and that he “does not hold any racist views whatsoever.” Mr Bacon also spoke of two “major events” that have had a lasting impact on Clarke’s health which resulted in symptoms associated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
The first, the defence barrister revealed, was when Clarke intercepted a “huge drugs haul” at Belfast docks belonging the Kinahans which resulted in him receiving a death threat.
Mr Bacon said the second incident was when Clarke was stabbed repeatedly with a screwdriver in a “completely unprovoked” and “random sectarian attack” in the Ligoneil area of Belfast in April 2023, for which the attacker received an eight-year sentence.
The barrister spoke of the lasting physical impact the attack has had on his client who now requires the use of a walking aid as well as Clarke’s “long-standing difficulties” with drink and drugs.
Saying it was “perfectly clear” Clarke was a “full participant” in the disorder that day, Judge Lynch said he accepted Clarke has expressed remorse for his actions and has displayed insight into his offending which occurred over a two-hour period.
Imposing the 38-month term, Judge Lynch said: “Anyone who involves themselves in behaviour designed to intimidate specific groups within our society, whether that be on the basis of race, religion or any other identifiable characteristic, can expect an immediate custodial sentence.”
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Inspector Kitchen said: “On Saturday, 3rd August 2024 an anti-immigrant rally was held in Belfast City centre. Following this, racially-motivated disorder broke out across the city.
“Clarke can be seen on video footage throwing missiles at two hotels located in the University Street area of the City. He was later seen to throw an item into a business premises on Sandy Row before shouting what were perceived to be racist comments at people in the area.
“On Wednesday 25th September 2024, Jamie Clarke presented himself to Musgrave PSNI Station and was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including attempted criminal damage and riot. He was interviewed by officers and later subsequently charged to court in connection with the offences.
“In shameful scenes, there was large-scale disorder by people intent on causing harm. 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. 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.
“Our dedicated investigation team has worked tirelessly to ensure that those involved are prosecuted – today’s sentencing is one of many over this disorder.
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