18/07/2012

Twelfth Riot Charge Man Remanded In Custody

A north Belfast man is behind bars after being charged with attempting to kill police officers during riots on the night of the Twelfth of July.

Thomas McWilliams, 47, of Northwick Drive, has been remanded in custody for four weeks.

Belfast Magistrates Court heard allegations he had driven a car containing an assault rifle away from the scene at Ardoyne.

When questioned by a solicitor, a police officer said the car was recovered last Friday and there was no forensic evidence to connect the accused to the charges "at this stage".

A number of police officers were injured last Thursday night during riots in Ardoyne, when trouble flared up over a contentious Orange Order march and up to 10 shots were fired from the nationalist Brompton Park area.

McWilliams is not accused of firing any shots.

As McWilliams was led from the dock he made a clenched fist salute to supporters, who cheered and applauded from the public gallery.

No application was made for bail.

McWilliams is expected to appear again on August 15 by videolink.

(NE)

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