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Man remanded into custody charged with rioting and arson

Jason Galbraith is accused of targeting cars and a hotel gate following an anti-immigration protest

The 15-year-old boy appeared at Belfast magistrates’ court
(Liam McBurney/PA)

An alleged rioter was remanded into custody on Monday charged with arson offences during violence on the streets of Belfast.

Jason Galbraith is accused of targeting cars and a hotel gate following an anti-immigration protest in the city centre.

The 26-year-old, of no fixed abode, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court in connection with the unrest on August 3.

He is charged with riotous assembly, and three counts of possessing an offensive weapon with intent - namely masonry bricks, a wooden plank and a metal pole.

Galbraith is further accused of an arson attack on a Vauxhall Astra car and conspiracy to commit arson against a second vehicle.

Police have also charged him with causing criminal damage to the Astra and to electronic gates at a Holiday Inn in the city, interfering with a traffic sign on Sandy Row, and failing to comply with a public order condition.

As Galbraith confirmed that he understood the allegations, an investigating detective said he could connect him to the charges.

A defence barrister told the court he was not seeking bail at this stage.

District Judge Michael Ranaghan described it as a “very sensible” decision.

Remanding Galbraith in custody until September 9, Mr Ranaghan told him: “Good luck in future given what you’re alleged to have done.”