A man has been refused bail after appearing in court charged in connection with rioting in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

Andrew Kane, 39, faces a charge of riotous assembly following disturbances on Station Road near Cloughfern Roundabout on June 9.

The disorder came after a knife attack in north Belfast the previous night. A 30-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder in connection with that incident.

During the unrest, more than 100 people gathered, with some forming a blockade and others rioting, the court was told.

Police claimed Mr Kane was identified by his red beard and a hoodie bearing a Northern Ireland symbol. He was allegedly seen throwing masonry at police lines.

When the disorder subsided, officers located Mr Kane urinating on a fence and arrested him. The incident was captured by evidence gathering cameras.

A police constable opposed bail, citing a risk of further offences. She said there was evidence the defendant was involved in serious racially aggravated public disorder, resulting in property damage and the potential for serious injury to officers.

A defence lawyer said his client had no previous criminal record and that the past week in custody had been highly impactful.

Refusing bail, District Judge Peter Magill remarked that the case showed how otherwise law-abiding individuals could become involved in serious disorder. He said he could not be confident Mr Kane would not re-offend if there was another flare-up.