A 21-year-old man accused of rioting during disorder in Portadown in June has been released on bail ahead of his next court appearance.

Adam Wright, of Bridgeford Meadows, Portadown, appeared at Lisburn Magistrates Court on Thursday charged with riot. The Public Prosecution Service asked for a racially-motivated aggravator to be added to the charge.

The court heard that the disorder in Portadown followed wider unrest across Northern Ireland, which itself was sparked by an attack on a man in Belfast by a foreign national.

Police released a photograph of Wright on social media in an effort to identify him. The defendant subsequently contacted police himself, asking for the image to be removed, which led to his arrest.

During a bail hearing, a police constable told the court that Wright was observed as part of a large group on Mandeville Street. He was seen picking up objects and throwing them at police, and moving a large wheelie bin to encourage others to use its contents as missiles.

In interviews, Wright admitted the offence and identified himself in police images. He said he had been intoxicated and got carried away, telling officers he was showing off in front of friends. He stated he threw four bottles in the direction of police but did not intend to hurt anyone. Wright insisted his actions were not motivated by hate and said he had no issue with immigrants wanting to come to Northern Ireland.

Police objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence, Wright’s four-hour involvement in the disorder, and fears that releasing him to his Portadown address would heighten anxiety among foreign nationals living there.

The defence proposed an alternative address at his grandparents’ caravan in Cranfield. The court was also told that Wright has a nine-month-old daughter in Lurgan and is committed to playing a role in her life.

District Judge Rosie Watters granted bail with a £500 surety. Wright must stay out of Portadown, defined by the 30mph zone, refrain from alcohol, and report to police once a week.

The case was adjourned to appear at Craigavon Magistrates Court on 28 August.