A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to 28 months for riot following large-scale disorder in Ballymena last year. William Wylie was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Friday 6 November, with 14 months to be served in custody and 14 months on licence.

The disorder began on Monday 9 June 2025, when a crowd of rioters took to the streets of Ballymena for three consecutive nights. Violence also occurred in Larne, Newtownabbey, Portadown and Derry/Londonderry.

On Tuesday 10 June 2025, disorder took place at Harryville Bridge on Bridge Street in Ballymena. Footage recorded a large crowd, some wearing face coverings or balaclavas, throwing bottles and masonry at police lines.

Wylie was identified after his image was shared with the public. He was recognised when he removed a balaclava and by a tattoo visible on the back of his right hand. He was arrested on 1 September 2025.

Detective Chief Inspector O'Loan said the disorder involved people intent on causing harm, with damage caused to roads, homes, cars and local business premises. He said officers came under attack from petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks, and many were injured.

O'Loan said the dedicated investigation team had worked to ensure those involved are prosecuted, and that the sentencing is one of many over the disorder. He repeated an appeal for anyone with information on crime to contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.