Young Man Allegedly Injured in Ballymena Riot Denies Bail - Shocking Testimony Revealed

A 23-year-old who was "shot in the balls" with a baton round during serious public disorder in Ballymena has been denied bail.

Shock in the Courtroom

Curtis Dunlop, with an address at Lanntara in Ballymena, appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Friday accused of riotous assembly in Ballymena on Wednesday - the third successive night of serious disorder in the Co Antrim town this week. A detective constable told the court the defendant had "slurred speech" when he was arrested and made reference to "having been shot in the balls, in the testicles".

Evidence and Denial

Setting out the background to the case, the police officer said: "A male came to attention on a number of occasions in the area of Harryville and Bridge Street. The male was observed in aerial footage from officers on the ground in being involved in throwing masonry and fireworks towards police vehicles and officers. The male was later identified as the defendant and he was arrested around 00:27 hours. At that time it was observed that his speech was slurred and he was making references to having been shot in the balls, in the testicles." The officer said that, during the disorder, it "appears this male has been struck by an AEP baton round and he had an injury consistent with being struck with a baton round".

Legal Proceedings

The defendant was taken to Musgrave Custody Suite for interview. Opposing bail, the officer said the defendant has "eight previous convictions, one for riotous disorderly behaviour" and asserted there is a "risk of further reoffending". The court heard the defendant has "seven previous arrests for breaching bail conditions between 2021 and 2018". He added: "The defendant was arrested on the third night of serious public disorder. There is strong public feeling in the area about this and there has been significant media coverage. Police believe that it is important that a strong message is sent to further deter persons from getting involved in disorder. Police believe if a strong deterrent message is not sent out then the public disorder could could lead to death or serious injury to members of the public - namely foreign nationals living in the Ballymena area."