No explanation why weapons were in boot of loyalist's car, court hears
No explanation has yet been provided why a leading loyalist had firearms and ammunition in the boot of his car, a court has been told.
However, a barrister for Winston Irvine said his 'long-term commitment to peace-building in Northern Ireland' should be taken into account when he is sentenced for weapons offences.
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Irvine, 49, of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast and co-accused Robin Workman, 54, of Shore Road in Larne, County Antrim were both remanded in custody following a sentencing hearing at Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday.
The sentencing hearing took place at Belfast Crown Court. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.
They had previously admitted possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances.
They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate.
Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate.
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The court heard that the offences were committed on June 8th 2022.
A prosecuting barrister said that Workman transported a quantity of weapons and ammunition to the Glencairn area of Belfast in his van, which were then put into the boot of Irvine's Volkswagen Tiguan car.
A short time later Irvine's vehicle was stopped by police in Disraeli Street.
A long-barrelled firearm, two suspected pistols, several magazines and a large quantity of ammunition were discovered inside a bag in the boot.
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The barrister said that during police interview Irvine had given a statement outlining his work as a 'community representative and interlocutor'.
The court was told that a UVF magazine was discovered during a subsequent police search of Workman's house.
The barrister said: 'No explanation has been forthcoming to this day about what was going on with these firearms.'
He said there was no evidence that they had been intended for terrorist use.
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Brenda Campbell KC, representing Irvine, said he had a 'proven long-term commitment to peace-building in Northern Ireland'.
She told the court he had directly engaged with a number of groups, including the UK and Irish governments, over the years.
Ms Campbell said a number of references had been provided for Irvine, including from David Campbell, chairman of the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC).
She said Mr Campbell had described Irvine as a 'key figure in discussions within the loyalist community in moving away from paramilitarism'.
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The barrister added: 'At critical junctures he has brought people away from violence to peace.'
Winston Irvine was told he would be sentenced next week. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA.
She said he had only been in possession of the 'low grade' firearms for a few minutes and there was no evidence of violent or terrorist intent.
Ms Campbell said: 'The possession of these items ought not to hold this man back from making a continued contribution in the not-too-distant future.'
Michael Borrelli KC, representing Workman, said his client was occasionally asked to undertake work as a 'messenger' to 'prevent problematical situations'.
He told the court that he had been asked to transport a bag in his vehicle, and became suspicious when he picked it up that it contained firearms.
The barrister said when his client saw Irvine in Belfast it confirmed his belief that the weapons were to be taken out of circulation.
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In response, the prosecuting barrister said there was no evidential basis for the contention that the weapons were to be taken out of commission.
Judge Gordon Kerr KC said he would pass sentence in the case next Thursday.
However, he said he was satisfied that the custodial threshold had been met and ordered the two defendants to be remanded in custody.
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Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Instant karma! Shocking moment Ballymena rioter sets HIMSELF on fire with petrol bomb as police vow more arrests and consider bringing in fresh troops from England and Wales after second night of rioting
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The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Ballymena riots condemned as ‘racist thuggery' as homes and cars set on fire in second night of violence
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"A number of masked individuals then broke away from the vigil and began to build barricades, stockpiling missiles and attacking properties in the Clonavon Terrace area. "Elements of the crowd then turned on to police and attacked officers with petrol bombs and masonry. "This disorder was sustained and continued in the vicinity of Galgorm Street, Linenhall Street and Larne Road Link in the vicinity of the Braid." The statement added: "Police officers came under sustained attack over a number of hours with multiple petrol bombs, fireworks, heavy masonry and bricks thrown in their direction by masked rioters. "Fifteen officers were injured with some requiring hospital treatment. "Two police vehicles were also damaged during the disorder. "A number of homes and businesses were damaged with windows and doors smashed. Four houses were damaged by fire with three people evacuated. "The attacks on these properties are being investigated as racially motivated hate attacks. "Windows were also smashed of several business units in Galgorm Parks in the early hours. "In total, six properties in Clonavon Terrace have sustained damage to windows and doors during the disorder. "During the course of the serious disorder, authorised police officers discharged one attenuating energy projectile (AEP) with one rioter struck." As part of ongoing inquiries, police are also investigating a report of arson at the Tobar Park area of Cullybackey in the early hours of Tuesday. Shortly after 12.20am, it was reported that a petrol bomb had been thrown at a vehicle in the area which set it alight. Damage was caused to a nearby property, with a woman and two children inside. Downing Street said there could be no justification for the violence in Ballymena. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: "The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. "Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. "PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured."
BreakingNews.ie
an hour ago
- BreakingNews.ie
Riot police respond to second night of violence in Ballymena
Police came under attack as violent disorder erupted for a second night in a row in Northern Ireland on Tuesday. Multiple cars and properties were set on fire in Ballymena while rioters hurled petrol bombs, fireworks and masonry at police officers. Advertisement The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) deployed riot police, fired plastic baton rounds, and used water cannons as well as dog units as part of its response to the disorder. In a statement, the PSNI said calm had been restored in the Clonavon Terrace, North Road and Bridge Street areas by around 1am on Wednesday. The force said there had also been 'sporadic disorder' in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus, as well incidents in north Belfast. It came after similar violent disorder around Clonavon Terrace in the town on Monday night, following an earlier peaceful protest in the day which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The UK prime minister's official spokesman described those events – which saw police and ethnic minorities targeted – as 'very concerning'. Advertisement Emergency services outside a house in Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) A senior police officer condemned the disorder as 'racist thuggery'. Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson issued a public appeal for information and said the PSNI was actively working to identify those responsible for the 'racially motivated disorder in Ballymena and bring them to justice'. He said the service would deploy significant resources to any further disorder during the week. Police in Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) On Tuesday evening, riot police were deployed to residential streets around Clonavon Terrace on Tuesday as hundreds of people gathered in the area from approximately 7pm. Advertisement The PSNI formed barricades while officers wearing armour and shields also responded to the disorder. Some masked protesters shouted abuse and threw objects at the police, including fireworks, glass bottles and pieces of metal. The PSNI advised those present to disperse and warned that water cannon would be deployed against those participating in violent activity. Police fired plastic baton rounds at some of those gathered and also used water cannons to disperse the crowd. Advertisement Many young children were present among those gathered near police lines. A vehicle on fire near Clonavon Terrace, Ballymena (Niall Carson/PA) As rioters were dispersed into other parts of the town as the evening progressed into night, a property on Bridge Street and a home on Queen Street were set on fire. Other properties had windows smashed as some residents chose to display signs about the nationalities of those normally resident, including one saying 'British household' and another with 'Filipino lives here'. Multiple cars were also set on fire as part of blazes set by rioters, including near a car wash and tyre centre off Bridge Street and on Larne Street. Advertisement The clothing of at least one participant caught fire during the disorder. The PSNI cleared streets and allowed gaps in its barricades for firefighters to tackle fires in the town as chaotic scenes continued past midnight. Officers also used a drone as part of the response to illegal activity, which saw some rioters kick in doors and ransack homes. The Northern Ireland Secretary has said there is 'no justification' for attacks on police officers or vandalism. The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland. There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people's homes or property. — Hilary Benn (@hilarybennmp) June 10, 2025 In a social media post, Hilary Benn said: 'The terrible scenes of civil disorder we have witnessed in Ballymena again this evening have no place in Northern Ireland. 'There is absolutely no justification for attacks on PSNI officers or for vandalism directed at people's homes or property.' During Monday's disorder, 15 police officers were injured and several PSNI vehicles were damaged. In Clonavon Terrace, several houses had their windows smashed and two which suffered significant smoke damage remained sealed off on Tuesday. A 29-year-old man was charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested on Monday night. Police officers using a water cannon near Clonavon Terrace (Niall Carson/PA) Mr Henderson said other arrests are expected following the examination of video footage. The earlier peaceful protest formed in support of the family of the girl. Two 14-year-old boys appeared in court on Monday charged with attempted rape. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. On Tuesday, the PSNI said it had made a third arrest in connection with the incident and reiterated a public appeal for information. Detective Inspector Olphert from the PSNI's public protection branch said: 'A 28-year-old man was arrested yesterday evening, Monday June 9. 'He has been unconditionally released from police custody following questioning.' At a press conference on Tuesday, Mr Henderson said the attacks should be 'loudly condemned by all right-thinking people'. 'Any attempt to justify or explain it as something else is misplaced,' he said at a press conference at Ballymena police station earlier on Tuesday. He said members of the minority ethnic community 'felt fear' and there will be a significant policing operation in the town in the coming days to reassure the community. Mr Henderson said that police officers from England and Wales will be brought to Northern Ireland if needed to help the PSNI in the wake of the Ballymena disorder. The UK prime minister's official spokesman said: 'The disorder we saw in Ballymena is very concerning. 'Obviously, the reports of sexual assault in the area are extremely distressing, but there is no justification for attacks on police officers while they continue to protect local communities. 'PSNI and the justice system must be allowed to carry out their jobs and our thoughts are with the victims of the assault as well as the police officers who were injured.'
