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Man (42) accused of handing brother balaclava during riot
Gamble, of no fixed abode, is accused of doing an act 'encouraging or assisting others to commit riot' on 9 June this year
The brother of an alleged rioter appeared in court today charged with encouraging or assisting riot.
Standing in the dock of Ballymena Magistrates Court, 42-year-old Robert Gamble confirmed his identity and that he understood the single charge against him.
Gamble, of no fixed abode, is accused of doing an act 'encouraging or assisting others to commit riot' on 9 June this year.
Last week his younger brother, 40-year-old Martin Brian Gamble, from Manor Street in Belfast, was remanded into custody facing five charges including two counts of riot, one under Common law and one under public order legislation, theft of a police officer's handcuffs, resisting and obstructing police.
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In court today Const. Henry said she believed she could connect Robert Gamble to the charge, adding that police were objecting to bail due to concerns about further offending and the need for a 'strong message' to be sent out to deter others from getting involved.
Const. Henry described how there was 'serious public disorder' last Monday, with hundreds of individuals causing significant damage to property and injury to police officers who came under attack from missiles, fireworks and petrol bombs.
According to the police case against Gamble, he is seen talking to his brother Martin before taking an item from his pocket and giving it to his brother.
'Moments later he [Martin] puts a balaclava on his head and police believe that he [Robert] gave the balaclava to his brother,' said the officer.
Const. Henry told the court Robert Gamble was identified as allegedly involved after the police released numerous images in a media appeal but during police interviews, 'he denied that it was him on the footage.'
Under cross examination from defence solicitor Sara Edge, the officer agreed that 'at no point was his face covered.
"I have to suggest that if he was in any way trying to do something untoward, that he would probably have had the sense to cover his face,' said Ms Edge, submitting that 'it seems strange he would pass his brother a balaclava and not cover his own face' if he was intent on illegal activity.
Conceding that 'his brother has been arrested and is on remand for riot,' the solicitor further submitted Robert Gamble was not involved in rioting, or encouraging anyone else to riot but 'was there at a peaceful protest'.
Despite defence submissions, District Judge Nigel Broderick refused to grant bail and warned, 'the courts will not tolerate mayhem and terror in our society and there must be a robust approach taken.'
Remanding Gamble into custody, he ordered him to appear again on 10 July.
