Latest news with #streetviolence
BBC News
4 days ago
- BBC News
Driver hit man with car after Christmas Day fight in Nottingham
A drunken offender who drove his car at a man following a Christmas Day street fight has been Christmas Day 2022 a car was driven by Luke Upton into the victim, who was part of a group that had earlier tried to diffuse an altercation outside a pub in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire Police 24-year-old of Saxondale Drive, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to causing serious injury by dangerous driving and was jailed for three-and-a-half years at Nottingham Crown Court on Con Amelia Hicklin said the attack was an "appalling display" of drunken street violence. Police said after the fight was broken up, the group moved on and were stood at the junction of York Street and West Street when a red Seat Ibiza pulled up alongside and 23-year-old Keegan Marriott exited the car, confronted the group and began whipping them with belts, police force added Upton also grabbed the victim by the neck and pulled him to the floor while Marriott punched him during the incident at about 01:15 BST. 'Significant speed' Marriott and Upton returned to the vehicle, with CCTV showing Upton getting into the driver's seat. Moments later, the Ibiza returned, drove directly at the victim and collided with him after mounting the man suffered a broken leg and the two offenders drove off, police arrived at the scene and discovered the victim lying on the floor and gathered details about the car and vehicle was then spotted in Bulwell and followed by officers for a short period before it came to a stop and Upton and Marriott were of Nottingham Road, New Basford, Nottingham, pleaded guilty to affray and was sentenced to 15 months in jail, suspended for 22 months at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday. Det Con Amelia Hicklin added: "What started as an altercation outside a pub ended with Upton driving a car directly at the victim."The vehicle was travelling at significant speed and the impact could easily have resulted in more serious injuries."
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
Schoolgirl was 'dragged into garage and raped by Romanian teen as two others tried to make her perform sex acts' before Ballymena riots, court hears
A schoolgirl in Ballymena was walking along a street in the town when she was dragged into a garage and allegedly raped and sexually assaulted by three males, a court heard today. It is the latest development in the case which precipitated three days of street violence and in the County Antrim town in Northern Ireland last month. Ballymena Youth Court also heard that while two of her alleged assailants were arrested within hours of the incident on June 7, a third suspect has fled back to Romania. Details emerged in court for the first time as a 14-year-old Romanian boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, applied for bail. Both that defendant, and another 14-year-old, are on remand in custody charged with attempted rape. It was hours after the pair first appeared in court on June 9 that serious rioting and public disorder erupted in Ballymena and Romanian families fled their homes on Clonavon Terrace. Three nights of serious trouble saw houses attacked and cars burned with Police Service of Northern Ireland riot squads facing an angry mob hurling missiles, including petrol bombs, fireworks, masonry and bottles. Giving evidence in the contested application today, Detective Constable Sinclair told the court the girl's grandmother contacted police that evening, to report that her granddaughter 'had been raped by three males in a garage in Harryville', an area close to the town centre. When police attended and spoke to the schoolgirl, she told them she was walking along the street when 'three males grabbed her and took her to a garage down an alleyway'. The police officer told the court that inside the garage, the girl saw two mattresses 'and she was put on one'. He added that while two of the men tried to force the girl to perform sex acts on them, the third male who has since absconded 'raped her'. DC Sinclair continued: 'She said that this went on for about 10 minutes but when they heard a male voice outside, the three ran off.' At that stage, the complainant 'was able to leave the garage and get help' and based on the information provided by the teenager, police attended an address on Clonavon Terrace where the two 14-year-olds were arrested. The court heard they 'matched the description' given by the alleged victim. DC Sinclair said the bail applicant 'denied any criminal activity' and then refused to answer police questions during his interviews. Turning to bail objections, the investigator told District Judge Trevor Browne 'police have strong concerns that there's a risk he may leave the jurisdiction'. She said: 'Within hours of the defendant being arrested, a co-accused who had been identified, left the country and we believe he is residing in Romania. 'We believe that, given the significant public disorder that descended after the incident, there's a risk that if released, this defendant will leave the jurisdiction and we are not content that any conditions can be put in place to prevent that.' She added that while a proposed bail address outside of Ballymena had been put forward by the defence, there were also concerns about that as well. DC Sinclair explained that while the occupant had been put forward as a relative, she told officers who spoke to her that 'she was a friend of the family' rather than a relative. The officer added that police had also ascertained there were three children living in the property, including a 14-year-old girl. It was also a concern, said DC Sinclair, that another family with a young child appeared to be living in the house, a property she described as being 'in a poor state of repair'. The officer concluded: 'Police do not believe that any conditions will satisfy [their concerns] and we are aware that there's an opportunity to surrender passports and ID cards, however, we believe there are other ways of leaving the country.' Defence counsel Conn O'Neill lamented that none of those concerns had been raised with the defence before the hearing, adding that had they been 'we could have dealt with them'. Highlighting that the defendant had voluntarily undergone DNA testing and an identity parade, he suggested that given the multitude of objections from the police, that the court adjourn the bail application. Judge Browne told the barrister: 'I completely agree, with the best will in the world, the application just disintegrated before our very eyes. 'We are all mindful that he is a 14-year-old boy with no previous convictions and there is a working presumption in favour of bail... but it would not be fair to force you on without giving you the opportunity to address this important obstacle.' In adjourning the bail application, the judge adjourned both cases to August 6. By way of an update, the prosecutor told the judge the case had been expedited, that the complainant has completed her Achieving Best Evidence video interview with the police and that the 'target date for completion of the full file is the end of September'.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- BBC News
Three men jailed after knife altercation in Luton street
Three men have been jailed after a "large-scale" fight between rival groups erupted in a town on a Friday Police was called to Dallow Road in Luton at about 12:45 GMT on 17 January following reports of a large scale fight involving Insp Scott Fowler said: "This brazen street violence shocked the public who witnessed it."The three, all from Luton, have been jailed with sentences ranging from a just over a year to nearly four years. 'Fear and intimidation' "An argument quickly spiralled into a vicious fight where knives were used by both sides to inflict injuries on to their rivals," said Det Insp Fowler."I am grateful that the individuals convicted are going to be jailed and no longer free to cause fear and intimidation within our community."Footage seen by the BBC showed men attacking each other with machetes and knives. Armed police were later seen at Luton & Dunstable Hospital as victims arrived with stab wounds, and Lewsey Road was sealed said the "large-scale altercation" was captured on CCTV and the three pleaded guilty to a range of were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on 27 June:Amaan Safeer, 24, of Kent Road, was jailed for 45 months for wounding with intent and possession of a knifeMohammed Hussain, 19, of Runley Road got 13 years and half months for violent disorderMohammed Safeer, 20, of Kent Road, was jailed for 27 months for violent disorderHamza Arshad, 23, of Runley Road, pleaded guilty to two counts of wounding with intent, violent disorder and possession of a bladed article and he is due to be sentenced in said the case against another man, aged 19, was ongoing. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Stormont ministers make joint appeal for end to violence in Ballymena
Stormont ministers have made an urgent appeal for calm following two nights of street violence in Northern Ireland. In a joint statement, ministers from across the powersharing Executive in Northern Ireland, which includes Sinn Fein, the DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder in Ballymena have nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'. Seventeen police officers were injured following a second night of sustained violence in the Co Antrim town on Tuesday. The violence flared at first on Monday following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The four-party powersharing Executive is headed by Sinn Fein First Minister Michelle O'Neill and DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The statement released on behalf of all ministers said: 'We strongly condemn the racially motivated violence witnessed in recent days and make an urgent appeal for calm across society. 'The alleged serious sexual assault reported on June 7 in Ballymena was appalling and our collective thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones at this deeply traumatic time. 'It is paramount that the justice process is now allowed to take its course so that this heinous crime can be robustly investigated. 'Those weaponising the situation in order to sow racial tensions do not care about seeing justice and have nothing to offer their communities but division and disorder. 'While all of our citizens have the right to engage in peaceful protest, there can never be any justification for the violence that has taken place in recent days, during which residents have been terrorised and numerous PSNI officers injured.' The statement added: 'We send our best wishes to all of those affected by these senseless acts and thank the PSNI and the NI Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts in ensuring that no-one has been seriously injured or worse. 'As an Executive, we work collectively every day to create a safe, prosperous and welcoming Northern Ireland for all. We are urging everyone in our communities to play their part in that effort and reject the divisive agenda being pursued by a minority of destructive, bad faith actors.' In a social media post, Ms O'Neill said nobody should have to 'live in fear in their own home'. The First Minister said: 'The racist and sectarian attacks on families across the north, and the rioting in Ballymena are abhorrent and must stop immediately. 'Those responsible for this violence bring nothing to our communities but hatred, fear and division. 'No one, now or ever should feel the need to place a sticker on their door to identify their ethnicity just to avoid being targeted. 'We are a kind-hearted, caring and compassionate people. 'We stand united and strong, facing down those who seek to divide us through violence and intimidation. 'I have spoken with the PSNI Chief Constable and urged him to ensure those responsible for orchestrating and perpetuating these crimes are held fully to account. 'As First Minister, as a mother, as a grandmother, I will do everything in my power to protect and support everyone in our community, so that no one should ever have to live in fear in their own home.' In a social media post, Ms Little-Pengelly said: 'Dismayed to see further disorder last night. 'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives. 'This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.' Meanwhile, Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald described the scenes of violence in Ballymena as 'unnerving'. She said she expects Ms O'Neill to visit the Co Antrim town. 'I'm sure the First Minister will visit there. And let me say that the behaviour, I found it really unnerving, depressing,' she told RTE Radio. 'It was reminiscent of times a long, long time ago when violent loyalism burnt out Catholics from their homes. 'Let me say everybody needs to be safe in their community and in their homes, calm needs to be restored. 'Order needs to be restored. Respect has to be maintained. People's safety is absolutely paramount.' Ms McDonald added: 'So this behaviour needs to stop. It needs to end. 'And as I say, when I saw those images, they transport you back to a very bad time when sectarian violence and pogroms and all of those episodes. We're not going back to those times, every single person needs to be safe. 'I'm sure the First Minister will reiterate those sentiments very fully, and let me tell you it wouldn't be her first time in Ballymena, either.'
BreakingNews.ie
11-06-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Stormont ministers make joint appeal for end to violence in Ballymena
Stormont ministers have made an urgent appeal for calm following two nights of street violence in Northern Ireland. In a joint statement, ministers from across the powersharing Executive in Northern Ireland, which includes Sinn Féin, the DUP, Alliance Party and UUP, said those involved in disorder in Ballymena have nothing to offer society but 'division and disorder'. Advertisement Seventeen police officers were injured following a second night of sustained violence in the Co Antrim town on Tuesday. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly (left), First Minister Michelle O'Neill and other Stormont ministers have condemned recent violence (David Young/PA) The violence flared at first on Monday following an earlier peaceful protest which was organised in support of the family of a girl who was the victim of an alleged sexual assault in the area. The four-party powersharing Executive is headed by Sinn Féin First Minister Michelle O'Neill and DUP deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. The statement released on behalf of all ministers said: 'We strongly condemn the racially motivated violence witnessed in recent days and make an urgent appeal for calm across society. 'The alleged serious sexual assault reported on June 7 in Ballymena was appalling and our collective thoughts are with the victim and their loved ones at this deeply traumatic time. Advertisement 'It is paramount that the justice process is now allowed to take its course so that this heinous crime can be robustly investigated. 'Those weaponising the situation in order to sow racial tensions do not care about seeing justice and have nothing to offer their communities but division and disorder. 'While all of our citizens have the right to engage in peaceful protest, there can never be any justification for the violence that has taken place in recent days, during which residents have been terrorised and numerous PSNI officers injured.' The statement added: 'We send our best wishes to all of those affected by these senseless acts and thank the PSNI and the NI Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts in ensuring that no-one has been seriously injured or worse. Advertisement 'As an Executive, we work collectively every day to create a safe, prosperous and welcoming Northern Ireland for all. We are urging everyone in our communities to play their part in that effort and reject the divisive agenda being pursued by a minority of destructive, bad faith actors.' In a social media post, Ms Little-Pengelly said: 'Dismayed to see further disorder last night. 'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives. 'This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.' Advertisement Meanwhile, Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald described the scenes of violence in Ballymena as 'unnerving'. Sinn Féin president Mary Lou McDonald described violence in Ballymena as unnerving (Liam McBurney/PA) She said she expects Ms O'Neill to visit the Co Antrim town. 'I'm sure the First Minister will visit there. And let me say that the behaviour, I found it really unnerving, depressing,' she told RTE Radio. 'It was reminiscent of times a long, long time ago when violent loyalism burnt out Catholics from their homes. Advertisement 'Let me say everybody needs to be safe in their community and in their homes, calm needs to be restored. 'Order needs to be restored. Respect has to be maintained. People's safety is absolutely paramount.' Ms McDonald added: 'So this behaviour needs to stop. It needs to end. 'And as I say, when I saw those images, they transport you back to a very bad time when sectarian violence and pogroms and all of those episodes. We're not going back to those times, every single person needs to be safe. 'I'm sure the First Minister will reiterate those sentiments very fully, and let me tell you it wouldn't be her first time in Ballymena, either.'
