Man jailed for four years over Ballymena disorder
A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to four years over his involvement in serious disorder in Ballymena in June 2025.
Neil Baguley, from the Ballymena area, was sentenced at Antrim Crown Court on Monday, 5 October, for riot and criminal damage.
He was given a total sentence of four years, with two years to be served in custody and the remaining two years on licence.
The Ballymena disorder sentence follows a police investigation into large-scale violence which broke out on 9 June 2025 and was followed by further disorder elsewhere in Northern Ireland.
Ballymena disorder sentence follows attacks on police
Police said large-scale disorder involving a crowd of rioters broke out on the streets of Ballymena on the evening of 9 June.
Damage was caused to roads, homes, vehicles and local businesses, while police officers also came under attack.
Petrol bombs, heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown at officers during the violence, leaving a number of them injured.
Detective Chief Inspector Michael O’Loan said people in the area had been left fearing for their lives as the disorder unfolded.
Baguley captured on police footage
According to the PSNI, police systems captured footage of a man attacking police officers and vehicles at Clonavon Terrace and Linenhall Street.
Police said a petrol bomb and other items were used during the attacks.
The man was subsequently identified as Baguley.
Images of him were later issued to the media by police as part of their investigation into those involved in the disorder.
Baguley handed himself in to police
Baguley handed himself in to police on 16 September 2025 following the publication of the images.
He was subsequently charged in connection with the disorder.
At Antrim Crown Court on Monday, he was sentenced for the offences of riot and criminal damage.
He will spend two years of his four-year sentence in custody before serving the remaining two years on licence.
Police investigation into Ballymena disorder continues
Detective Chief Inspector O’Loan said a dedicated investigation team had worked to identify and prosecute those involved in the violence.
He described Baguley’s sentence as one of a number handed down in connection with the disorder and said the four-year term represented a substantial sentence.
Police have reiterated their appeal for anyone who was a victim of crime during the disorder, or who has information about offences committed, to contact them.
Information can be provided to police by calling 101, while 999 should be used in an emergency. Reports can also be submitted through the PSNI’s online reporting service or anonymously through Crimestoppers.