Boy (11) accused of petrol-bombing police during rioting in Belfast ‘meant to be in school’ not court

An 11-year-old boy appeared in court today accused of petrol-bombing police during rioting in south Belfast.

The youth allegedly took part in the serious disorder which erupted at Broadway roundabout on July 15th.

PSNI officers and vehicles were attacked by a crowd hurling improvised devices, fireworks, masonry and other missiles.

The schoolboy, who cannot be named because of his age, was arrested after investigating detectives viewed footage of the unrest.

Accompanied by his parents, he appeared at Belfast Youth Court to face a total of seven charges.

He is accused of riotous assembly, three counts of possessing a petrol bomb in suspicious circumstances, and throwing a petrol bomb with intent to cause damage or destruction of a police vehicle.

The boy is further charged with causing an explosion likely to endanger life and possessing an offensive weapon in public – namely bricks.

During the brief hearing he confirmed that he understood the allegations against him.

Defence lawyer Denis Moloney told the court: “My clear instructions are that he will be pleading not guilty to the charges.”

Concerns were also raised about how police had questioned the youth.

“He was interviewed with an appropriate adult, but not with his solicitor,” the solicitor claimed.

Based on the accused’s age and other circumstances, the case is expected to be handled by a senior prosecutor.

Mr Moloney called for all CCTV footage and other evidence to be made available to the defence.

“This young person has never been before a court before and was meant to be in school today,” he stressed.

District Judge George Conner agreed to adjourn proceedings until October 18th.