Scot jailed for 'violent disorder' during racially-motivated riot in Belfast

A Scottish man has been jailed for violent disorder during a racially-motivated riot in Belfast.

Reece Dunnett from Dunfermline was sentenced after pleading guilty to two counts of criminal damage, all of which were racially motivated.

The 25-year-old was sentenced at Laganside Crown Court for offences linked to sustained disorder which took place in Belfast during the summer of 2024.

The 25-year-old was handed a 27-month sentence on Friday, and will spend half in custody and half on licence following his release.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Detective Inspector McCartan said: “On Saturday, August 3, 2024, racially-motivated disorder broke out across Belfast.

“During this evening, Dunnett was recorded in police footage engaging in various acts of violent disorder in the Sandy Row and Donegall Road areas of south Belfast.

“He was observed helping a crowd pull down the fence to a building site in Blythe Street before collecting multiple pieces of masonry and a scaffold plank which he threw at police lines from a short distance.

“Dunnett also assisted a crowd with helping to overturn two vehicles in Wellwood Street before they were set alight in the middle of the road by others.”

Detective Inspector McCartan continued: “Police enquiries identified Mr Dunnett as a suspect, and he later presented at Musgrave Police Station, where he was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences, interviewed and subsequently charged.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland will ensure that anyone who chooses to take part in this type of criminality is brought to justice, just as Dunnett has been today.

“We continue to appeal to anyone who has been the victim of, or has any information on, any crime to contact police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. We can assure you that we will always act on concerns and information we receive.”

Alternatively, a report can be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/

Should you wish to make a report anonymously, you can do so by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org