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Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
'Sinister' atmosphere as leisure centre attacked during NI rioting
A man who was inside a leisure centre during violent disorder on Wednesday night has spoken of the fear among customers and staff. Northern Ireland Assembly Member Danny Donnelly said Larne Leisure Centre was being used by families and children for swimming and classes at the time of attack. On Wednesday night, masked youths attacked the leisure centre and set it on fire. The centre had been providing emergency shelter for families following the clashes in Ballymena, the council said. Donnelly said there was "clearly a malicious attempt developing" as masked youths gathered outside the centre carrying bricks. "It was very, very sinister, the atmosphere certainly felt to me very, very threatening," he added. "The staff made sure people were getting out and getting to their cars safely," he said. "They were managing the door of the premises to make sure, that despite repeated attempts to get in - people who were... in masks and things - were not accessing the property," Donnelly took BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster programme. "It became more and more sinister, and it became more and more obvious that there was a malicious intent, you know, you don't come to a peaceful protest with a mask and bricks." He said as people and children become "fearful" staff helped people "to leave via the side doors and get to their cars safely". "There was a brick that came through the window while there were women doing a class, so on the floor on yoga matts. "And a brick came, quite a large brick, came flying through the window, thankfully nobody was hurt but as you can imagine there was glass everywhere and the women had to get up and leave," he said. Donnelly said it quickly became violent and the windows of the leisure centre were "systematically being put in". He added that there was paint being thrown over fire doors and described it as a "sustained attack" on the building. "They were already throwing bricks at the police as well," he said. "Now at that point as the glass was coming in around them, the staff then left through the back door, very fearful for their own safety". Donnelly has appealed for calm across Northern Ireland. "Larne doesn't need this, Northern Ireland doesn't need this, no town needs this," he said. "We've lost services at our leisure centre, the staff were incredibly shocked and frightened. Families were in sight of this last night." Donnolly was among a number of elected representatives criticising a Stormont minister over a social media post about the location of migrant families who left their homes hours before the centre was attacked. Communities Minister Gordon Lyons of the Democratic Unionist Party ( DUP) said that people caught up in clashes in Ballymena were being temporarily moved to Larne Leisure Centre. Sinn Féin Finance Minister John O'Dowd claimed Lyons "failed to show leadership". Donnelly said: "I thought it was incredibly reckless and dangerous to highlight the location of where these people were being kept and brought to a place of safety." "If I was the Minister, I would certainly be considering my position," he added. Lyons has defended his comments saying the information was in the public domain, and had been confirmed by the local council. How a peaceful protest descended into hate-filled violence Seventeen police officers injured during second night of Ballymena violence Ballymena violence 'pure racism' and must stop - O'Neill Minister refuses to resign over 'reckless' Facebook post
Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Six arrests made as trouble spreads across NI on second night of Ballymena violence
Follow our live blog here for further updates throughout Wednesday Police and senior political figures led condemnation of the trouble. Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am this morning. The violence had broken out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at PSNI officers and police vehicles. Homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging baton rounds. Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place at the weekend. Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast. Police said 17 officers were injured in the latest trouble, bringing the total number of injured officers over the two nights of violence to 33. Five people were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in police custody this morning. A male was also arrested on suspicion of disorderly behaviour on the O'Neill Road in Newtownabbey. Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was 'dismayed" by the unfolding events. 'Violence is always wrong. I have been in constant contact throughout last night with PSNI and in contact with local elected representatives,' she said. "This disorder and violence must stop and justice be allowed to prevail.' Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation, condemned the trouble that broke out over the last two nights. "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well,' he said. "It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Also speaking on the show, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew voiced fears that the violence would continue. 'I fear that if this continues, someone is going to get killed,' he said. Speaking earlier, Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland described the trouble as 'unacceptable'. 'It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena,' she said. Ms Mulholland said that the unrest distracted from the 'really serious issue' of violence against women and girls. She added: 'That's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation. "It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.' Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: 'The mindless violence witnessed over the past two nights in Ballymena is deeply concerning and utterly unacceptable. "These criminal acts not only endanger lives but also risk undermining the ongoing criminal justice process led by the PSNI in support of a victim who deserves truth, justice, and protection." "As with any serious offenders in Northern Ireland, we will pursue those responsible and bring them to justice. "We will now begin our investigation of reviewing all evidence gathered, including video footage, and Images of the individuals involved will be released to identify offenders.' He added: 'Do not throw away your future and do not continue to endanger or intimidate the lives of others.' Yesterday, Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations, while there was disruption to services in the Shankill Road area. Protestors had also blocked roads at Carlisle Circus. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Police will release a further update later this morning. In Ballymena, some residents marked doors to display their nationality while two water cannons were also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles were deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers. Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack. Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson last night said the incident escalated to 'serious disorder'. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during the disorder in Ballymena on Monday night
Belfast Telegraph
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Belfast Telegraph
Four arrests made after car torched as disorder spreads to other areas of NI on second night of Ballymena violence
A further 17 police officers were injured following attacks by what has been called 'a baying mob with fireworks, masonry and petrol bombs'. None of those officers were hospitalised but it brings the number of injured officers across two nights of violence to 33. Liam Kelly, chair of the Police Federation for NI, said: "I want to condemn again what has happened the last couple of nights not only in Ballymena but, as we've seen, extended into other areas as well. It's completely deplorable that this is happening. We need these attacks to stop, and stop very quickly.' Calm was restored to the Ballymena area after 1am. Disorder broke out shortly before 8pm and continued for several hours with masonry and petrol bombs thrown at police officers and police vehicles. A number of homes and businesses were also attacked. During the disorder, a water cannon was deployed in an attempt to disperse the crowds, with officers also discharging a number of baton rounds. Around 300 protestors had gathered in the area, close to where an alleged serious sexual assault on a teenage girl took place. Police also dealt with sporadic disorder in Newtownabbey and Carrickfergus while a car was set alight in north Belfast. Speaking on BBC Radio Ulster's Good Morning Ulster Programme, Alliance MLA Sian Mulholland described the incident as 'unacceptable'. 'It's deeply shocking and very disappointing and I have to say it's entirely unacceptable. This violence doesn't speak for Ballymena,' she said. Mulholland said that the unrest distracted from the 'really serious issue' of violence against women and girls. She added: 'That's what we should be talking about, we should be talking about how to make our society safer for women, not how to manage the fallout of violence and intimidation. "It was just really disturbing, and deeply, deeply worrying.' Police in Newtownabbey said last night: 'Following a protest at Cloughfern, colleagues are aware of a group of young people who appear intent on engaging in some form of disorder. "So that we can avoid any allegation that we target local young people and attempt to criminalise them, I would ask for some assistance from friends, family or anyone with influence to help us protect these young people by diverting them away from the area and help us dispose of the fireworks to which they have gained access.' Translink suspended bus services in several areas of Belfast due to protests. Services on the Shore Road in north Belfast were at a standstill due to protestors blocking roadways along bus routes. Bus services along the Ravenhill Road between the east and south of the city were also diverted towards the Ormeau Embankment due to demonstrations, while there was disruption to services in the Shankill Road area. Protestors had also blocked roads at Carlisle Circus. It's understood a crowd of around 50 gathered at the area holding placards saying: 'Protect Our Children.' Police will release a further update later this morning. In Ballymena, some residents marked doors to display their nationality while two water cannons were also at the scene of the ongoing 'serious disorder.' At least four armoured vehicles were deployed in the Clonavon area as masked youths attacked officers. Some Filipino workers in the area began putting stickers on their doors that declared their nationality, in an apparent bid to avoid attack. Some people also displayed Union flags, or hung them in windows. Petrol bombs, bricks and bottles were among the missiles thrown at police. A PSNI spokesperson last night said the incident escalated to 'serious disorder'. 'Police are currently dealing with serious disorder in the Clonavon Terrace area of Ballymena this evening,' they said. "Members of the public should avoid the area.' A peaceful vigil on Monday to support the girl and her family was followed by serious trouble. Two boys, both 14, were arrested and later charged with the attempted oral rape of the girl on June 7. The charges were read to the teenagers by a Romanian interpreter. Monday evening's violence resulted in 15 police officers suffering injuries with four homes in the area being set alight. A 29-year-old man has been charged with riotous behaviour after being arrested during the disorder in Ballymena on Monday night
Irish Post
04-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
BBC to restrict overseas access to BBC Sounds, cutting off Irish listeners
THE BBC has confirmed it will block international access to its BBC Sounds platform in 2025, ending online availability of its radio stations, including BBC Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle, for listeners in the Republic of Ireland. The move is part of a broader strategy to make BBC Sounds exclusive to UK audiences, like the geo-blocking already applied to BBC iPlayer. Under the new model, international users will instead be directed to a new audio section on their website, where access is limited to selected podcasts and just two radio stations: BBC World Service and BBC Radio 4. This new restriction will most immediately affect those counties in Ireland along the border; Donegal, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth. 'This change ensures BBC Sounds is only available to those who pay the licence fee,' a BBC spokesperson said, adding that it allows the organisation to deliver 'better value for UK audiences'. For listeners in Ireland, particularly those near the border who rely on Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle, the change is seen as more than just technical. Independent media analyst Jim Waterson told BBC Radio Ulster's Talkback programme that while the move makes commercial sense, 'a lot of people in London forget about the small matter of the border on the island of Ireland.' He said many would consider it reasonable to ask overseas listeners to pay or view advertising, 'but there are wider cultural consequences here that aren't being addressed.' Former BBC journalist Shane Harrison said the decision may violate the spirit of cross-border cooperation outlined in the Good Friday Agreement and a 2010 memorandum of understanding between the UK and Irish governments. The memorandum recognised public broadcasting's role in 'promoting cultural diversity, educational programming, and objective public information' across the island of Ireland. Professor Kevin Curran, a cybersecurity expert at Ulster University, added that while geo-blocking is technically simple, the BBC has chosen not to make exceptions. 'If the BBC wanted to allow access in Ireland, it could be done quite easily; it could probably be done in a morning,' he said. The BBC named "rights limitations" as a factor in the decision. Much of its content involves third-party agreements that restrict international use. The change also allows its commercial arm, BBC Studios, to make money from international content through advertising on their website, revenue that flows back into the public service broadcaster. The Republic of Ireland's Department of Culture said the move is 'entirely a matter for the BBC', while Britain's Department for Culture, Media and Sport said that the broadcaster is editorially and operationally independent. While BBC Radio content will remain available via platforms like Spotify, the full experience of BBC Sounds, including live local radio, will no longer be accessible online outside Britain and Northern Ireland. For many in Ireland, the decision is a step back from decades of cross-border media access. As one listener toldFeedback on BBC Radio 4, 'We don't just listen to Radio Ulster out of habit; it's part of our identity.' The Irish Post has contacted the BBC for comment and has yet to hear back.
Sunday World
04-06-2025
- General
- Sunday World
Ex-BBC presenter sentenced after leaving scene of Co Down accident
Karen Patterson was handed a £600 penalty and had her licence endorsed with six penalty points A former BBC Radio Ulster presenter has been fined after she left the scene of an accident she caused. Karen Patterson was handed a £600 penalty and had her licence endorsed with six penalty points today. The 54-year-old was sentenced at Newtownards Magistrates Court. Ms Patterson, who now works as a dairy farmer, contested a charge of causing grievous bodily injury by careless driving. Defence counsel Conan Rea argued the injuries suffered by the other driver were not serious enough to amount to really serious harm. A prosecuting lawyer outlined that around 8.30pm on March 16 last year, the Range Rover being driven by Ms Patterson was in collision with a Mazda MX5 sports car on the Newtownards Road in Comber. The Mazda driver told police that as he was overtaking the 4x4, the Range Rover moved across the middle line and there was contact before his vehicle came to rest in the ditch. The court heard how the Mazda driver sustained a 'sprained wrist' and some hearing loss through tinnitus. Karen Patterson was sentenced at Newtownards Magistrates Court. News in 90 June 4th Commenting that the injuries 'do not even come close to grievous bodily injury,' District Judge Mark Hamill found Ms Patterson not guilty of causing GBI by careless driving. Mr Rea emphasised that this had been the stated defence position 'for months' and that Ms Patterson had made early admissions to leaving the scene and to careless driving. He explained that on the night of the accident, the defendant had spotted the sporty Mazda 'travelling at some speed behind her' but had lost sight of the car when she performed her manoeuvre. It was that manoeuvre which caused the slight coming together of the vehicles and although the defendant drove on, Mr Rea said she returned but couldn't see anyone so drove on home, without reporting the matter to police. The barrister said she now realised that although she did not know who the other driver was, she still should have told the police. However, he highlighted that having been driving for 35 years, Ms Patterson with an address in Downpatrick, only has three points on her licence. He revealed that having worked as a journalist for many years, 'she left that employment' and now runs a dairy farm with her mum. Mr Rea explained that with having to drive between her home and the farm to milk the cows, losing her licence would cause 'considerable difficulties.' Recording guilty pleas to offences of careless driving, failing to report and failing to remain, Judge Hamill repeated that while the injuries 'might entertain the civil court,' from his perspective they 'do not come near to GBI.' Imposing fines totalling £600 along with the six penalty points and £15 offender levy, the judge highlighted that 'what I do today doesn't make a blind bit of difference to the civil court.' Ms Patterson started out in journalism with the Bangor Spectator and later moved on to Downtown-Cool FM. She started in the BBC in 2000 and was well known as a presenter on Good Morning Ulster for around a decade. She was among a number of presenters who left the BBC in 2020.
