▲ 18 r/northernireland
PSNI raid the house of the most annoying man to ever live in NI
youtu.beu/Portal_Jumper125 — 4 days ago
u/Portal_Jumper125
▲ 47 r/northernireland
‘Don’t think I won’t put you through the f*****g wall’: Engineer fined and handed restraining order over attack on daughter that got him thrown out of family home
An engineer who assaulted his daughter in a row over how she was sitting on a sofa has been fined and booted out of the family home.
Nigel Alexander Boyd (59) admitted a charge of common assault aggravated by domestic abuse during a hearing at Laganside Magistrates Court in Belfast earlier this month.
Police received a report of a domestic assault on May 2 from the victim’s sister.
The victim later attended a police station with her mother and made a statement saying her father had attacked her.
She told officers he had taken issue with how she was sitting and the way she was speaking to him.
>He has lost his family over the incident, which is a consequence of his own actions
Defence counsel
The court heard he told her: “Don’t f*****g speak to me that way. Don’t think I won’t put you through a f*****g wall.”
Defence counsel said Boyd, who had no criminal record, had paid a heavy price for the assault, having lost his family.
They added: “He is out of the family home after 26 years, which has caused him great distress and led to issues with his estranged wife and his other daughter.
“He has lost his family over the incident, which is a consequence of his own actions. He believes he may have been suffering from a ‘hypo’ (hypoglycemia) at the time and is entirely disgusted by his behaviour.
“He is remorseful and entered a guilty plea as soon as possible. He has worked as an engineer for 30 years.”
>I am imposing a fine of £500. (Once paid), his duty to the public is satisfied
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay
Hypoglycemia is a state of confusion experienced by diabetics with low blood-sugar levels.
Deputy District Judge Liam McStay said there had been “much emotional traffic” between Boyd and his family, eventually leading to the “breakdown of life between them”.
He added: “Clearly the effect of this is much worse than the physical act on his daughter.
“He has shown responsibility in his attitude towards this case and has a good career.
“I am imposing a fine of £500. (Once paid), his duty to the public is satisfied.”
Judge McStay also ordered Boyd, of Lower Ballyboley Road in Ballyclare, to pay £500 in compensation to his daughter.
He was also issued with a one-year restraining order in respect of the victim.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 12 days ago
▲ 58 r/northernireland
PSNI officially name Dungannon murder victim as 61-year-old Sidi Djalo
PSNI officially name Dungannon murder victim as 61-year-old Sidi Djalo | Belfast Live
The victim had lived in the area for more than 20 years and was employed locally as a production assistant at Moy Park.
Police have named the man murdered in Co Tyrone at the weekend as 61-year-old Sidi Djalo.
Mr Djalo was was found dead next to his seriously injured daughter at a house in the Lisnahull Road area of Dungannon on Saturday, August 29. The young girl is now in a stable condition in hospital.
A 48-year-old woman, Mr Djalo’s wife, was also injured during the incident. She has since been released from hospital.
Originally from Guinea-Bissau, Mr Djalo had lived in the area for over 20 years and was employed locally as a production assistant at Moy Park.
On Tuesday, September 1, a 16-year-old boy appeared in the dock at Omagh Magistrates’ Court charged with murder, two charges of attempted murder, and one of making a threat to kill.
A judge has ordered a mental health assessment to be carried out on the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons. He was remanded in custody to appear at Dungannon Youth Court on September 15.
Detective Chief Inspector Robinson, from the Police Service’s Major Investigation Team, said: “The thoughts of the Police Service are with Sidi’s family at this difficult time.
“They have also asked for privacy as they try to come to terms with their loss.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives on 101, quoting reference 564 of 29/08/26.
Information can also be provided online at the Police Major Incident Pubic Portal https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI26W22-PO1
Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 1 month ago
▲ 23 r/northernireland
Belfast man pleads guilty to charges linked to loyalist bomb hoax targeting Irish Foreign Minister
Belfast man pleads guilty to charges linked to loyalist bomb hoax targeting Irish Foreign Minister
Darren Service admits to two out of three charges linked to north Belfast incident
By John Cassidy
September 02, 2026 at 0:08pm BST
A Belfast businessman pleaded guilty on Wednesday to charges arising from a loyalist bomb hoax targeting Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney.
Darren James Service (45), of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast, appeared in the dock of Belfast Crown Court for his case which had been listed for mention.
His non-jury Diplock-style trial before a judge sitting without a jury was due to start next Monday, September 7.
Senior defence counsel Joseph O’Keefe KC told Judge Gordon Kerr KC that he had an application for gym owner Service to be re-arraigned on two of the three charges he faced which he had previously denied.
Service entered guilty pleas to hijacking a Vauxhall Vivaro van and placing an article causing a bomb hoax at the Houben Centre, Holy Cross Church on the Crumlin Road on March 25, 2022.
A senior Crown prosecutor told the court: “Those pleas are acceptable to the prosecution.”
He added that he had an application to leave the first count of preparation of acts of terrorism on the books of the court “and not to be proceeded with without the leave of this court or the Court of Appeal”.
Judge Kerr ordered a MARA (Multi-Agency Review Arrangements) report to be prepared on Service by the Department of Justice and set the plea and sentence hearing for November 4, 2026.
Mr O’Keefe said he would furnish the court with a number of updated medical reports on the defendant ahead of the plea hearing.
Service was released on continuing bail ahead of sentencing.
No details were given in court on Wednesday about the circumstances surrounding the charges.
But during a successful bail application at Belfast Crown Court almost three years ago, a judge was told that on March 25, 2022, a workman was threatened and forced to transport a device placed in the back of his vehicle by two masked men to a peace-building event on the Crumlin Road in north Belfast.
The then Tanaiste Simon Coveney was attending the event at the Houben Centre in the Holy Cross Church.
The security alert that targeted Simon Coveney. Picture By: Arthur Allison/Pacemaker Press..
After the van driver alerted police regarding the device in his van, the Centre was evacuated in what was later described as a hoax bomb alert.
It was the Crown case that the two masked men who hijacked the Vauxhall Vivaro van were driven to the scene by Service.
A prosecutor described the March 2022 incident as terrorist offences “carried out by the UVF”.
The prosecutor said that when Service’s home was searched in the aftermath of the incident, officers seized £100,000 located in a safe as well as balaclavas, a replica firearm, UVF pins and luxury watches.
The court heard that a mobile phone belonging to the defendant, who at the time of the bail hearing had been on remand for 19 months, has never been found.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 1 month ago
▲ 13 r/northernireland
Call for courts to send 'clear message' after seven PSNI officers hurt in 'shameful' attacks
Officers made arrests
Northern Ireland's courts must send a "clear message" to anyone who assaults PSNI officers, the Police Federation has said.
PFNI Chair Liam Kelly was speaking after an officer was bitten and another needed hospital treatment for a leg injury after a series incidents in Belfast on Sunday evening.
They were among seven who were were hurt as they carried out their duties in and around the the city centre.
Mr Kelly said: “To be blunt, there is a terrible disrespect among some people for the men and women I represent who do a fantastic job on behalf of the whole community.
“Officers work in dangerous and dynamic situations, countering violent and lawless individuals.
“They put their bodies on the line when dealing with attackers. They sustain injuries, some of them forcing them to take time off work to recover. They have to confront constant dangers and all in the name of keeping society safe from mindless thugs.
“They most definitely do not deserve to be bitten, punched, slapped and attacked from behind in a cowardly manner.
When culprits are brought before the Courts, they should be given meaningful prison terms to let them know there is zero tolerance for what they do.
“Assaulting our officers is becoming commonplace. It is a trend that needs to be halted in its tracks and that requires a no-nonsense approach being taken by our Courts.
“A clear message has to be handed down that assaulting police officers will no longer be treated with kid gloves. There is no mitigation or excuse for lashing out and assaulting officers.”
A Chief Inspector vowed the incidents would be “investigated rigorously”. Chief Inspector Andy George said in two of the incidents, officers sustained serious injuries that prevented them from continuing with their duties.
He added: “While officers were policing a music festival at Boucher Road Playing Fields, a teenage boy was observed with bottles of alcohol.
“When spoken to by officers he became aggressive – kicking one officer to the leg and another in his groin area.
“A third officer was also kicked in the struggle while the teenager was being arrested for assault on police and disorderly behaviour.
“A report will now be submitted to the Public Prosecution Service in due course in respect of the teenager.”
He added: “In the same area a 22-year-old man was suspected of concealing drugs.
“When challenged – an officer was struck to the face and knocked to the ground where he sustained further injury to his arm.
“The suspect was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences including assault on police, obstructing police, and possession of a Class A controlled drug.
“Despite his injuries the officer remained on duty.”
The chief inspector said another man was charged with assault on police following an incident in the Custom House Square area as officers policed another concert.
He said: “He became aggressive and verbally abusive towards the officer – attempting to punch him – and appeared intoxicated at the scene.
“Another officer was also bitten on his arm by an aggressive male in the same area.
“The officer’s skin was broken – causing significant injury – and he was unable to continue on duty.
“Officers were also assisting with two males in the Custom House Square area when an officer was assaulted from behind – sustaining a serious injury to the back of his knee.
“The officer required hospital treatment and was unable to continue with his duties.”
Mr George said all of “these shameful attacks on our officers will be investigated rigorously”.
He added: “We have two people charged to appear before Belfast Magistrates’ Court next month as a result of their disgraceful actions.
“Officers put themselves on the front line to help keep people safe – they do not deserve to be assaulted for simply doing their job.
“We are supporting these officers following a difficult 24 hours in the city.
“They are receiving the appropriate care and our welfare support has been set up.
“However, assaults across 24 hours from just one policing district in Northern Ireland, shows the often grim reality of what our officers on the ground are facing each and every day, and the courage and professionalism with which they serve our communities.”
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 1 month ago
▲ 21 r/northernireland
Man left with 'severe' injuries after being shot in the leg
West Belfast: Man left with 'severe' injures after being shot in the leg - BBC News
It happened at about 21:30 BST in an alley between the Falls Road and Ross Road on Sunday
A man aged in his 40s has been shot in the leg in west Belfast, which has left him with "severe" injuries, police have said.
It happened at about 21:30 BST in an alley between the Falls Road and Ross Road on Sunday.
Police said the attack has "caused fear and disruption" in the "very community those responsible for this criminal act claim to protect".
Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey condemned the shooting and said there is "no place for this type of violence in our community".
"It is completely unacceptable and is not wanted by local people," Maskey said.
"Those responsible need to stop and think about the fear and distress their actions cause in the community."
Police received a report from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) that a man had been shot in the vicinity of the Falls Road area.
Officers attended the scene and said the man had been shot once in his leg and has been taken to hospital for treatment.
"Although his injuries are thankfully not life-threatening, they are severe and will no doubt leave him with lasting physical and emotional trauma," the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have said.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 1 month ago
▲ 12 r/northernireland
Kid uses first-ever gig with IDLES to support Palestine
youtube.comu/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 67 r/northernireland
Local NI influencers reaction to people calling him out for lighting a fire on the Black mountain
reddit.com
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
Sex offender given three-year probation after undercover sting at Belfast shopping centre
A 59-year-old man who tried to sexually groom a child into meeting him during an undercover police operation was today (Friday) handed a three-year probation order.
Nicholas Finton O’Brien, of Oakham Street, off the Falls Road in west Belfast, had previously pleaded guilty to attempting to meet a child following sexual grooming.
O’Brien, who is originally from Co Waterford, also admitted a charge of attempted communication with a child.
The offences were committed on dates between November 19, 2024 and December 4, 2024.
Belfast Crown Court heard that a serving law enforcement officer called ‘Mandy’ posed on apps Grindr and Snapchat in what prosecutors described as an “authorised operation’’.
She purported to be a 14-year-old boy named ‘Reece’ from Northern Ireland and the purpose of the operation was to identify persons committing offences of child sexual abuse and child exploitation.
The court heard O’Brien first asked teenager ‘Reece’ if he was “ok with older guys’’.
On November 20, 2024, O’Brien sent ‘Reece’ a message asking for a picture of him and ‘Reece’ sent a picture of him in a school uniform.
O’Brien declined to send any pictures at that stage, telling ‘Reece’: “Because you are too young.’’
On November 25, O’Brien engaged in “sexualised conversation with ‘Reece’’’, discussing sexual acts and sexual fantasies.
‘Reece’ reminded O’Brien that he was only 14 and the defendant sent the teen five images, including a picture of his private parts. The teenager sent O’Brien a selfie of himself wearing a white shirt.
On November 26, O’Brien further engaged in sexualised conversation with ‘Reece’ and asked him for a picture of his private parts.
The defendant then sent ‘Reece’ a further three sexualised images. Over the following two days he discussed with the teenager about sexual fantasies and suggested arrangements for a meeting with ‘Reece’ reminding him again that he was only aged 14.
On December 2, arrangements were finalised for a meeting to take place between the pair the following day at Forestside Shopping Centre in south Belfast.
As he sat in his black Mercedes car in the car park of the Burger King fast food outlet on December 3, O’Brien was arrested by police.
O’Brien was interviewed that day during which he admitted his offending and said he was “ashamed’’ of what he had done.
He accepted he sent photographs and acknowledged the sexualised conversations he had with ‘Reece’ which he described as “banter’’ and that he was driven by “curiosity’’.
O’Brien told a probation officer that he had sexual communications and he had arranged to meet with what he thought was a 14-year-old boy.
He said that over the years he had come to question his sexuality. He had online conversations with men and met men for sexual encounters.
O’Brien described his behaviour as “disgusting’’, but he denied having any sexual interest in children, saying he wanted to meet ‘Reece’ out of curiosity and that he had no specific intention when he met him.
Defence barrister Michael Tierney said that following the father-of-one’s arrest, he proactively sought out counselling with the ‘Stop It Now’ charity and has already completed 24 sessions.
“He says he has found these sessions very helpful which are ongoing,’’ explained Mr Tierney, who added that O’Brien and his wife remained married.
He said the defendant took no issue with the terms of the Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO).
“We are already 18 months post offence and there has been no further offending. He has honoured all bail conditions, he is a first-time offender and cooperated fully with police.’’
The Probation Board said O’Brien, who has a clear criminal record, did not pose a danger to the public and he was assessed as a low likelihood of reoffending.
Imposing the three-year probation order, Belfast Recorder Judge Philip Gilpin said O’Brien would be put on the sex offenders register for five years and will be the subject of a SOPO for an identical period.
u/Kingofireland777 — 2 months ago
▲ 71 r/northernireland
Man accused of spitting in face of Belfast hospital staff allegedly tells judge: 'I hope you get shot'
Court heard the 27-year-old had initially threatened a triage nurse by saying: 'You can f*** off, I’ll get up and knock the c*** out of you’
A man accused of spitting in a staff member’s face during a sectarian tirade at a Belfast hospital appeared to tell a judge today: “I hope you get shot dead.”
James Briers, 27, yelled fresh slurs as he was remanded into custody over the alleged weekend outburst of violence and threats.
Briers, of Kilmakevit Road in Cullybackey, County Antrim, is charged with two common assaults, disorderly behaviour and criminal damage.
Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he was arrested after being restrained on the ground in the Emergency Department of the Mater Hospital just before 2.30am on Saturday.
Police said he had initially threatened a triage nurse checking on his welfare by saying: “You can f*** off, I’ll get up and knock the c*** out of you’.”
He then allegedly called the nurse “a dirty Fenian b*****d”.
When security staff attempted to remove him from the hospital he spat in one of the guard’s eyes and mouth, the court was told. A second member of the security team was struck on the side of the face, knocking off and damaging his glasses.
“He continued to shout loudly that all the staff were Fenians,” a PSNI officer claimed.
As Briers was being transported into police custody he allegedly stated: “I spat in his face because he tried to move me.”
He remained aggressive during interviews but denied all the charges against him.
According to the defendant’s version of events, he attended hospital because he had been assaulted on a previous occasion and thought his shoulder was dislocated.
At some stage he fell asleep in the Emergency Department but was asked to move on by a member of staff who said there was nothing wrong with him.
Defence counsel submitted: “He accepts he reacted and had a discussion with him, but denies any of the allegations of assault and spitting.”
She added that he has problems with substance misuse, but he had been off alcohol until the night of the incident.”
Refusing bail based on the risk of re-offending and harm to the public, District Judge Steven Keown said: “This is an appalling set of facts.
“The court’s priority is obviously hospital staff and emergency services.”
But while Briers was being taken from the dock he shouted: “Every time I go near that f***ing hospital there’s always an issue.”
He then appeared to rant at the judge: “You’re a f***ing scumbag, I hope you get shot dead, you f***ing scumbag. You’re a Fenian scumbag.”
Briers was remanded in custody until September 21 and could face contempt of court proceedings for the outburst.
Mr Keown indicated he will be given one opportunity before then to “apologise profusely” for his behaviour.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 57 r/northernireland
Sadistic hunter linked to far-right Northern Ireland group behind race hate in Glasgow
Sadistic hunter linked to far-right Northern Ireland group behind race hate in Glasgow
WARNING: Distressing images below. Neil Pinkerton was among a band of Northern Irish men to travel to Scotland on July 25 to join an anti-immigration event that was badged "Protect Our Women and Children"
A sadistic animal hunter is at the centre of attempts by far-right agitators in Ireland to stoke racial hatred in Scotland.
Neil Pinkerton was amongst a group of Northern Irish men who travelled to Scotland on July 25 to participate in an anti-immigration demonstration branded "Protect Our Women and Children".
He was joined by close associates Mark Sinclair, a former UVF bank robber, and sectarian killer Glen Kane, in Glasgow during a shameful weekend when masked individuals performed Nazi salutes and chanted "get then out".
Pinkerton can now be exposed as an "urban hunter" who takes pride in killing wild animals with dogs.
He has shared videos and photographs of his own dogs covered in blood following brutal underground fights with foxes, which appeared to have been killed for sport, reports the Record.
Pinkerton and his associates posted a graphic video of one hunt alongside disturbing images of both the dead fox and his injured dog.
He captioned his trophy photograph: "One's going to feel this in the morning, one's not".
Northern Ireland remains the only part of the United Kingdom where hunting with dogs is still permitted - though causing animals unnecessary suffering remains illegal.
Pinkerton previously led a street vigilante group that patrolled areas of East Belfast, in disgraceful scenes now being replicated in Glasgow.
Campaigners in Northern Ireland claim Pinkerton has been one of the most prominent agitators in Belfast, appearing at the "pogrom" that followed the alleged assault of a white man by an immigrant on June 8 this year.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 67 r/IrishHistory
Do you think it will ever be possible to find information on what was spoken in Ireland before Irish?
I always found this topic interesting as before Irish became a language spoken on this island there was already people living here over thousands of years. From what I've learned the Celtic language seems to have been introduced here around the late Bronze age or the early Iron age and was the dominant language right up until the 1800s.
Before the arrival of Irish, there were already people living here and it's been theorised that the language they spoke was definitely not an Indo-European one, there is also a theory that some Irish words may have been borrowed from this unknown language. Another thing I've been wondering is if it was possible that there was a few languages spoken here at the time, because of the Hunter gatherers, the neolithic farmers and the Bell Beakers all settling there so could different languages be spoken in different parts of the island at the time?
But I've always wondered how did this language (or languages) go extinct and because there's no records or evidence that there was writing of this language, do you think it will ever be possible we find something about it or a lead to what it was like?
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 20 r/northernireland
Republican dissident group claims it tried to kill loyalist in west Belfast
Republican dissident group claims it tried to kill loyalist in west Belfast – The Irish News
Kill bid abandoned after target failed to show up
By Connla Young, Crime and Security Correspondent
August 18, 2026 at 6:00am BST
Republican group Óglaigh na hÉireann (ÓNH) has claimed it tried to kill a loyalist in west Belfast earlier this month.
The dissident organisation, which has previously threatened to take action against loyalist paramilitaries, claimed the failed murder bid was a ‘one-off’ and its ceasefire remains intact.
It is believed to be the first time ÓNH, or any anti-agreement republican group, has attempted to kill an identified loyalist.
In a statement using a recognised codeword, the group, which called a ceasefire in 2018, said the alleged loyalist, who has been named, was targeted close to St Peter’s Cathedral in the west of the city on Sunday August 9.
The intended target has been accused of ‘gathering intelligence’ on republicans.
It is claimed the target is linked to a loyalist cell based in the Annadale Embankment area of south Belfast – a known UDA stronghold.
ÓNH has also issued a death threat against a second named loyalist who it is claimed has also been involved in gathering information.
The target of the threat is suspected by ÓNH of being involved with the breakaway South East Antrim UDA faction.
It is claimed both individuals named by ÓNH are known to each other.
It is understood an attempt was made to lure the murder bid target, who works part-time as a delivery driver for a Chinese restaurant, into an ambush after a bogus order was placed.
The fast food outlet, which is based in south Belfast, makes deliveries into the lower Falls area of the city.
It is claimed the attempt to kill was abandoned when the driver failed to show up with a delivery to an address close to St Peter’s Cathedral over a week ago.
The alleged loyalist has also been accused of using both his fast food delivery role and regular job as courier driver to gather information in republican areas.
It is claimed he was recently observed taking photographs of a republican funeral cortege as it left St Peter’s Cathedral.
In 2022 ÓNH used an Easter statement to issue a threat against loyalist leadership figures if nationalists or republicans were attacked as part of a Brexit-linked anti-protocol campaign that was ongoing at the time.
Republicans believe they were being targeted by loyalists at that time.
The group claimed the abandoned gun attack was cleared by its “command”.
“We are not going to sit back for them to come to us,” it said.
“If we have to go down that road to protect republicans then we will go down that road.”
SDLP Policing Board member Colin McGrath said: “News that groups are carrying out surveillance and counter-surveillance on each other and that threats to kill have been issued is a sinister turn of events that harks back to a dark time from our history.
“The overwhelming and greater majority of people here have moved on from this type of behaviour and the motivation for it, and I would urge those involved to desist and to move away from these actions,” he added.
“People want to live peacefully and without fear - the actions of a few cannot be allowed to impact the many.”
Although on ceasefire, in recent years ÓNH has been linked to a string of gun and other attacks against alleged drug dealers.
It was also responsible for shooting and injuring senior Republican Network for Unity figure Sean O’Reilly in 2024 as part of an ongoing feud.
Earlier this month it claimed to have manufactured a large number of 3D-printed versions of the Glock pistol.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
DUP leader condemns attack on Israeli news crew in Belfast city centre which left cameraman injured
The DUP leader has said an attack on an Israeli news crew in Belfast city centre is “deeply concerning”.
Gavin Robinson was commenting after a cameraman was injured in the incident, which was reported to police last Tuesday evening.
The crew said it happened in the Cathedral Quarter area as i24News’ Hebrew channel was filming a documentary about antisemitism in Europe.
Footage provided by the station shows a man shouting at crewmen, Yonatan Raveh and Nadav Abas, as they conducted interviews.
A video showing the incident has appeared online
The individual continued to approach the team as the crew and other members of the public attempted to de-escalate the situation.
A spokesperson for i24News said the assailant tried to seize the crew’s camera equipment and “disrupted the shoot by making obscene gestures at the camera, forcing filming to a halt.”
The video footage shows doormen from surrounding bars attempting block the man from the crew before he threw a pint glass at videographer Mr Abas, leaving him with a cut on his head.
The news station said both reporters required no further medical treatment and subsequently returned to Israel.
Speaking to The Jerusalem Post, Mr Raveh said he believed the man had overheard the crew telling interviewees they were from Israel.
“He came over to us and started asking questions,” he said. “We put the camera on him, and then he gave us the middle finger and shouted ‘f*** Israel’.
“We were not looking for any trouble; we were trying to be as peaceful as we can get, and we just walked away. But he started to follow us.”
Mr Raveh said that security intervened and when the glass was thrown they were brought inside a bar.
“They said they called the police, but we didn’t care. We saw that the man didn’t show up again, so we [left]; we didn’t want to wait for the police.”
He added: “In the specific case of Belfast, the city is kind of divided; it’s like two tribes inside the same city. The Irish Catholics were very anti-Israel, very pro-Palestinian, and the Protestants were pro-Israel.”
>
Gavin Robinson
Reacting to the incident DUP leader Gavin Robinson said there could be “absolutely no justification for violence or intimidation directed towards journalists because they are Israeli or Jewish”.
“The circumstances of this incident, including its motivation, must be fully investigated by the PSNI. I will be drawing this matter to the attention of the police,” he added.
“People are entitled to hold strong views about the Middle East but that can never become a licence for hatred or violence against Israeli or Jewish people.
“Northern Ireland knows only too well where hatred based on identity can lead. Belfast should be a city where journalists from anywhere in the world can work without fear of assault because of who they are or where they come from.
“If this attack was motivated by antisemitism, it must be recognised and condemned unequivocally. There must be no place for antisemitism or any form of intimidation on our streets.”
A spokesperson from Northern Ireland Friends of Israel added: “While Northern Ireland holds sharply different views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the vast majority of Belfast people reject violence and harassment on our streets.
“Visitors and members of the public must be protected, regardless of their nationality or background.
“Regrettably, hostile and inflammatory rhetoric directed at Israelis from political platforms and music stages serves only to incite physical aggression.
“We urge all political and civic leaders to unite in unequivocally condemning violent attacks and the rhetoric that fuels it.”
The PSNI said: “A 30-year-old man was charged with a number of offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault, assault on police and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.
“He was due to appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday August 13. As is normal procedure, all charges will be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service.”
This article was amended on Monday August 17 2026 to update the date of the incident.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
‘I’m not going to stay quiet’: Martin Olali claims shooting was ‘coordinated’ attack on his life
Belfast hit-and-run driver Martin Olali charged after Fleadh brawl | Belfast Telegraph
Killer hit-and-run driver now charged with disorderly behaviour over incident at Belfast Fleadh
West Belfast man Martin Olali Jnr has been charged with disorderly behaviour after a brawl in Belfast city centre at the weekend, during which a woman was knocked to the ground.
Olali is currently on bail awaiting sentencing in relation to the death of Dunmurry man Richard Boyle in a hit-and-run incident over five years ago.
The 42-year-old was walking his dog Junior on the Stewartstown Road on February 5, 2021, when he was struck by a car which failed to stop. Both Mr Boyle and his pet died as a result.
The case had been delayed due to the now-resolved barristers’ strike but is now listed for September, a year after Olali entered guilty pleas at Belfast Crown Court.
In an online post Olali has claimed that a bullet narrowly missed him and his child during a gun attack on his house in the early hours of Tuesday.
Police were called to the scene in the Breton Court area of Lisburn shortly before 1.30am on Tuesday, when the upstairs windows of the house were hit, with damage also caused to a car parked in the driveway.
Footage shows two men arriving in a BMW before one takes aim and fires a number of shots at the house while the other used a metal object to smash the windows of the car.
The Belfast Telegraph previously contacted 28-year-old Mr Olali rough his solicitor, to ask if he wanted to comment on the events of Friday and the gun attack on his home.
However, he declined, instead taking to social media site TikTok to make a number of lengthy posts about the situation.
In the online posts Olali alleges he was racially abused in the city centre on Friday evening and had drink thrown at him prior to the altercation.
He also claims that a gunman was at his house on the Saturday prior to the attack on Tuesday.
He said the shooting was a “planned, coordinated attack on my life” before adding: “I don’t give statements, and I never will, but listen I’m not going stay quiet and have my character run through the mud, it’s been going on for five years now and that’s the last I’m going to allow it to happen”.
In a second online post he claims there is a campaign to damage his reputation, blames the Belfast Telegraph, police and the Fleadh, and appeals for podcasters to contact him to allow him to tell his story “from the horse's mouth”.
“What was already online doesn’t suit the narrative,” he added.
Police do not name individuals but in a statement said that a 28-year-old man was charged with disorderly behaviour in connection with an incident in North Street.
Eyewitnesses say the weekend argument at a Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann musical event in the city centre started earlier in the evening when someone in the crowd identified the west Belfast man as being involved in the hit-and-run that claimed the life of Mr Boyle and his dog, and confronted him.
Police have appealed for information about the gun attack which took place days later.
Olali will appear at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday, September 4 charged with disorderly behaviour in relation to the weekend incident, and again at the Crown Court on September 10 in connection with the hit-and-run.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 98 r/AskARussian
Is it true Russian has less regional dialects than languages like Italian and English?
I was reading about the Russian language online and I've become a bit interested in learning about it. Online it says that people from regions such as, say St Petersburg can understand someone who lives in Vladivostok without effort. I found this interesting as Russia is the largest country in the world by area, and the island I live on is super small and people at different parts of it have accents that are hard to understand so I was shocked to hear that it's not like that in Russia and that their language is super unified.
Is there accents in Russia that you as a Russian struggle to understand a little?
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 24 r/northernireland
Last night Glider antics
I got the Glider into the town last night and you know when you're on the Glider especially in West Belfast you never know what will happen or you might see. Well, there was POO on the floor in the middle bit of the Glider somehow and the bus was packed and stank of it. I was not expecting that and I think Translink need to get their shit together.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 12 r/northernireland
Man in fight which left judge lamenting Belfast as a ‘no-go area’ accused of assaulting nurse just a few days later
A homeless man who was battered during a street fight which led to a judge calling Belfast a “no-go area” later went on to assault a nurse, a court has heard.
Peter McGeown, of no fixed abode, appeared at Laganside Magistrates Court in the city last week charged with common assault while sporting five stitches in his forehead.
The court heard the nurse was on duty at the Royal Victoria Hospital on July 31 when she was asked by a colleague for help rousing a patient.
The victim shook McGeown (31) by the shoulder and used a medical practice known as a ‘trapezius squeeze’ in an attempt to wake him.
Prosecutors said the defendant became irate and told the nurse “get the f**k away from me you tramp” before kicking her.
The woman “was in fear” and returned to her nurse’s station where she reported the incident.
>The nurse acted properly and he is extremely sorry about what happened
Defence counsel for McGeown
A police officer told the court the alleged assault occurred while McGeown was subject to a suspended sentence for domestic assault and the PSNI opposed bail, citing a risk of further offending.
Defence counsel said the defendant had earlier been the victim of an assault several days prior to the incident and had made a “full admission” in interview.
“He expresses full remorse,” McGeown’s lawyer added, saying: “He was in a very deep state of unconsciousness due to (the assault) and his lifestyle.
“The nurse acted properly and he is extremely sorry about what happened.”
District Judge John Meehan said the court “obviously takes a strict view of this kind of offending” but added he was prepared to grant bail “on this occasion” subject to an address approved by police.
McGeown was remanded in custody with the case adjourned until Friday.
Another homeless man had earlier appeared in the same court charged with assaulting McGeown.
Peter Gavin (28) was charged with affray over the 11-man brawl which is said to have happened in front of shocked punters outside popular Belfast city centre bar Kelly’s Cellars on July 25.
At an earlier hearing in relation to the case, District Judge Steven Keown said: “Is it any wonder that people consider the city centre a no-go area?”
Gavin also appeared in the same court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm in relation to a separate alleged incident on July 29, footage of which was shared widely on social media.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
▲ 20 r/northernireland
Woman left horrified after man allegedly commits sex act on himself in Belfast city centre shop
Man (36) arrested for indecent act in Belfast shop | Belfast Telegraph
A woman has described being horrified after a man allegedly committed a sex act on himself in front of her while shopping in Belfast.
The woman described entering a shop in the College Avenue area of Belfast city centre around 12am in early July.
She said after completing her shopping, she noticed the man standing moving his hand and initially thought he was putting something on the shelf.
The woman later said when she looked at him further, she noticed he appeared to be committing a sex act on himself.
In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said a man had been arrested following the incident.
A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police received a report of a man engaging in an act of indecent behaviour in the College Avenue area of Belfast city centre at approximately 12.50am on Friday 5th July.
“A 36-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of committing an act of outraging public decency and possession of a Class C controlled substance.
“He was later released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.”
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago
Man detained in Belfast allegedly convicted of rape in Dublin under different name
Man detained in Belfast allegedly convicted of rape in Dublin under different name – The Irish Times
Belfast High Court hears European Arrest Warrant for man being prepared in Republic
A man detained in Belfast following an international police hunt was allegedly convicted of rape in Dublin under a different name, the High Court in Belfast heard today.
Prosecutors claimed Teklemariam Lijam (42) used separate identities in a bid to mislead the authorities about his criminal past.
The Eritrean national, of no fixed abode, faces new charges of failing to register as a sex offender, providing false information to police, and perverting the course of justice.
Refusing bail, chief justice of Northern Ireland Siobhan Keegan ruled there were no conditions under which he could be safely released.
The court heard Lijam was arrested in March this year after Interpol requested help from the PSNI to establish the whereabouts of a high-risk sex offender using the name Bereket Mekonnen.
Mekonnen was wanted for not notifying Irish authorities about a change of address after serving a jail sentence imposed in 2007 for a rape offence.
Fingerprints held on record for him matched those of Lijam, Crown counsel disclosed.
She said the defendant arrived in the United Kingdom in 2024 but was later prosecuted for a separate exposure offence.
“Police believe his name and date of birth is false, and that he is in fact the individual convicted of rape in Dublin,” the barrister submitted.
“He deliberately did not provide the name used in the south of Ireland in order to mislead the courts [here].”
During interviews, Lijam did not deny that the individual in a photograph accompanying a newspaper article from the earlier case was him, but could not confirm the content was correct because it was not in his language.
With Home Office checks still being carried out to establish his correct details, the court heard a European Arrest Warrant is also being prepared in the Republic of Ireland.
Opposing bail, counsel added: “He goes by two different identities, and police have reasonable grounds to doubt whether or not he has furnished his real name.”
Kelly Doherty, defending, disputed claims her client had perverted the course of justice and could flee from the jurisdiction, citing his refugee status in the UK.
“He fled Eritrea to avoid military service and if he were to return his life would be in danger,” she said.
Bail was denied, however, based on concerns Lijam could reoffend or abscond.
u/Portal_Jumper125 — 2 months ago