Man (44) Jailed for Part in Ballymena Disorder: Three Years for Distributing Bottles to Rioters and Lobbing Items at Police

Father-of-five who threw beer bottles at police during Ballymena race riot jailed

Man (44) jailed for part in Ballymena disorder: Three years for distributing bottles to rioters and lobbing items at police

A 44-year-old seen distributing bottles to people rioting in Ballymena has been sentenced to a three-year stretch.

Man (44) who threw beer bottles at police during Ballymena riot jailed for one year

‘This is the worst thing I have ever done’, Gary McCrystal told probation officer after his arrest

44-year-old sentenced over Ballymena disorder after supplying bottles to rioters and attacking officers

Jailed: 44-year-old Gary McCrystal Friday 23 October 2026 A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to three years in prison, with 12 months to be served in custody, for his involvement in the violent disorder that erupted in Ballymena in June 2025. Gary McCrystal was sentenced at Belfast Magistrates’ Court today, Friday 23 October, after being charged with riot following the disturbances that saw police officers attacked and widespread damage caused…