'Love Ulster' rioter jailed for violent disorder

A man who threw bricks at gardaí during the 'Love Ulster' riot in 2006 has been jailed for 18 months for violent disorder.

A man who threw bricks at gardaí during the 'Love Ulster' riot in 2006 has been jailed for 18 months for violent disorder.

Sean Murphy (23), previously of Tonlegee Road, Coolock, pleaded guilty to violent disorder on O'Connell Street on February 25th, 2006.

Judge Patrick McCartan said Murphy had taken a "very active and front line role" in the violence.

Detective Garda Michael Burke told the court that gardaí facing protesters on O'Connell Street clearly saw Murphy breaking paving stones into smaller pieces to be thrown at the police.

Murphy was aslo seen throwing several bricks during the disturbance and was spotted near a bin which was set alight.

When questioned, Murphy told gardaí he had not  been aware of the organisation of a riot and had been "forced" into the crowd. 

Det Gda Burke said Murphy had 29 previous convictions for public order, firearms and drugs offences. He has a three-year-old child and was now homeless and a heroin addict.

Det Gda Burke agreed with Sandra Frayne BL, defending, that Murphy did not deny his involvement in the public disorder and it was fair to say that he did not have "political leanings".