A 24-year-old woman who was allegedly seen placing masonry on a road during disorder in Portadown on Wednesday, June 10, has been remanded in custody.
Craigavon Magistrates’ Court, on Friday, heard that at one stage Aaliyah Harper, of Ballybay View, Portadown, allegedly shouted at police: “You black b*****ds, you will protect them but not us”.
She appeared at court via video link.
She is charged with disorderly behaviour in the vicinity of Northway in Portadown and possessing gloves ‘and masonry’ with intent to cause or permit others to use it destroy or damage property.
Opposing bail, a police officer said there had been “serious disorder” and at 8.45pm on Wednesday, June 10 police at High Street in Portadown saw the defendant with her face covered and wearing black.
She allegedly shouted: “You black b*****ds, you will protect them but not us”.
A short time later she was observed at Northway in a “large crowd attempting to block the road”.
Several dispersal orders were given.
The officer said the defendant was observed placing masonry onto the road.
She was subsequently located at Mandeville Street and arrested. She had a pair of black gloves.
The defendant had one previous conviction – criminal damage in 2024.
Objecting to bail, the officer said there had been “serious, further, public disorder”.
A defence barrister said the defendant was “caught up in this on her way home”.
District Judge Michael Ranaghan refused bail due to a risk of further public disorder.
He said properties had been burnt out and a number of police officers were injured during disorder in parts of Northern Ireland.
The defendant was remanded in custody and the case was adjourned to July 10.
