Rioter in red, white and blue mohawk wig jailed

Jonathan David Carmichael was captured on police CCTV jumping on the bonnet of a PSNI Land Rover, dragging a barrier across the road and throwing a number of objects at officers during a riot which broke out in the Woodvale/Twaddell area.

Carmichael, a warehouse operative from Black Mountain Grove, was wearing a distinctive red, white and blue mohawk wig during the civil unrest on July 13 last year.

Trouble flared following a Parades Commission determination banning an Orange lodge and flute band from returning past the nationalist Ardoyne shop fronts area.

Around 25 police officers were injured after police lines were pelted with masonry, bricks, bottles and other items, with one officer suffering a severe ear injury.

Carmichael was captured on CCTV in the area for over two hours wearing a distinctive wig, and at some stage during the incident he covered his face with a scarf.

As well as jumping on the Land Rover, throwing bottles and bricks at police lines and helping to drag a barrier across the road, Carmichael was also hit with water cannon as he and others sat in the middle of the road.

Belfast Crown Court heard that following the riot, Carmichael was tagged on a picture on Facebook which in turn led to his arrest.

When he was interviewed and shown the CCTV footage, Carmichael agreed that he was in the area on the evening in question, recognised himself wearing the mohawk wig, but said he had no recollection of rioting.

He subsequently admitted a single charge of rioting last July.

Her Honour Judge McCaffrey was told Carmichael came before the court with 14 previous convictions for offences including disorderly behaviour.