Ex-soldier sentenced over rioting

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/5342510.stm

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A former soldier, caught on camera rioting in north Belfast, has received a two-year suspended prison sentence.

Darren Stewart Cahoon, 37, from West Circular Road in Belfast, was amongst a crowd of people who attacked police lines last September.

Officers were pelted with bricks, bottles and other missiles. Cahoon admitted the charges.

The disturbances broke out after the disputed Orange Order Whiterock Parade was re-routed.

Judge Patrick Lynch QC told Cahoon: "This society has enough troubles and the Police Service of Northern Ireland has enough difficulties without it being exacerbated by hooliganism.

"They are the last people who need to be attacked by persons of mature years who should know better."

Cahoon's sentence was suspended for three years.