On September 1 at Coleraine Magistrates’ Court, Sam Robinson, a 29-year-old resident of Calvin Street, Belfast, appeared to answer charges related to the breach of his bail conditions.
Robinson was previously barred from attending band parades or rallies and prohibited from being under the influence of alcohol in public.
On August 30 this year, during a Royal Black Institution parade in Antrim, Robinson was found intoxicated and causing a disturbance in the Fountain Street area. A police officer testified that while Robinson’s behaviour was noted after the parade had concluded, it was believed his intoxication was related to the event.
Robinson is currently on bail awaiting sentencing for a previous incident on May 17 this year, where he was disorderly at a band parade in Ballymena, possessing a blue flare without a license. The prosecutor detailed that during that incident, Robinson had waved the flare, creating panic among the public, including children, and obstructing the view of the parade. His behaviour escalated to the point where he resisted police arrest and attempted self-harm while in custody.
Robinson’s defence acknowledged his struggle with alcoholism and argued that he had intended to support the parade, having purchased the flare from a stall near the police station without realising it was illegal to possess. However, they conceded that Robinson’s disruptive actions led to his apprehension.
Sentencing for the original disorderly conduct charge is set for September 9, 2025.
In light of the parading season’s conclusion, District Judge Peter King opted to re-admit Robinson to bail, despite the breach, citing the limited opportunities for future attendance at parades. The case has been adjourned until September 9 for sentencing on the Ballymena incident.