'Love Ulster' rioter gets community service

A Love Ulster rioter who was recognised by gardai at his local station when he was shown on the news throwing a bottle at gardaí has been given community service at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court.

Kenneth Farrell (aged 19), who has seven previous convictions, was shown on a RTÉ news bulletin being "the big man by getting out in front of the crowd and picking up missiles to throw at gardaí".

Farrell, of Bluebell Road, Bluebell, pleaded guilty to violent disorder on O'Connell Street on February 25, 2006.

Judge Katherine Delahunt said she did not believe a prison term would be of benefit and imposed a three-year sentence, suspended on condition he completes 170 hours of community service.

Detective Garda Peter Collins told Ms Anne Marie Lawlor BL, prosecuting, that Farrell was arrested and admitted his role.

Det Gda Collins agreed with Mr Dean Kelly BL, defending, that Farrell had been captured throwing two bottles and "was not a ringleader". He agreed Farrell was "shocked" at what he saw when he pointed himself out on footage.

Mr Kelly said Farrell was a father of one and a plasterer with a good work history. He said he was "a responsible young man" involved in voluntary work in his community.

He said the "obnoxious and violent behaviour" from Farrell was "an effort to be the big man".

He added Farrell came from "a law-abiding family" and "could play a useful and helpful role in society".