Police came under attack during a nine-hour riot in Ardoyne last July, following a contentious parade
Three men who admitted involvement in serious rioting at a sectarian interface in north Belfast on 12 July last year have been sent to prison.
Belfast Crown Court heard 23 police officers were hurt during nine hours of rioting at the Ardoyne shops, costing the public purse almost £220,000.
Brian Gavin was given a three-year sentence while Daniel Neill was handed a two-and-a half-year prison term.
Their co-accused, Paul Faulkner, was sentenced to two years.
'Annual riots'
The trouble broke out following a contentious Orange Order parade in the area.
Jailing the trio, the judge told them they may wish to reflect on the fact that the instigators and organisers of the "sadly" almost annual riots were rarely before the courts.
He said that instead, the riot organisers "stand back and allow you, literally, as cannon fodder to become involved".
Earlier, the court was told how police came under attack from rioting crowds in the area of the Ardoyne shop fronts, Twaddell Avenue and Brompton Park, following the annual 12th July Orange Order march in the city.
A prosecuting lawyer described how crowds of up to 150 on either side of the sectarian divide attacked police, throwing various missiles including bricks, bottles, masonry and stones.
'Prolific offenders'
The lawyer also said a pipe bomb and ten live rounds were fired from a "high-velocity semi-automatic rifle" during the violence.
Turning to the roles of each of the defendants, the prosecution said both 19-year-old Gavin, from Woodside Park, Twinbrook, and 20-year-old Neill, from Newington Street in Belfast, were described by police as being among "the most prolific offenders" in the riot.
Both men had attempted to hide their faces as they attacked police lines but were later identified.
Gavin was filmed on CCTV, throwing bricks and other similar missiles for around a four-hour period. He was also part of a group who tried to push a hijacked car at police lines.
The teenager pleaded guilty to riot and causing criminal damage by arson.
'Lower end'
The prosecution lawyer said Neill was also seen throwing numerous missiles and a firework at police. He threw a burning piece of wood into the back of an already burning car.
Neill pleaded guilty to offences of riot and arson.
The prosecution conceded that 31-year-old Faulkner, from Queens Parade, Belfast, was at the lower end of the scale compared to his co-accused.
The court heard Faulkner threw two stones at police and later pleaded guilty to a single charge of riot.
The judge ordered that each of the three men serve half their sentences in custody and half on licence.
He said it was particularly important to note, since the marching season was just beginning, that anyone who involves themselves in a riot, "except in the most exceptional circumstances," will go to prison.
