Shooting rioters given 27 years

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7053267.stm

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Two men who fired on police after a controversial Orange parade was banned in September 2005 have been jailed for a total of 27 years.

A judge said they took part in "one of the most violent cases of public disorder in recent years".

A detective said the community was a safer place with neighbours John Mains and Colin Harbinson behind bars.

Mains, 38, of Highfield Drive in Belfast, was jailed for 17 years for attempting to murder police.

Harbinson, 36, also of Highfield Drive, was given 10 years for possessing firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

Both men also agreed to serve two years each on probation following their release.

Weapons recovered

Speaking outside Belfast Crown Court, Detective Superintendent George Clarke, who headed the investigation to identify the masked gunmen, said: "Our community is safer with these people in jail."

Widespread rioting took place after the re-routed Whiterock Protestant Orange Order parade on 11 September 2005.

Live rounds were fired at police during a week of street disturbances, which cost £3m to police.

From 10-17 September, 82 people were arrested, 12 weapons recovered and 93 police officers were injured.

One hundred and fifty live rounds were fired at police, 167 blast bombs were thrown at police lines, 167 vehicles were hijacked and more than 1,000 petrol bombs were thrown. Police fired 216 impact rounds.