Belfast man danced on roof of police Land Rover and incited others to riot, court told

Belfast man danced on roof of police Land Rover and incited others to riot, court told Burton claimed he walked down to observe the gathering after being alerted to a social media posting by an individual known as ‘Freedom Dad’ 16:12, 10 Jun 2026 A Belfast man danced on the roof of a police Land Rover and incited others to riot following a serious knife attack in the city, a court heard today. Dwayne Burton, 42, also allegedly attacked the vehicle with a shopping trolley before attempting to get inside. He was arrested after public disorder erupted in the on Tuesday evening. Crowds had gathered as part of wider protests staged following a street stabbing at Kinnaird Avenue in the both of the city the previous night. Sudanese national Hadi Alodid, 30, has been remanded in custody accused of attempting to murder a man in his 40s who suffered serious eye injuries, as well as other deep wounds to his face and back. Burton, of Clara Street, appeared at Belfast Magistrates’ Court charged with riotous assembly, attempted criminal damage and assaulting a police designated person. A PSNI constable said he was spotted as the became blocked during the developing unrest. Burton allegedly lifted a shopping trolley and threw it at one of the police Land Rovers before gesturing to others gathered at the scene. “He was also seen in the middle of the road with his hands up, inciting the crowd to engage in the riot,” the officer claimed. She told the court Burton then removed the trolley and climbed on top of the vehicle. “He had a distinctive backpack and appeared to be dancing on the truck,” the constable added. “The defendant was also observed punching the police Land Rover and attempting to open the passenger door.” Burton was arrested and taken to Musgrave Police Station, where he allegedly kicked out at a custody detention officer. During interviews he said he had consumed half a bottle of vodka as he spent the day drinking heavily. Burton claimed he walked down to observe the gathering after being alerted to a social media posting by an individual known as ‘Freedom Dad’. “He accepted that he was the male in the footage…. And accepted on viewing the footage that he has committed the offences,” the constable said. Opposing bail, she argued that Burton had been an active participant in unrest which could spread further. Defence solicitor Jonathan Burke accepted: “Obviously it is a grotesque set of circumstances which led to this defendant coming before (the court). “The only credit in relation to his behaviour is the full acceptance of his involvement.” Mr Burke acknowledged concerns about his client’s alcohol misuse, describing him as a man with “significant vulnerabilities”. Burton was refused bail and remanded in custody until July 8. Article continues below District Judge Steven Keown stated: “People knowingly involved themselves in this wide-scale public disorder having been called onto the streets with that very aim in mind.” For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.