An anti-immigration protester who took part in an illegal parade in Belfast while waving an Irish tricolor has been jailed for three months.

Bernard Lavery (34) was convicted for his significant role in the rally which led to serious rioting on the city’s streets earlier this year.

His lawyer said he attended the Aug. 3 event in an “observation role” and tried to prevent the unrest that followed.

Lavery, of Farnham Street in Belfast, pleaded guilty to taking part in a public procession without warning.

He was arrested as part of the investigation into the events following the anti-immigration protest at City Hall.

Some of the crowd headed towards south Belfast, where business premises were later subjected to alleged racist attacks.

There is no indication that Lavery targeted any of these premises.

But Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard he was observed in front of the crowd, waving an Irish flag.

“He appeared to be turning around and pointing it towards the crowd as they walked,” added a prosecution lawyer.

Defense lawyer Paul Dougan said Lavery attended the event without realizing any parade would be illegal.

“He had been informed via social media and leaflets posted in his letterbox,” Mr Dougan said.

“When he was there and realized the situation was getting out of control, he tried to act in a way to calm the situation.”

He also claimed that Lavery attracted press attention because of the flag he had at the scene.

“It gained some notoriety because of the proximity of someone with an Irish tricolor standing next to someone with the Union Jack,” Mr Dougan said.

“Since then, he has been the subject of quite virulent comments in the media. »

Lavery is currently serving a separate prison sentence for drug offenses.

Impose a three-month sentence for participating in an unreported procession.

District Judge Amanda Henderson said: “This exceeds the threshold for detention… it has led to extreme disorder in the town. »