22-Year-Old Man Charged With 28 Offences in Belfast

Lennon Ashwood, a 22-year-old man from Belfast, has been remanded in custody after being charged with 28 offences, including multiple counts of riot, arson, and assaulting a police officer. These charges stem from recent public disorder linked to anti-immigration protests in Belfast, particularly violent incidents on August 3, where businesses owned by ethnic minorities were targeted. Ashwood faces serious charges such as causing an explosion likely to endanger life and attempted grievous bodily harm, with a detective confirming connections to the offences. The judge indicated that a bail application would have been denied due to the racially aggravated nature of the charges. Ashwood's arraignment occurred at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, where he acknowledged his understanding of the charges. The Public Prosecution Service is set to review all charges as part of the legal process.