Republican faces rioting charge

A leading republican has appeared in court charged with public order offences.

Bobby Storey, 49, of South Link, Andersonstown, is accused of assaulting and attempting to obstruct a police officer, and riotous assembly.

The offences relate to a disturbance at a west Belfast social club on the Andersonstown Road on 4 September.

He was remanded in custody, but an application for bail is due to be lodged in the High Court.

During the brief hearing at Belfast Magistrates Court on Friday, the defendant spoke only to confirm that he understood the charges.

A policeman said he believed he could connect Mr Storey to the charges.

It is understood a bail hearing will be heard on Saturday.