Church vandal students cautioned

Niall Colton and Kevin Briggs smashed windows and damaged a door

Two students have received police cautions after admitting smashing windows in a south Belfast church.

The Court Service confirmed on Monday that they are Niall Colton and Kevin Briggs of Carmel Street in the Holylands area.

Shortly before the attack in June, City Church on University Avenue was used to house Roma families who had been intimidated from their homes.

Police said the attack was not racially motivated.

At the time of the attack, both attended Queen's University, Belfast.

Niall Colton is the son of Belfast barrister Adrian Colton QC.

The PPS originally decided to prosecute the pair for criminal damage on September 6. However a month later, the PPS decided to issue cautions instead.

Reversed

It is understood the decision to prosecute was reversed after solicitors acting for the students provided additional information.

This is believed to have included details that they had admitted the offence and had agreed to pay restitution to the City Church and take part in a restorative justice scheme.

In order for the PPS to consider a caution, the person must accept guilt. The caution then remains on record for five years.