NI: Loyalist flute band members see convictions overturned

NI: Loyalist flute band members see convictions overturned

Thirteen members of a loyalist flute band that allegedly played a sectarian song outside a Catholic church in north Belfast have seen their convictions overturned.

The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) did not oppose the appeal by members of the Young Conway Volunteers because they agreed to be bound over to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for two years.

The thirteen men include ten adults, ages ranging from 22 to 42, and three who were juveniles at the time of the incident on 12 July 2012.

They were accused of committing a provocative act likely to cause public disorder or a breach of the peace and were convicted by District Judge Paul Copeland in April.

Following the overturn of the convictions, a solicitor representing twelve of the accused said: “No offence was ever intended to the residents and parishioners of the church.

“Common sense has prevailed and my clients want to put the matter behind them.”

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