A MAN accused of verbally abusing police after he was told to pick up a smashed bottle at a Twelfth of July parade has today been granted High Court bail.
Prosecutors opposed Sam Robinson's release following the alleged bout of aggression at last week's Orange Order demonstration in south Belfast.
The 22-year-old, of Forthriver Road in the city, faces a charge of disorderly behaviour near the House of Sport on Upper Malone Road.
It was claimed he started shouting and swearing after police asked him to stop throwing bottles and to pick up broken glass.
He allegedly flailed his arms around in an agitated state, still holding the glass, as family members tried to pull him away.
A previous court was told Robinson continued using foul and abusive language, but due to the large crowd in the area could not be detained until later that afternoon.
He struggled again, shouting "fenian b*******", police claimed.
Prosecution counsel Natalie Pinkerton said members of the public asked for him to be taken away due to his behaviour.
Robinson was said to have been walking back from Shaws Bridge, stopping with his family to watch one of their local bands, when the incident occurred.
His lawyer argued that he only had the glass in his hand because he was doing what police had asked.
Bail was opposed amid fears of potential re-offending.
But after being told Robinson's partner is due to give birth, Madam Justice McBride ruled he could be released from custody.
She imposed an alcohol ban as part of the bail conditions.
