Up to 60 masked men allegedly took part in a "display of sinister force" linked to the Ulster Volunteer Force in east Belfast, a court has heard.
The prosecution claimed that the suspected show of strength resulted in nearly a dozen people taking shelter in a community centre for eight days. A member of the public pulled up in a "distressed and fearful" state and pointed in the direction of the crowd, the court heard. She said up to 11 people, including children, were drawn to the nearby Ballymac Centre for safety and stayed there until 10 February.Opposing bail, the prosecution argued that the wearing of masks was "highly indicative of those involved clearly knowing this was unlawful activity".With none of the three accused charged with any paramilitary offences, defence lawyers challenged the strength of the evidence against them.
'There were fine people on both sides'
They wore masks, so it is ok.
Come on - they're not all bad. At least they were all wearing face masks 😷👍🇬🇧