Police in riot gear move into east Belfast on Saturday evening

A MAN has faced a court on Monday charged with having a gun during violent street protests in east Belfast at the weekend.

The 38-year-old was arrested during rioting in east Belfast on 5 December, following a union flag protest.

Thomas Finlay, from Cuba Walk, in east Belfast, faced two other charges including riotous behaviour and failing to remove a disguise when asked to do so by a police officer.

The court was told that the firearm was a blank firing pistol but that further tests are being carried out.

There was no bail application and Finlay was remanded in custody until next month.