Incident Overview
Police responded to reports of disorder and criminal damage in Dungannon on Monday evening.
Two men, Januario Soares, 35, and Guilherme Gamma Mau, 32, appeared at Dungannon Magistrates' Court on Wednesday charged in connection with the recent disorder and criminal damage. Both were arrested on Monday at Killyman Road.
Details of the Incident
A police officer informed the court that reports indicated a group of 10 individuals were present in Courthouse Villas causing criminal damage using knives and other weapons.
Police discovered a ground floor property with a door removed by broken hinges and a smashed window on the upper floor.
An occupant reported to police that a crowd of 10 men had caused the damage before fleeing towards Northlands Village.
Officers proceeded to the area and found two men engaged in a fight with another individual on the ground, who was being struck on the head with "clenched fists." All three men were arrested, including the alleged victim, who had sustained facial injuries but declined to provide a statement.
Police and Community Response
Due to concerns about further offending and potential witness interference, police opposed bail for Soares and Mau. They also noted that "tensions in the area are high."
An email from PSNI Inspector Jeffers indicated that the local community had "angrily expressed concerns" regarding the incident.
A video circulated on social media showing a resident expressing anger about the events received approximately 4,000 views and 120 comments, predominantly focusing on alleged East Timorese gang violence.
Inspector Jeffers stated that the Eastvale community was currently not engaging with police following several incidents. The most recent incident involved a banner on the Moygashel bonfire. Local officers are engaging with the East Timorese community, though the impact remains uncertain.
Official Statements and Community Actions
The Consulate General of Timor-Leste issued a statement describing the incident as:
"deeply disturbing and completely unacceptable" and "it has created a frightening environment, causing significant emotional distress for the local and wider community - particularly for vulnerable people".
Following the incident, approximately 15 people attended a vigil outside the police station to oppose gang violence and show support for the injured man.
Cultural Context and Court Proceedings
The police officer, while not an expert in the area, explained his understanding that in East Timorese culture, gangs can play a role and may be "problematic with an element of honour" within the groups.
The defence solicitor for Mau emphasized that his client had no injuries on his hands indicative of assault and asserted that he was attempting to break up the fight. He also highlighted that three individuals were arrested from a suspected group of 10, with one already released on bail, suggesting the defendants should be granted bail as well.
The solicitor further argued that safety concerns were mitigated as the court had agreed to withhold the defendants' addresses.
However, the judge denied the bail application, citing that "police observed these two men inflicting violence on another male who was on the ground."
Both men are scheduled to appear via video link on 12 August.
