25 IN COURT OVER WREXHAM RIOTS.

Byline: EMMA ADAMS

TWENTY-five people, including seven youths aged 17 and under, appeared at Mold crown court yesterday charged in connection with last month's Wrexham riots.

All are accused of violent disorder and four, including two boys aged 13 and 15, are charged with hurling petrol bombs at the police on the Caia Park estate.

The cases were adjourned until September 12 when the defendants will enter pleas.

Judge Stephen Clarke agreed with crown prosecutor Mr Alun Humphreys that the prosecution should be given six weeks to serve their evidence.

There was additional security at the court for the hearings, which lasted more than and hour and a half. One woman protested from a packed gallery against a decision to remand one of the men in custody.

Applications by some of the accused to be allowed to return home to Caia Park were rejected by Judge Clarke because some of the 170 witness statements taken by police are from people living on the estate.

Judge Clarke ordered none of the youths should be publicly identified.

The cases of others charged with violent disorder during the disturbances are still in the magistrates' court and are due to be committed to crown court.