05/02/2018

Gerry Kelly Reported To PSNI Over Wheel Clamp

Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly has been reported to the police over an incident in Belfast on Friday, 02 February.

Mr Kelly was reported over alleged criminal damage after footage on social media appears to show him using bolt cutters to remove a wheel clamp in the Cathedral Quarter area.

DUP Deputy Leader Nigel Dodds said: "The Gerry Kelly incident is symptomatic of a wider pattern of behaviour by leading Sinn Fein figures.

"They regard themselves as not being bound by the same rules as the rest of society.

"They preach respect but show little or no respect for people, rules or laws which they disagree with.

"They preach equality but, to them, some are more equal than others.

"This is another significant test for the Sinn Fein leadership.

"They failed miserably over the Barry McElduff scandal.

"They failed to deal with Máirtín Ó Muilleoir.

"Will Gerry Adams, Mary Lou McDonald or Michelle O’Neill finally take action when we have their policing spokesperson act like this?"

Ulster Unionist MLA, Roy Beggs, said: "Gerry Kelly's actions demonstrate contempt for private property and a complete lack of respect for rules that apply to the rest of us in Northern Ireland. What if everyone ignored yellow lines? Does Gerry think that he is special and above the rules that apply to you and me?

"This is a public representative who sits on the Policing Board but seemingly drives around with a set of bolt cutters available to remove unwanted wheel clamps. He sets an appalling example. It seems that being in possession of a Royal Pardon has made Gerry Kelly believe that he is truly untouchable. He should do the decent thing and resign. If this was to happen in any other part of the United Kingdom or indeed the Republic, the relevant politician would be gone. Instead Gerry Kelly is arrogant and shameless."

(CD/MH)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

11 February 2020
Sinn Fein Comes Under Dissident Threat
Sinn Fein deputy leader Michelle O'Neill has been warned of planned attacks against herself and party colleague Gerry Kelly by dissident republicans. Northern Ireland's deputy First Minister was informed by the PSNI of intelligence pointing to attacks targeting her and Gerry Kelly MLA, the party's policing spokesperson.
26 September 2008
BBC 'Maze Escape' Prompts US Controversy
A leading DUP politician was caught up in a US 'peace' award row this week as his Sinn Fein's NI Executive colleague's past was thrown into focus.
04 October 2016
Boy Stable Following Scrambler Collision
A nine-year-old boy has been taken to hospital after being hit by a scrambler in Newtownabbey. The collision happened at Mossley Pavilion on the Carnmoney Road at around 8.45pm on Monday, 03 October, The boy is in a stable condition, according to the Belfast Trust.
06 February 2017
Man Escapes Injury After Shots Fired At House In Co Antrim
A man has escaped injury following a shooting incident at a house in Co Antrim. Two shots were fired at a house on the Bawnmore Drive area in Newtownabbey at around 8.45pm on Sunday, 05 February. A man in his 30s was in the property at the time, however he was not injured.
04 August 2008
Alliance Won't Take Policing Ministry
Despite optimism from a senior Sinn Féin politician - who has insisted that his party and the DUP have reached an agreement on the contentious issue of the devolution of policing - one preferred option of a Policing and Justice Minister drawn from the middle ground Alliance Party has been dismissed out-of-hand.