Gerry Kelly 'regrets' removing clamp from car with bolt cutters
The Sinn Fein politician says he was under pressure to get to talks at Stormont, and could not get through to the clamping firm.
Monday 5 February 2018 19:07, UK
Sinn Fein's policing spokesman Gerry Kelly says he decided to remove a clamp from his car using bolt cutters during an "on-the-spot decision which I now regret".
The North Belfast MLA has paid his fine following the incident last week.
Mr Kelly found his car had been clamped outside a gym in Belfast on Friday morning.
Footage of Mr Kelly's actions was posted on social media. A pair of bolt cutters can be seen close to the wheel of his vehicle.
He was reported to police for alleged criminal damage after he was filmed removing the clamp.
In a statement released on Monday, Mr Kelly said he had been "under pressure" to get to "talks" at Stormont, and said he "phoned the number on the notice and the only response I got was music".
After going back into the Metropolitan Arts Centre, he asked if they had another number for the company.
But that did not connect either, he said.
Mr Kelly added: "I remembered that the gym had a set of bolt cutters and I borrowed them. Let me add that staff at the gym were not aware what I was using the bolt cutters for.
"I then removed the clamp. I made an on-the-spot decision which I now regret.
"I have contacted the company and paid the fine. The issue has now been resolved."
The clamp was fitted by a private firm called Parking and Enforcement Agency.
On Sunday evening, Mr Kelly tweeted: "No one can be above the law. I made a voluntary arrangement to meet the police and met them today for interview. I want to get the issue resolved as soon as possible."