Sinn Fein police spokesman Gerry Kelly questioned after being filmed removing clamp
Video on social media聽shows Gerry Kelly kneeling down to remove the device and laying it against a wall in Belfast city centre.
Sunday 4 February 2018 21:49, UK
Sinn Fein's policing spokesman has been interviewed by detectives after he was filmed removing a wheel clamp from his car, it is understood.
Video on social media shows Northern Ireland Assembly member Gerry Kelly kneeling down to remove the device and laying it against a wall in Belfast city centre.
A pair of bolt cutters can be seen next to the wheel.
Mr Kelly had just finished an early-morning gym session.
A Sinn Fein spokesman said it happened on Friday, and added: "He removed the clamp from the front wheel. He left the device nearby and drove off to pre-arranged meetings.
"His solicitor is dealing with the matter and he will be making no further comment at this time."
The private parking firm that controls the area have reported the alleged criminal damage to police.
Police Northern Ireland tweeted on Sunday that they had interviewed a 64-year-old man at Musgrave Police Station in relation to an allegation of criminal damage at Exchange Street, Belfast, on Friday.
Other political parties have criticised Mr Kelly's actions.
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds criticised Sinn Fein's leadership, saying: "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."
Traditional Unionist Voice (TUV) leader Jim Allister called on the police to investigate and said Mr Kelly's "audacious taking of the law into his own hands must not go unchallenged".
"Kelly should resign after this self-serving, law-defying episode," he added.
The veteran republican was convicted over the IRA bombing of the Old Bailey in 1973 and 10 years later took part in a mass escape from the Maze prison.
It is the latest test for Sinn Fein, whose leader Gerry Adams is stepping down later this month.
In January, Sinn Fein MP Barry McElduff was forced to resign after tweeting a video showing him with a loaf of Kingsmill bread on his head on the anniversary of the republican Kingsmill massacre.