Police Driver To Be Reprimanded Over Kelly Incident

A police driver is to be reprimanded for his part in an incident last year when Sinn Féin MLA Gerry Kelly was carried a short distance on the bonnet of a police land rover.

Mr Kelly received an "informed warning", which is a formal reprimand by the police, on Monday for his role in the altercation, but now the Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has confirmed the officer will also be reprimanded. It is understood he will be reprimanded this week for driving without due care and attention.

While it is not a conviction, a reprimand is recorded on a person's criminal record for 12 months.

A spokesperson for the PPS said: "I can confirm that the test for prosecution is met in the case involving Mr Gerard Kelly MLA and the police officer.

"Having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it was concluded that a diversionary disposal was appropriate."

Following his formal reprimand on Monday, Mr Kelly told the media: "I believed at the time I did the right thing. I was part of calming a very difficult situation.

"I have always believed that this is a matter which should not be brought before the courts."

The DUP's Nigel Dodds has said Mr Kelly should have been prosecuted over the incident.

TUV leader Jim Allister added: "This will do nothing to restore loyalist faith in policing, but, rather, it will perpetuate the present disconnect."

The incident regarding the PSNI Land Rover occurred in the Peter's Hill area of north Belfast following a contentious Orange march in June 2013.

(JP)