Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly carried by PSNI landrover during Tour of the North parade

FIRST Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly was given a police rap across the knuckles for clamouring onto a moving PSNI Landrover.

Now the driver of the Landrover may also face a similar fate during the incident following a loyalist band parade last year.

North Belfast MLA Mr Kelly already received a formal reprimand for grabbing onto the grill of the Landrover after trying to stop it.#

Onboard was a 16-year-old republican youth who had been arrested for a public order offence at Carrick Hill in June last year.

It is believed the police officer will receive his reprimand in the next 24 hours for driving without due care and attention.

However, if he refuses to accept the caution he will prosecuted for careless driving at Belfast Magistrates’ Court within the next six months.

A person refusing to accept the reprimand can prosecuted in court.

The incident occurred in north Belfast following a contentious Orange march.

After receiving the formal reprimand on Monday, Mr Kelly said: “I believed at the time I did the right thing. I was part of calming a very difficult situation,” he said.

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

The case of the police officer who drove the Land Rover was referred to the Police Ombudsman who then passed it to the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

A PPS spokesperson 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.”

The formal warning will stay on the MLA’s criminal record for the next 12 months.