CAUGHT IN THE ACT….Sinn Fein’s policing spokesman captured on camera removing a clamp from his car

SINN Féin’s Gerry Kelly says he has paid a fined and compensation after he deliberately removed a wheel clamp from his car outside a gym using a set of bolt cutters.

The North Belfast MLA and former Old Bailey bomber said he regrets removing a clamp from his car after he was caught red-handed on video and will not do it again.

Several recordings showed the one-time IRA man approaching the front wheel of his silver Ford Focus car and cutting off a chain used to secure the clamp.

Speaking on BBC TalkBack today, Mr Kelly said he had agreed to pay a £100 fine to the clamping company and also £50 for the damage to the clamp owned by private company Parking and Enforcement Agency.

He said he had borrowed the bolt cutters he used from the gym he had been attending.

And he said as far as he was concerned the matter was now over.

“I removed the chain and then arranged a meeting with police”, he said.

“The matter has been resolved between myself and the company as I have paid a fine. 

Mr Kelly had parked in a yellow box in Exchange Street, before attending a nearby gym on Friday.

Printed on the yellow box was “no parking,” while there were signs on the wall which read “private parking only”.

There are a number of other signs on the wall warning of a clamping operation in force.

Video footage shows the MLA work at the clamp with bolt cutters before placing it on a wall.

Sinn Fein said Mr Kelly removed the clamp before heading off to meetings.

Police are investigating and Mr Kelly was interviewed on Sunday evening.