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Man fined over 2019 Derry protest against Apprentice Boys parade

Feeny man fined £750 for taking part in unnotified protest

A man has been charged at Derry Magistrates Court with carrying out a provocative act relating to a Palestinian flag.
A man has been fined at Derry Magistrates' Court for taking part in an unnotified protest against a parade in 2019.

A man who took part in an illegal protest against an Apprentice Boys parade in Derry in 2019 has been fined.

Christopher O’Kane (51), of Main Street in Feeny, Co Derry, was charged with taking part in an unnotified protest in Derry’s Shipquay Street on August 10 2019 during the annual Apprentice Boys parade.

A prosecutor told the court that O’Kane was identified by three police officers and a police inspector had made a statement that warnings were given that the protest was illegal.

The court heard that police had to place a cordon across Shipquay Street to prevent the protesters coming into contact with the Apprentice Boys marchers.

Footage was also shown to the court of the incident, which was a white line protest the length of Shipquay Street.

O’Kane was identified by the prosecution as one of those taking part in the protest.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott said that his client was not challenging the evidence, nor had he turned up to the court.

Deputy District Judge Sean O’Hare said he was recording a conviction as it was clear O’Kane was a participant in the illegal protest, and imposed a fine of £750.