Derry man fined for obstructing contractor who was removing a burnt out vehicle

A man who stood in front of a police contractor who was removing a burnt out vehicle has been fined at Derry Magistrate's Court.

Joel Hazlett (27) of Stevenson Park in Derry admitted one charge of obstruction of a road on September 25, 2023.

The court heard that police were called to a report of a vehicle that was 'scorched and damaged' in Tullyally.

Police believed the vehicle was abandoned and sent for a contractor to remove it.

At this Hazlett came out of a house and told police 'you are not taking that car.'

He then started taking photos of police and making derogatory remarks. 

When the police contractor arrived and went to remove the vehicle Hazlett stood in the middle of the road in front of the vehicle. 

The contractor moved the vehicle but Hazlett stood there for a period before going to the pavement. 

When police spoke to him the next he told police 'I was only joking'.

Defence counsel Sinead Rogan said that her client had had 'a few drinks' and had actually been speaking to police earlier.

Hazlett was fined £400.