Derry man fined for Christmas lights display spelling 'UVF'
Defendant claimed he was 'foundered' and stopped before he could erect 1912
Derry Magistrate's Court heard today how a man had made a display of Christmas lights to read UVF.
Martin McNair (50) of Sperrin Park in Derry admitted one offence of having articles expressing support for a proscribed organisation on dates between December 7 and December 10 2022.
The court heard that a display of Christmas lights at the defendant's property spelt out UVF.
An extension lead was seen to lead to the defendant's property.
The court heard that the display was circulating on social media.
A few days later police attended and saw that the display had been amended to read 'UVF 1912'.
McNair was asked to remove the lights but failed to do so.
Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said he had not seen the likes of this before.
He said his client had said after erecting the initial display of UVF the defendant was 'foundered' and stopped before he could erect 1912.
Mr Quigley said his client suffered from bad health and had not been in trouble for 4 years.
McNair was fined £200.