A court has heard that a 61 year-old man threw two fireworks out of a car window ‘in tribute’ to his daughter.
The court also heard that when police searched the man's home, they recovered 700 fireworks.
Paul Watters of Clooney Road, Magherafelt appeared before the town Magistrates' Court this morning charged with throwing fireworks and possessing fireworks without a licence.
The court was told that at 7.30pm on February 19, police on mobile patrol of the Desertmartin Road observed a man throw two fireworks, believed to be bangers, from a car onto waste ground. The fireworks exploded causing a loud bang and a flashing white light.
Enquiries led police to Watters. Officers attended the defendant's home address and spoke with him. He admitted throwing the fireworks. He told police that he didn't do it to cause annoyance or upset but in a tribute to his daughter, who lived nearby.
Police conducted a search of the defendant's home and recovered 700 fireworks as well as another firework from his vehicle.
Further police enquiries found that the defendant did not hold a licence for the fireworks.
A defence solicitor told the court that the defendant believed it was just ‘innocent fun.’
He said: “There was no malice behind the act, he thought it was just innocent fun. He no longer is of that opinion.
“He did comply fully with the police and made full admissions. He should have known better but he was unaware that he was breaking the law. He didn’t know that he needed a licence for fireworks,” said the solicitor.
Speaking directly to the defendant, District Judge Alan White said: “This would be silly behaviour from an 11 year-old never mind a 61 year-old.”
Watters was fined £165 for the offence.
A destruction order for the fireworks was also made.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team. Between 9am and 5pm Monday to Sunday please call 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Between 5pm and midnight please call or text 07825 711978. Or you can email john.gill@derrynews.net at any time.