Wolfe Tones criticise Londonderry judge

IRISH folk band The Wolfe Tones have criticised a Londonderry judge who fined a man for playing their music close to an Orange Order parade in the city.

27-year-old Sean Johnston of Hollymount Park was fined 250 and handed a suspended jail sentence for playing Wolfe Tones music on his car stereo in July last year as he drive on Spencer Road past people attending the annual 12th of July parade.

Passing sentence on Mr Johnston, District Judge Barney McElholm said that if there was such a thing as a good time and a good place to play The Wolfe Tones, it was not driving up Spencer Road during a loyal parade. Mr McElholm added that it was very doubtful that anyone who goes around playing The Wolfe Tones all day could ever have sense talked into them.

But, the defendants conviction and the comments from the judge have provoked an angry reaction for The Wolfe Tone's themselves.

Speaking to local paper, the Derry News, one of the bands members Brian Warfield said he was prepared to come to the city and speak on behalf of Mr Johnston should he decide to appeal the conviction.

Mr Warfield is quoted as saying: "I think it was a disgraceful decision. It is ridiculous when you think about it that everyone is now expected to turn off or turn down their car stereo any day there is an Orange parade on.