From the archive: Martin McGuinness challenges RUC checkpoint obstruction case - January 1988
Judgement was reserved by the Recorder of Derry, Judge Anthony Hart, Q.C. at Derry Crown Court, in the case of an appeal by Sinn Féin vice-president, Martin McGuinness, against a 28 day jail sentence imposed at Derry Petty Sessions last month on a charge of obstructing a member of the RUC.
Judge Hart indicated that he would be reserving judgement after hearing evidence on Wednesday afternoon and yesterday morning relating to an incident at the Buncrana Road checkpoint on November 3, 1986, when the obstruction by Mr. McGuinness allegedly took place.
The Recorder said he was reserving judgement because the case was of such general significance.
The appeal by Mr. McGuinness centred on whether or not he was legally obliged to move his car into the search bay at the checkpoint or hand over the keys of the vehicle.