Lord mayor of Belfast caught urinating in street

‘I tried to find somewhere as discreet as possible,’ says John Finucane

John Finucane has apologised and said he is 'deeply embarrassed' (Getty)

The lord mayor of Belfast faces an investigation by Northern Ireland‘s local government watchdog after being caught urinating in the street.

John Finucane has accepted a community resolution notice for indecent behaviour over the incident in Belfast city centre.

The 39-year-old Sinn Fein representative apologised for his actions on 29 June. He said: “I am of course very embarrassed and deeply sorry about this incident and I apologise unreservedly.”

In a further statement he said he tried to enter his office in Castle Street when he was caught short after a social event but did not have his key.

“I tried to find somewhere as discreet as possible off the main street,” he said – but was caught by two police officers.

Now Northern Ireland’s Local Government Commissioner for Standards is examining a request that it launch a formal investigation of Mr Finucane in relation to the code of conduct for councillors.

Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister wrote to the watchdog to request the probe.

Mr Finucane, who became lord mayor of Belfast in May, is standing in the general election for the North Belfast constituency in what is expected to be a tight race with DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds.

A PSNI spokesman confirmed a 39-year-old man had been spoken to by police following an incident in Belfast city centre at about 10.30pm on Saturday, 29 June.

“He was issued with a community resolution notice for indecent behaviour following the incident.”

Belfast City Council has declined to comment.

Community resolution notices are issued to deal with comparatively minor crimes in Northern Ireland.

Additional reporting by Press Association