Other News In Brief

Man Jailed For Benefit Fraud

A man has been jailed for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Robert Clucas was sentenced to four months in prison for claiming Income Support, Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £7,235 while failing to declare capital.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Casement Park To Be Redeveloped

Casement Park in west Belfast is to undergo redevelopment work.

The Minister for Communities Paul Givan confirmed at a recent meeting that he is committed to the project, according to Sinn Fein.

Mr Fra McCann MLA welcomed the Minister's announcement and said it sends out a clear message to the local community and the GAA across Antrim and Ulster that the project will go ahead when a planning decision is made.

Mr McCann said: "This is a landmark project and will greatly enhance the regeneration of the west Belfast area.

"When completed, it will add to the city's great sporting venues alongside Windsor Park and the Kingspan Stadium at Ravenhill."

DUP Out Of Touch With People Of North Down - Muir

Alliance Councillor Andrew Muir has said the DUP has proved how out of touch it is with the people of North Down, after failing to support a motion calling on the Executive to show leadership in the wake of Brexit.

The Holywood representative was speaking after all DUP representatives either voted against or abstained on plans for the Council to write to the First Minister and deputy First Minister calling them to outline how they are planning to address the impact of withdrawing from the EU on Northern Ireland.

Councillor Muir said: "We are in a time of crisis, made worse by the DUP's complete lack of leadership on what the future of Northern Ireland will look like.

"Local DUP Councillors have obviously been inspired by the actions of their leader, and so far Arlene Foster has left the majority in Northern Ireland who voted to remain part of the EU feeling lost and concerned for the future.

"While we must recognise this was a UK-wide decision, the 56 percent who voted to remain want to know what happens next."

(CD)