Other News In Brief

Call For Death Threats In Larne To Be Lifted Immediately

Sinn Féin MLA Oliver McMullan is calling for death threats against a number of families in Larne to be lifted immediately.

He said: "I have been contacted by a number of families who have been told by the PSNI their lives are under threat as a result of the ongoing criminality in Larne.

"These threats are unacceptable in our society and should be lifted immediately.

"The PSNI also need to step up its patrolling in the area to provide additional protection and reassurance to these families at this distressing time.

"The escalating criminality in Larne has already resulted in the destruction of property and we don't want to see any loss of life."

Seven People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Seven people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Gerard Lyness claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £11,914 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Dean Fisher claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £6,524 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

Declan Lynch claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £6,394 while failing to declare employment. He was given 150 hours community service.

Cathal Lenaghan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Pension Credit totalling £5,667 while failing to declare a pension. He was given a 12 month conditional discharge.

Brian Kidd claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £5,006 while failing to declare employment and that he was living with a partner. He was given 140 hours community service.

Carol Ann Topping claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £3,846 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

James Blake claimed Income Support and Carer's Allowance totalling £2,983 while failing to declare employment. He was given 120 hours community service.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Slight Rise In NI House Prices

The overall average house price in Northern Ireland has risen slightly in the last quarter, according to a new report.

According to the Ulster University's latest Quarterly House Price Index report prices are less than 0.5% over the quarter.

The University research indicates that the volume of house sales for the first quarter of 2017 is lower than the final quarter of 2016.

Lead researcher, Professor Stanley McGreal from Ulster University said: "This research is designed to provide a useful analysis tool for those wanting to buy or sell residential property in Northern Ireland. The main finding of this report is that the overall housing market is experiencing some positive growth over the year, but over the quarter growth appears to be more static.

"As part of our research, we gather insights from estate agents across the region. We found there was a general feeling of uncertainty from agents concerning the performance of the market during the first quarter.

"Along with agents concerns around political instability and Brexit, they indicate an issue of supply in terms of good quality affordable homes. Agents are pointing to a demand, especially from first time buyers, that is potentially being curtailed by the lack of new build starter homes. In the opinion of many, there needs to be more new build activity to help boost sales."

(CD)