Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Rhonda Hussey claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £8,309 while failing to declare employment. She was given 150 hours community service.

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

Alliance Condemns Attacks On Police

Alliance Justice spokesperson Trevor Lunn MLA has condemned attacks on the PSNI close to a L'Derry bonfire.

Officers came under attack from bottles and petrol bombs in the Lecky Road area, as they policed what has become a controversial bonfire site in recent years.

Mr Lunn MLA said: "It is completely unacceptable for PSNI officers to be targeted in this way. They are carrying out their duty to keep the peace and protect the community and must be able to do so without hindrance.

"We must stand united with the PSNI as we seek to build a society where all traditions are respected and able to celebrate their culture. This requires the support of the Police and acceptance of their role in maintaining good order. If anyone has information about last nights incidents they should give it to the PSNI."

Govt's Customs Union Proposals Are A 'Pipe Dream' - SDLP

SDLP South Belfast MLA Claire Hanna has described the British Government's customs union proposals as a "pipe dream" designed to allow Britain to have its cake and eat it throughout Brexit.

Ms Hanna said that the Tories should abandon their game of political twister with the EU and get down to the business of negotiating a settlement that protects people in Northern Ireland.

She said: "The pipe dream proposals unveiled by embattled Brexit Secretary David Davis today are a fanciful attempt to let Britain have its cake and eat it throughout the Brexit process. The notion that the EU would essentially give Britain the same deal as a member state while allowing Ministers to travel the world courting new trade deals is simply not credible.

"A year on from the referendum vote and the British Government's proposals are threadbare. Rather than concocting complicated schemes and artificial edifices in an attempt to save face with hard right Brexiteers, the government should just accept that membership of the customs union and the single market is the best solution. They should end this farcical game of political twister."

(CD/LM)