Other News In Brief

Two Men Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two men have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Coleraine Magistrates Court.

Trevor Ashfield claimed Employment and Support Allowance totalling £4,116 while failing to declare employment. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Christopher Doherty claimed Job Seeker's Allowance totalling £3,190 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

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

New Legal Challenge Lodged Against £800m A5 L'Derry To Dublin Road Upgrade

A new legal challenge has been lodged against the £800 million A5 L'Derry to Dublin Road upgrade, according to the Department of Infrastructure.

Sinn Fein is disappointed over the challenge, however said it is "not unexpected".

Ms Elisha McCallion said: "Having met the Department of Infrastructure recently, I am assured that the development process has been meticulously followed and have every confidence that this legal challenge will be unsuccessful.

"This move is merely a delaying tactic and I hope an early court date can be set so that this issue can be expedited speedily and the construction of the road can begin as early as possible this year."

Call For McElduff to Provide Explanation Over Kingsmill Massacre

Alliance Leader Naomi Long has said Sinn Féin MP Barry McElduff needs to provide full explanation and apology after he was pictured posing with a Kingsmill loaf on his head on the 42nd anniversary of the Massacre.

She added: "What might have seemed on the surface like just the latest bizarre social media post by an MP trying to live up to his reputation as a self-styled "comedian", this post has sensationally backfired causing a lot of hurt.

"At best this was an ill-judged and poorly timed attempt at humour: at worst it was a direct and insulting reference to the victims of the Kingsmill Massacre forty two years ago to the day. Whichever the case, the hurt and offence caused is real and he needs to take responsibility for that. If it was the latter he ought to consider his position.

"I welcome the fact that the post has been removed and understand that he has subsequently issued an apology; however, I think he owes an explanation as to the original intent behind the post."

(CD/MH)