Other NI News In Brief

Carrick History Lives!

Preparing to celebrate Walled Towns Day in swashbuckling style Derek Mayne sharpens his sword play against noble opponent Michael Simpson. This Sunday (August 21) the pair will be joined by other members of Kragfergus Living History Group as they bring the past to thrilling life through a series of free tours and vignettes around the wonderfully preserved walls of Carrickfergus. They will also be striking camp with some authentic Williamite soldiers in the atmospheric surroundings of the town's Knot Garden.

Fraudsters Convicted

Five people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Raymond Carlin (57) of Norglen Parade, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £8,416 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £28. Clare Chambers (23) of Forthriver Parade, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,401 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs of £40. Richard Bowron (39) of Woodstock Road, Belfast claimed Housing Benefit totalling £8,685 while failing to declare capital. He was fined £500 and ordered to pay court costs of £28. Steven Rea (22) of Kilbroney House, Greenway, Belfast was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Jobseekers Allowance totalling £88. Martine Lundy (52) of Seaforde Street, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £8,134 while failing to declare employment. She was given 60 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £31. They will also have to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Robbers Hunted

Detectives in Lisburn are appealing for information following a robbery at commercial premises in the Tullyard Road area on Tuesday 16 August. At approximately 3pm, three males, all believed to be wearing balaclavas, entered the premises. They stole a sum of money before making off in a dark blue BMW. One male member of staff was assaulted during the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at Lisburn police station on 0845 600 8000. Or, if someone would prefer to provide information without giving their details, they can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers and speak to them anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bus Queue Lengthens

Transport holding company Translink is to cut the number of buses on Metro and Ulsterbus services in and around Belfast. The Metro 29 operating in Castlereagh will be withdrawn at off-peak times because of extremely low passengers numbers and Ulsterbus services 214, 235 and 236 from Lagmore, Poleglass and Ladybrook will be combined into one Metro Service, 10X. The decision is one of a number of changes to the Belfast service and will come into effect from 1 September. See: Belfast Pedestrian Access To Be Prioritised

Street Boozers Pay Penalty

Six people have been fined for drinking alcohol in public. Paul Daly, from Killeeshill Road in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, was fined £50 and ordered to pay £66 costs after he was detected drinking alcohol at Rugby Avenue, in the university area of Belfast, on St Patrick's Day this year. Patrick Joseph Burns, from Riverdale Close in west Belfast, was fined £60 and ordered to pay costs of £50 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Castle Street on April 23, 2011. Brian Gardener, with an address at the Morning Star Hostel on Divis Street, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £50 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Fountain Lane on June 6, 2011 and two other hostel residents were each fined £50 after they were detected drinking alcohol at College Court on February 23, 2011. Liam McCausland and Joseph Patrick Bradley were also ordered to pay court costs of £50 each. Justin James Lindop, from Utility Street, was fined £50 and ordered to pay costs of £50 after he was detected drinking alcohol at Bridge Street on August 23, 2010. All the prosecutions were brought by Belfast City Council.

Antrim Man Held

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon during disturbances in Rathenraw, Co Antrim. A police spokesperson said on Tuesday that the incident happened in the Devon court area on the 15th April. The man was taken to Antrim police station for questioning and later released pending a report to the Public Prosecution Service.

Dog Gone It!

A woman has been fined £40 for allowing her dog to stray. Lisa Stitt, from Connsbrook Avenue in east Belfast, was also ordered to pay costs of £66 after her dog was found straying at Dundela Infant School on February 10, 2011. The prosecution was brought by Belfast City Council.

(BMcC/GK)