Other News In Brief

Two Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

George McCaffrey, 57, of Staffa Drive, Ballymena, claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £8,783 while failing to declare employment. He was given an absolute discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £20.

Christina McKenna, 24, of Kincora, Ballymena claimed Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support totalling £4,890 while failing to declare employment. She was given a three year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £43.

Both are required to repay the outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Concern Mounts For Missing Teenager

Police have appealed for information for missing teenager Lesley Ann Dowds.

Ms Dowds, 16, was last seen in the Bawnmore Road area of South Belfast on the evening of Tuesday 24 February. Police have said they are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

The teenager is described as being approximately 4'10" tall and of slim build. When last seen, she was wearing a navy and white tracksuit top, dark bottoms and a peach vest top. It is thought that Lesley Ann may be in the Newtownards or Comber area.

Anyone who knows of her whereabouts is asked to contact police on 101.

Car Driven Into Shop Front In Derry

Police have appealed for information following a robbery at a shop in the Rosskeen Park area of Co L'Derry.

Shortly after 4am on Thursday (26 February), a stolen car was driven into the front of a shop. At least two men are thought to have entered the shop and stolen a sum of money. They fled the scene in the car.

The vehicle, a black Citroen C1, was stolen from the Shearwater area in Waterside.

Detective Inspector David McQuade said: "I would appeal to anyone who knows anything about this incident to contact CID at Strand Road Police Station on the non emergency number 101.

"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."

(JP/MH)