28 August 2008

Other NI News In Brief

Bronze Star Greeted

Olympic star, Boxer and bronze medal winner Paddy Barnes has received a hero's welcome as he arrived home in Belfast. Hundreds of fans turned out to greet the boxer as he paraded through north Belfast on an open-top bus.

There was also a special reception for the light-flyweight medallist at his gym on North Queen Street as he returned after a two-day journey from Beijing, his mother, Ellen, said the support he received in his native city had been incredible.

Rapist Jailed

A 21-year-old who attacked a young woman and raped her as she slept in her bed last November has been jailed for 11 years and ordered to sign the sex offenders' register for the rest of his life. Anthony West, from Knockwood Crescent in Belfast had been rejected when he made advances to the woman who phoned him a taxi, but he returned and got into the house before committing the offence.

Trouble In Derry

Children as young as 13 have been throwing stones - and even petrol bombs - at police in Londonderry. The incident was on Wednesday night, with officers attacked as they arrived at the scene of a hit-and-run traffic incident in Carranbane Walk in Shantallow at about 8pm. The car involved was abandoned and set alight, and a recovery vehicle also had a window smashed.

(BMcC)