PSNI Assistant Chief Announced

The Northern Ireland Policing Board has announced the appointment of the Police Service of Northern Ireland's (PSNI) newest Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendent Will Kerr. Chairman of the Board, Barry Gilligan said: "This is the third senior officer recruitment campaign undertaken by the Board this year and Chief Superintendent Kerr joins the command team at an important time for policing. The Board would also like to take this opportunity to thank the other candidates who were interviewed for the post and wishes them well in the future."

'Mercy Killing' Man Remanded

A former shipbuilder is to stand trial accused of trying to suffocate his lifelong friend in a Belfast hospital. A judge ruled this week there was a case to answer against Thomas Hawkes, who is charged with the attempted murder of stroke victim Billy Cousins. Hawkes, from Rosslea Way, Newtownabbey, was remanded back into custody until his case goes before Belfast Crown Court. The 59-year-old was allegedly caught with his hand over the mouth and nose of Mr Cousins as he lay stricken in the Royal Victoria Hospital in June. Hawkes later claimed to have entered an agreement with his friend that neither would allow the other to suffer severe ill-health or disability.

Jobs Lost In Newry

A major electrical manufacturer in Co Down is to shed staff. The Glen Electric plant in Newry, which makes convector and panel heaters, has said it will lay-off 40 employees. It blamed the redundancies on competition from China as well as the global recession, which has led to a slowdown in construction. The company said it regretted the job losses and will consult with those affected to minimise the impact. Glen Electric NI is part of the Glen Dimplex Group, one of the world's largest electrical heating business. It employs about 500 people at its manufacturing plants in Newry and Portadown and a new product training facility in Craigavon.

QUB Research Battle Comms

A team of researchers at Queen's University are working to develop futuristic communications systems that could help protect frontline troops. The academics said they are investigating the use of many highly specialised antennas that could be worn by combat troops to provide covert short-range person-to-person battleground communications. It is understood the project could lead to the development of advanced wireless systems that would enable small squads of soldiers to share real-time video, covert surveillance data and tactical information with each other via helmet mounted visors.

Development Firms In Administration

Two Co Down property firms have gone into administration, it has been confirmed. Polly Brothers Ltd and Largie Developments Ltd share an address at Ballyhornan Road in Downpatrick. Directors at the development firms called in the administrators late last month. Polly Brothers, an established company in the south Down area, is believed to employ around 120 people. Price Waterhouse Cooper, the appointed administrator, said it could not confirm if jobs would be saved.

(BMcC/KMcA)