Other NI News In Brief

Sports Kit Sought

Royal Mail has launched an appeal with a difference as it is not asking for money, but rather old or unused football kit that may have been stuffed away in the back of a drawer never to be worn again. Pictured 'Getting their kit off' to launch the scheme are Geoff Wilson, Head of Marketing and Communication, Irish Football Association; Andy Alcorn, Royal Mail Coleraine Delivery Office Manager and Cllr William King, Deputy Mayor, Coleraine Borough Council. The Kit Appeal aims to send unwanted and old football kit to the Zomba Action Project in Malawi. Donating could not be easier as there are drop-off points at any Royal Mail Delivery/Enquiry Office or at IFA Headquarters, Windsor Avenue, Belfast.

'Slab' Bailed Over Revenue

Thomas 'Slab' Murphy, a well-known republican, was today remanded on continuing bail after appearing at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today over alleged revenue offences. Mr Murphy, 59, from Ballybinaby, Hackballscross, Co Louth, is under investigation by the Criminal Assets Bureau and was returned for trial to the Special Criminal Court in 2008 from Dundalk District Court but he challenged the return at the High Court in November 2008 that found Murphy's rights had been breached, but ruled that the trial should go ahead.

Legal Highs Ban Looms

The drug mephedrone could be banned within weeks, the Northern Ireland Health Committee has been told. At an urgent session tabled by the Committee a drugs official told members that the issue is being regarded by the government as high priority. The committee chair, Jim Wells, said he was concerned that the general election could delay a ban.

Death Driver Jailed

A bid to catch a plane home that ended up killing a top amateur cyclist instead has seen the NI man who drove the death car jailed for five years. Michael Gerard Croome, 26, who at the time had a Belfast address on the Cliftonville Road, but also one at Priory Warf in Chester, was also banned from driving for five years by Antrim Crown Court on Thursday. Lisburn man David McCall, who was a Commonwealth medalist, died as a result of the incident in August 2008. Judge Norman Lockie told Croome, who already has a string of motor convictions, that on the fateful evening he had been driving 'aggressively' and that the only real thing on his mind was catching a flight to Liverpool.

Killer Inmate Sought

A man remained at large last night after going on the run during a home leave visit from Maghaberry prison. Convicted killer, Daniel Martin Peter Hargan was one of three people involved in the violent death of Edward Kelly in Bangor in June 2006. The Prison Service said Hargan, 51, who was due to be released from Maghaberry Prison in May, failed to return.

Killer Pack Apology

Newry Harriers has apologised to the family of a dog killed by a pack of hounds during its foxhunt in Jerrettspass. Jack Russell, Pip, was torn to pieces during the savage attack leaving his young owner traumatised by the violent attack. The horrific incident happened as an 11-year-old boy and his teenage cousin walked the family pet through fields surrounding their home at Jerrettspass. The hounds of Newry Harriers fox hunting club savaged the dog in front of the boys. Chairman of Newry Harriers, Edwin Bryson told the Newry Reporter: "We offer our apologies to the family from members of the committee and the hunt," he said. Green Party MLA Brian Wilson is bringing forward a bill to ban hunting animals in Northern Ireland.

Consult On UU Move: SDLP

The SDLP East Antrim Westminster Candidate Justin McCamphill has expressed his dismay at the movement of the majority of University of Ulster's Jordanstown courses to Belfast and has called for a public consultation to be carried between DEL and local businesses. "The movement of staff and students from Jordanstown to Belfast will have a seriously detrimental impact on local businesses in Jordanstown and will remove the vibrant university community from the area. As far as I am aware no consultation has been carried out between the Department of Employment and Learning and residents and business owners in Jordanstown. This is unacceptable and I will be writing to the Employment and Learning Minister Reg Empey to get him to address this matter," he said.

See full story at: Builders To 'Graduate' At Belfast Campus

Easter Post

Special postal arrangements over the Easter holiday period will see no collections or deliveries on Good Friday, 2 April, although there will be Business collections made as arranged over the holiday period. On Saturday, 3 April, normal service will be provided while on Easter Monday, 5 April, there will be no collections or deliveries with normal service resuming on Tuesday, 6 April. At the Post Office on Good Friday, 2 April and Saturday, 3 April, there will be local variations to opening hours but on Easter Monday, 5 April, branches will be closed with normal opening hours again on Tuesday, 6 April. There will be no collections or deliveries on Good Friday, 2 April, but on Saturday, 3 April, normal service will be provided although again, on Easter Monday, 5 April, there will be no collections or deliveries. Normal service resumes on Tuesday, 6 April.

Missing Girl Sought

Police in Newry have reissued their appeal for information on the whereabouts of missing 16-year-old female, Li Shu who has been missing from the Slievenagarragh area of Hilltown since Monday 22nd February. She was last seen on the Castlewellan Road area of Hilltown at around 2.20pm on that date. She is described as having has long black hair and wears glasses with glitter on the sides. When last seen she was wearing a black bomber jacket, blue jeans, white trainers and was carrying a large maroon coloured handbag. Li speaks little English and police are now very concerned for her safety. Anyone who knows of her current whereabouts, or anyone who had contact with her prior to her disappearance, is asked to contact police in Newry on 04890 650222

(BMcC/GK)