Other NI News In Brief

Larne Tragedy

There has been another road tragedy in NI, with a man killed in a car accident in County Antrim. The victim was involved in a collision between a car and a motorcycle at the Ballysnod Road in Larne at about 7pm on Tuesday evening. Police have appealed for witnesses. East Antrim Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson has expressed deep sadness at the news: "I want to express my deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the man who died in this accident. It is always so tragic to hear of news like this and traffic accidents cause so much devastation."

Rihanna PR Excels

In a major PR coup, the multi-million selling R&B pop star Rihanna took part in her latest NI media event yesterday afternoon, filming the next segment of her latest pop video in amongst the New Lodge flats, in a nationalist part of north Belfast. Photographers were again tipped off for that stunt after they were also on hand when she 'cavorted' in a north Down field, (apparently topless at one stage) and had even eaten fish and chips in the Belfast city centre. In the New Lodge, like a presidential visitor, she was mobbed between takes as fans desperately tried to get close to their hero. As well as filming the video in Northern Ireland, Rihanna has also sold out the Odyssey Arena for three concerts later in the week.

UVF Man Buried

Terrorist leader-turned peacemaker, Gusty Spence is to be buried today after a funeral service at midday on the Shankill Road in Belfast. The 78-year-old died in hospital at the weekend after a long illness and will be buried in Bangor. He founded the modern Ulster Volunteer Force, an organisation that was responsible for hundreds of sectarian murders during the Troubles.

Frauds Prosecuted

Two people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Sarah Greer (20) of Runnymede Drive, Belfast was fined £250 and order to pay court costs of £22 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £175. She was also given a compensation order. Stephen McMullan (23) of Beechmount Grove, Belfast claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £377 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £28. Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency. Meanwhile, a man was convicted and 'jailed' at Belfast Crown court as well. Jason Hartley (31) of Unity Street, Carrickfergus claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £18,000 while failing to declare employment. He was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for three years. Jason Hartley (31) of Unity Street, Carrickfergus who claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £18,000 while failing to declare employment was also given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for three years.

(BMcC)