Other NI News In Brief

'Defy Prison Protests' DUP

Lagan Valley Assembly Member Paul Givan has said the Prison Service must stand firm against demands being made by dissident republicans. Commenting ahead of today's planned protests he said: "Republicans continue to protest inside Maghaberry in an effort to make this prison similar to the Maze when prisoners had unfettered movement and control there. Not only is this absolutely unacceptable, but is costing the public purse hundreds of thousands of pounds. [Justice Minister] David Ford has already compromised with the prisoners and no further concessions can be made that would jeopardise the security of the Prison and the safety of prison staff. These prisoners already receive preferential treatment but should be treated like any other prisoners with privileges removed rather than enhanced," he added. "Visits have been cancelled and additional security measures are being put in place. Any effort by republican protestors to disrupt local people should not be tolerated and the police will have my full support in taking decisive action to prevent this," he said.

Quinn Appeal Date Announced

The former Anglo Irish Bank has brought a challenge to the High Court in Belfast to have Seán Quinn's bankruptcy annulled. A full hearing of the matter will take place on 19 December. The Fermanagh businessman was declared bankrupt in Northern Ireland two weeks ago, however the Irish Banking Resolution Corporation disputes the claim that his centre of main interests is in the North. Lawyers for IBRC appeared at the High Court in Belfast on Thursday morning seeking to have Mr Quinn's bankruptcy overturned.

DPP Row Condemned

The West Belfast District Policing Partnership (DPP) Sub-Group public meeting in Whiterock on Wednesday faced a protest from dissidents both inside and outside the meeting. Cllr Tim Attwood, Chairman of the West Belfast Sub-Group said: "The DPP held one of their regular public meetings in Whiterock last night to listen to a PSNI presentation about child safety and to discuss the report from the PSNI Area Commander. There was a protest from dissidents inside and outside the meeting and attempts to disrupt the meeting. After a period of heckling from some of the protestors, directed at the PSNI, I asked the protestors if anybody wanted to make a statement," he said, adding: "It is important to note that normal business resumed and members of the public questioned the PSNI on important local issues relating to anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults in the area, burglaries and the issue of quad bikes. People have the right to protest but do not have the right to disrupt or stop DPP meetings. There is now a positive dialogue and partnership between the PSNI, the DPP and local communities in West Belfast. The vast majority of people support the PSNI and want to see pro-active policing in the community to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Home Security Focus

An Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland has urged the public to make sure their homes are properly secured after a car was stolen during a creeper burglary in east Belfast. "I urge the public to be extremely cautious in regard to the security of their homes during the Christmas period. Too often I hear reports that constituents have been the victims of crime which could easily have been prevented," he said. "I feel it is important to educate the public as to how to ensure they do not fall victim to crime. It is imperative to make sure car keys are not left on display, especially near windows or letterboxes. Keeping doors locked, even when home, will help to reduce the number of burglaries. Also, vigilant communities, who work together in order to prevent crime will benefit most from low crime levels."

Frauds Sentenced

Two people were convicted at Belfast Crown Court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Geraldine Duffy (45) of Whitecliff Crescent, Belfast claimed Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance totalling £24,147 while working. She was given 15 months custody suspended for three years. Barbara Green (63) of High Link, Belfast claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £27,477 while working. She was given a 12 month sentence suspended for two years.

(BMcC/GK)