Other News In Brief

Man Jailed Over Health Centre Stabbing

A man who tried to kill his ex-partner in a knife attack has been jailed for eight years, the BBC has said.

Darren Todd, 25, from Newtownards, stabbed his former lover Mary McReynolds 26 times in the reception area of the Grove Wellbeing Centre on 11 August 2011.

Todd had admitted attempted murder before his trial began in April this year, and the judge presiding said but for his guilty plea, he would have jailed him for 12 years.

Speaking at Belfast Crown Court, the judge said Todd had ""acted with disregard for the consequences and without any degree of self-control".

Ms McReynolds was attacked in front of families, including children, during the incident. She was on the phone, calling for a taxi, when Todd stabbed her.

The judge added that as the accused still posed a danger to Ms McReynolds, he had deemed him as a dangerous offender. As a result, the Parole Commissioners will have to decide whether or not to release Todd, after he serves half of his eight-year prison sentence.

When he is due to be released, it has been reported that he would be placed on supervised licence for an extra two years in order to protect the public, and Ms McReynolds specifically.

Durkan Welcomes Pavement Café Progress

SDLP Social Development spokesperson Mark Durkan has welcomed the passage of the Pavement Cafés Bill through its second stage in the Assembly.

He said: "We have over recent years seen a welcome growth in the number of cafés, restaurants and bars using their adjoining area outside their premises to offer customers a more continental type café cultural experience.

"This has been very welcome and assisted not only local participating businesses but also adds vibrancy to towns and city centres. No-where is this more evident than my own City.

"However this new legislation aims to regulate these pavement cafés and bars. Regulation is very important but during today's debate I emphasised the importance of consultation with interested businesses and the need to ensure that any fee associated with registration is not prohibitive and counterproductive.

"I also called for the inclusion of organisations such as RNIB on the list of statutory consultees. This is vital to ensure that those who wish to access pavement cafés can do so safely."

Man Injured In Belfast Mugging Attempt

A man has been injured after he was mugged in south Belfast, according to UTV.

The 24-year-old was hit on the head with a bottle during the incident which happened on the Ormeau Road area, close to the Stranmillis Embankment junction.

He was approached by two men who demanded his mobile phone. When he refused, he was hit on the head with a bottle that smashed.

The attackers ran off empty handed towards the Holylands.

(JP/CD)