23/08/2013

Other News In Brief

Pair Bailed Over £23k Drug Arrests

A man and a woman arrested in Belfast on suspicion of drug offences have been released on bail.

The suspects were arrested when the PSNI discovered a cannabis factory along with Class A and B drugs worth £23,000 at a property in Brentwood Park in Castlereagh.

The 32-year-old female and 35-year-old male have been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Man Arrested Over Dissident Activity

Detectives investigating dissident republican activity have arrested a 51-year-old man in the Belfast area on Friday morning.

He is being questioned at Antrim police station.

Cannabis Factory Seized

A cannabis factory thought to be worth £20,000 has been discovered by police at a residential property in the Burnaby Walk area of Belfast.

Officers from Grosvenor Road arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of a number of drugs offences.

He has since been released on police bail, pending further enquiries.

Nine Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Nine people have been convicted of benefit fraud at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

William Kernaghan (56) of Kings Road, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £14,789 while failing to declare employment.

He was given an eight month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Isobelle McErlean (56) of Mountainview Park, Belfast claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £13,389 while failing to declare employment.

She was given a six month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Janette Neilly (29) of Clara Way, Belfast claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £3,410 while failing to declare employment.

She was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £102.

Claire Douglas (24) of Breach Close, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £3,317 while failing to declare employment.

She was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £40.

Samuel Rodgers (51) Hillside Rise, Carrickfergus claimed Income Support totalling £3,238 while failing to declare capital.

He was fined £300 and ordered to pay court costs of £31.

Noleen Crawford (29) of Dunanney Avenue, Newtownabbey claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £2,999 while failing to declare employment.

She was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

Mary Hammon (58) of Rosgoill Park, Belfast claimed Housing Benefit totalling £2,921 while failing to declare a change in her circumstances.

She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £37.

David Pollins (30) of Broadway Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £569 while failing to declare employment.

He was fined £400 and ordered to pay court costs of £93.

John Thompson (33) Abercorn Street, Belfast was given a probation order for 12 months and ordered to pay court costs of £44 for wrongful encashment of Disability Living Allowance totalling £39.

All are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social security Agency.

(IT/CD)

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