'Innovation Strategy' Launched

An 'Innovation Strategy' has been launched by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment.

Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster said: "Innovation is the key driver of economic growth. Companies who innovate are more productive, employ more staff, and have a greater propensity to export. This is why the Northern Ireland Executive has placed innovation at the heart of its efforts to grow a globally competitive economy."

The Innovation Strategy sets out over 50 actions that address issues such as greater prioritisation of R&D funding, enhanced support for entrepreneurs and increased investment in research and innovation infrastructure, as well as increasing collaboration between academia and business.

'Sectarian' Abuse Shouted In Criminal Damage Incident

A criminal damage and harassment incident in L'Derry on Wednesday night has been described as having sectarian overtones by police.

The incident involved a number of young people striking the front door and windows of a property at Dennett Gardens in city and shouting sectarian remarks.

Police said it was the third such incident in the area this week.

Confiscation Order Against Newry Man

A Confiscation Order to the value of £45,224 has been carried out against 56-year-old Martin Connell of Beech Hill, Newry at Newry Crown Court today.

On 25 April 2013, the defendant pleaded guilty to fraudulently claiming Income Support and a Rate Rebate and was sentenced to six months' imprisonment, suspended for one year.

But at yesterday's confiscation hearing, the Court agreed that the loss to the Department through criminal activity amounted to £45,224. A confiscation order was then granted in this amount and must be satisfied by 18 March 2015 or the defendant will serve a 15 month prison sentence.

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted at Londonderry Magistrates’ Court for claiming benefits she was not entitled to.

20-year-old Lauren Callaghan of Springfield Close, Belfast was fined £200 and ordered to pay an offender levy of £15, court costs of £40 and a Restitution Order of £82 for wrongful encashment of Income Support totalling £82.

She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(IT/CD)