Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at L'Derry Magistrates' court.

Liam Nicell (25) of Creggan Heights, claimed Jobseekers totalling £6,264 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

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

UUP Supports PSNI Use Of Water Cannon

Ross Hussey MLA, Ulster Unionist Party Policing Board spokesperson, has stated that he supports the ability of the PSNI to have continued access to the tactical use of water cannon in Northern Ireland.

Mr Hussey said: "It's common sense that the PSNI should have access to the use of water cannon given the horrific injuries inflicted on police by thugs throwing masonry, petrol bombs, steel bolts and any other objects they can get their hands on. All these items have the potential to kill. When you weigh that against the fact that the police have confirmed that there is no evidence that the use of water cannon has inflicted serious injury, then for me it is a simple, sensible choice.

"With water cannon you get wet - petrol bombs and the other ammunition of choice of rioters can kill.

"The Home Secretary's recent comments barring police in England and Wales from having access to the use of Water Cannon are disappointing, but I don't think I am as disappointed by Theresa May's statement as senior police commanders including the Met Commissioner."

Tougher Legislation Needed To Tackle Sectarianism - Kearney

Sinn Féin National Chairperson Declan Kearney has said a change in mindsets and tougher legislation is needed to tackle sectarianism.

Mr Kearney said: "The deep-rooted levels of sectarianism in Northern society were graphically in evidence during the last fortnight.

"An unambiguous zero tolerance must be shown against sectarian mind sets and actions by all sections of our community and towards every form of sectarian hatred - regardless of the source.

"Forming a coalition for reconciliation from within all sections of society and taking that agenda forward would be an important start.

"Sectarianism needs to be stamped out and the bigots wedded to sectarian violence and vandalism dealt with by effective legislation, the police and the courts.

"Reconciliation, healing and a shared future is the only way forward. It is time for that agenda to have primacy, particularly in the North."

(CD/MH)