Other News In Brief

SDLP Joins Up With UK Sepsis Trust

SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan has joined up with UK Sepsis Trust and the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sepsis to call for both the public and healthcare professionals to be more aware of this "silent killer".

Mr Durkan said: "While sepsis is a condition which may not hit the headlines, it is deadly.

"If timely interventions proposed by the UK Sepsis Trust were adopted across the NHS it could save up to 12,500 lives a year and the NHS money.

"I was keen to show my support for efforts to tackle this disease and save lives. I want to see sepsis viewed as a medical emergency and have a higher profile among medical professionals and the public.

"The easiest and most effective way of doing this is for the government to commit to a dedicated public awareness campaign for the general population."

Man Charged Following Suspected Cannabis Seizure

A 25-year-old man has been charged after police seized a substantial quantity of suspected herbal cannabis following the search of a vehicle in Ballymena on Saturday, 07 May.

Suspected cannabis worth a street value of approximately £300k was recovered from the vehicle and aman was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession of class B drugs, possession of class B drugs with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

A follow up search was conducted at a house in the Armagh area where a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.

The suspect is due to appear at Coleraine Magistrates Court on today, 09 May.

The charges are to be reviewed by the Public Prosecution Service (PPS).

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Coleraine Crown Court.

Stephanie Ferguson claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £2290 while failing to declare employment. She was given a two month prison sentence suspended for twelve months.

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

(CD)