Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Belfast Crown Court.

Alistair Jackson claimed Pension Credit totalling £24,333 while failing to declare capital. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Contractors Appointed For Major Dualling Scheme In Northern Ireland

Two contractors have been appointed to work on a major dualling scheme in Northern Ireland.

In a joint venture (JV), Graham Construction and Farrans Construction have been selected to carry out work on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme after plans to proceed were given the go-ahead.

The scheme will provide approximately 14.7km of new dual carriageway: 7.3km between Randalstown and Toome, and 7.4km between Toome and Castledawson.

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said: "One of my key priorities over the next five years is redressing the North's infrastructure deficit, particularly west of the Bann.

"I am determined to contribute towards economy growth in a regionally balanced way and I believe it is vital that infrastructure projects such as this are prioritized.

"My commitment to this area in delivering this £160 million flagship investment will strengthen the links between Belfast and Derry and positively develop the A6 as a key transport route into the wider North West area."

Call For Laws Surrounding Dangerous Dogs To Be Reviewed

Newry, Mourne and Down Council has supported an Alliance motion calling on laws surrounding dangerous dogs in Northern Ireland to be reviewed.

Councillor Patrick Brown brought the motion to the council in the wake of the recent case of Hank the dog. It called for the council to put on record its opposition to breed specific legislation, which currently compels dog wardens to seize and destroy pitbulls or animals with pitbull-like features.

Councillor Brown said he was pleased the Council had backed his motion.

He said: "The recent case of Hank brought to light this legislation. There is a clear need to remove breed specific legislation – entire breeds should not be condemned without any thought as to the actions or temperament of the individual dog in question.

"It is disgraceful that a dog who is no threat to the public could potentially be put to sleep because of an outdated law. There is a growing opposition to such legislation and I am delighted the Council have voiced their support to my motion."

(CD/JP)