Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming £45,905 benefits she was not entitled to at Downpatrick Crown Court.

Martina Kearney claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £45,905 while failing to declare she was living with a partner. She was given 160 hours community service.

The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

Ms Kearney is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department.

McLaughlin And Harvey Acquires SOS Group

McLaughlin and Harvey has announced it has acquired the SOS Group in Belfast.

Established in 1969, School and Office Supplies Group has over forty-five years experience in the educational and office market as a manufacturer and distributor of furniture and equipment for nurseries, schools, colleges and universities.

SOS Group's offering of ergonomic workplace solutions and market-leading AV equipment will be integrated immediately into the McLaughlin & Harvey Specialist Joinery division, with a view to complementing the bespoke, purpose made commissions that the firm are renowned for.

Philip Cheevers, Managing Director of McLaughlin & Harvey said: "We are delighted to bring the team at SOS Group into the McLaughlin & Harvey fold as it gives us the opportunity to further grow our construction work while also targeting growth opportunities for our Specialist Joinery offering across the UK and Ireland.

"In an increasingly competitive market we firmly believe the acquisition of SOS Group will be a true differentiator and allow us to provide even better service to our client base."

YouGov Poll Predicts Hung Parliament

SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood has said that every seat is now critical following a YouGov poll which predicts a hung parliament.

Mr Eastwood called on every voter who cast a ballot to remain in last June's referendum to vote SDLP this June to take on and take down the Tories.

He said: "This election campaign has been a disaster for Theresa May. After seven arrogant years of austerity, cruel, crippling cuts and an assault on the most vulnerable, the polls show that the public has had enough of this Tory government.

"A hung parliament means that every seat and every vote is now critical.

"This election is now a choice between a hard Brexit, a hard border and even harsher austerity or a different kind of government.

"The electoral math of the election is crystal clear. A vote for the DUP is a vote for Theresa May. A vote for Sinn Féin wont count at all."

(CD)