Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Margaret McDonagh claimed Housing Benefit and Income Support totalling £37,648 while failing to declare capital. She was given a nine month prison sentence suspended for two years. The fraud was uncovered following an investigation by the Department for Communities.

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

Work On New Macmillan Support Centre In L'Derry Complete

Work on a new Macmillan Support Centre in L'Derry has been completed.

A total of £1.5 million was invested in the new centre which has been developed on the grounds of Altnegelvin Hospital.

Sinn Féin MLA, Karen Mullan, said the centre will support anyone affected by cancer, from the individual themselves to their families.

She said: "Services include, counselling, family therapy and group support.

"The Belfast Centre now also includes breast screening facilities, while promoting positive wellbeing. Sinn Féin wish them all the best."

Call Renewed For Justice For Patsy Gillespie's Family

SDLP MLA Dolores Kelly has renewed calls for justice for the family of Patsy Gillespie on the 27th anniversary of his murder.

She said: "The murder of Patsy Gillespie was one of the most heinous crimes committed in the 40 years of conflict here. Strapping a man into a van loaded with explosive and forcing him to drive to an army checkpoint while holding his wife and children at gunpoint is a calculated and inhuman act.

"Those responsible for the atrocity have never been brought to justice and Patsy's family have never been told the truth, compounding their grief.

"If those with influence among the individuals responsible are in any way serious about their claims to support reconciliation, they must use that influence to deliver truth to the Gillespie family.

"I can't imagine the horror Patsy was subjected to. But it’s clear that his unconditional love for his family stayed with him until his very last moments. The least they deserve is to know the truth about what happened to a much loved husband and father."

(CD/MH)