Other News In Brief

Man And Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man and woman have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Coleraine Magistrates' Court.

Gareth Mullan claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,697 while failing to declare employment. He was given a four month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Phyllis Wilson claimed Carer's Allowance totalling £6,719 while failing to declare employment. She was given 100 hours Community Service.

They are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Council Calls For Rollout Of Universal Credit To Be Paused

SDLP Councillor Laura Devlin has welcomed a decision from Newry, Mourne and Down council to call for a pause in the rollout of Universal Credit.

The call comes following an SDLP motion to the council.

Cllr Devlin said: "I'm delighted that the council has supported the SDLP motion calling for a pause in the rollout of Universal Credit. It's clear that this radical overhaul of welfare does not have the best interests of those in need in mind. It's a bean counting exercise by a British Government that has shown nothing but disdain for working people and the vulnerable.

"It's welcome that other parties have now come to our position after we repeatedly tried to address these issues during the welfare reform debates in the Assembly.

"The council will now be writing to the leaders of the main parties to express our opposition to the changes. They must now put aside their differences and work together to deliver a system that is fair, practical and compassionate."

Sinn Fein Condemns Sectarian Image In Banbridge

Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Savage has condemned the sectarian image, which was stuck to a recycling bank in Banbridge Town.

He said: "The image which has been stuck to a glass recycling bank displaying a man kicking someone with the slogan 'Kick a Fenian in the head' is abhorrent.

"Such sectarian images have no place in today's society.

"This is no doubt a veiled reference to the brutal sectarian murder of Robert Hamill in Portadown in 1997. It is both sickening and disturbing.

"I have reported this as a hate crime to the PSNI asking that it be removed immediately. I have also contacted local council officials and the Department of Infrastructure.

"Anyone with information should bring it forward so as the actions of those involved can be challenged."

(CD)