Other News In Brief

Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A man has been convicted for claiming benefits he was not entitled to at Lisburn Magistrates' Court.

David Biggerstaff claimed Jobseekers' Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £1,472 while failing to declare employment. He was given a two month prison sentence suspended for two years.

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

Work Complete On Over 100 Park And Share Spaces In NI

Work on more than 100 new park and share spaces in Loughbrickland, Banbridge and Clough has been completed.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) invested £200,000 in the project.

The Loughbrickland site is located at Greenan Road with 37 spaces. The Banbridge site is on the Rathfriland Road at Tullyear Terrace with 62 spaces. The Clough site has been doubled in size to provide 34 spaces.

The public is encouraged to use these new facilities to park their vehicles and travel onwards in a shared vehicle to their place of work or study.

Ongoing Threat From dissident Republicans Remains - Alliance

Alliance Deputy Leader Stephen Farry MLA has said the ongoing threat from dissident republicans remains, despite the declaration by the Óglaigh na hÉireann (ONH) group.

ONH were behind the attack on PSNI Officer Peadar Heffron in 2010, as well as a car bomb attack on Palace Barracks in Holywood.

"While this development can be welcomed, we must nevertheless remain sceptical," said Dr Farry.

"The ONH statement is a qualified one and doesn't renounce the use of violence. The police and intelligence services have been effective in containing activities, but they require our ongoing support.

"The threat from dissident republican elements remains severe and must continue to be taken extremely seriously."

(CD)