Other News In Brief

Man Arrested Under Terrorism Act Released

A man arrested under the Terrorism Act in connection with an explosion in east Belfast has been released unconditionally.

He was previously detained on suspicion of possessing explosives with intent to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, before being re-arrested under the Terrorism Act on Saturday, 27 January.

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud


A woman has been convicted for claiming over £42,000 in benefits she was not entitled to at Belfast Crown Court.

Rita Cartmill claimed Jobseeker's Allowance, Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £42,710 while failing to declare employment. She was given a nine month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

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.

NIHE Called To Directly Employ Carillion Workers

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) has been called to employ workers from construction firm Carillion.

The company recently collapsed and hundreds of worker are now uncertain about their future.

Sinn Féin MLA Carál Ní Chuilín said: "Heating and general maintenance for thousands of citizens and families in Housing Executive homes is provided through Carillion contracts.

"The protection of those employed through these contracts, and crucially the families living in homes dependent on this essential maintenance, must be the priority for the Housing Executive in the immediate future.

"Sinn Féin is backing a call by Unite for the Housing Executive to take workers from the Carillion Energy Service into direct employment.

"That call has been backed by Sinn Féin leader in the north Michelle O'Neill and supported on a cross-party basis."

(CD/LM)