Man Charged With Drugs Offences

A 20-year-old man has been charged with drug related offences following the discovery of Cannabis worth around £12,000.

The Paramilitary Crime Task Force charged the man following a search of a house in Millisle on 18 December 2018 which uncovered the drugs.

He is due to appear at Newtownards Magistrates Court on Thursday 23 May.

The individual has also been reported to the Public Prosecution Service for possession of a Class B drug and possession with intent to supply.

Masked Youths Deface Grounds Of NI School

Police have responded to reports of masked youths vandalising the grounds of Campbell College, a grammar school in east Belfast.

A large group of young people entered the area yesterday, Wednesday 01 May, and are believed to have thrown eggs and flour over statues and the school entrance.

Police flushed out the culprits and said they believe the incident is linked to a rivalry between schools.

An officer said: "I just want to take this opportunity to make sure that you are all aware that YES throwing eggs at property is criminal damage, yes you are committing an offence, yes you will be dealt with by police and yes you could get a criminal record as a result. I know you think it's a bit of a laugh, a bit of craic and it's harmless. However, just have a think about your career prospects when you have a conviction or caution for a criminal offence. Also, think about the residents who were boarding at the school who you frightened the life out of. Not to mention the three LPT callsigns, a TSG callsign and a police dog handler you had running about the place to sort you out! Just take a minute to stop, think and wise up."

Follow up enquiries are ongoing.

New Ulster Youth Orchestra Leader Receives 239 Year Old Violin

The new leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra (UYO) has been announced as Samuel Kane, an exceptional violinist from Loughgall in County Antrim.

Samuel has been presented with the Milton Violin by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, an instrument made by renowned Neapolitan violin maker Joseph Gagliano. He will play it through his tenure as leader.

Samuel, who is in his first year at the Royal Northern College of Music studying with James Clark, faced a rigorous audition to become leader of the UYO. Established in 1993, The UYO is the National Youth Orchestra of Northern Ireland and is supported by public funding and National Lottery funding through the Arts Council and offers the highest level of orchestral training in the region.  Through its annual summer residential courses and concerts and outreach projects, it provides young gifted musicians with the opportunity to develop their musical skills further. 

Ciaran Scullion, Head of Music, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: "Congratulations to Samuel in becoming Leader of the Ulster Youth Orchestra.  The Orchestra has become a vibrant and creative force in the musical life of Northern Ireland, bringing top quality orchestral playing to a wide audience, and providing gifted young musicians with access to the very best professional players, tutors and conductors.  Thanks to the generosity of Professor Milton, we are able to provide this exceptional instrument to generations of our best young violinists. We are delighted by the appointment of Samuel and have no doubt he will put this very special opportunity to great use."



(JG/MH)