Appeal Issued Over Moy Arson

Police are appealing for information following an incident of arson in Moy.

A bench was set alight on 01 July at around 1.30pm in the Currans Brae play park, causing damage to the hedge of an adjoining property.

PSNI Mid Ulster have urged anyone in the area on that date with any relevant information to contact them on the non emergency number 101, quoting serial number 972 1/7/21.

'Twelfth One Of The Most Vibrant Cultural Celebrations' - Donaldson

Representatives of the DUP and Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland have met ahead of this weekend's annual Twelfth celebrations.

DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson was joined by MPs Carla Lockhart and Gavin Robinson to meet the Orange leadership at Schomberg House yesterday, Thursday 08 July.

Speaking after the meeting, Mr Donaldson discussed the importance of the celebrations, which he described as one of the largest and most vibrant in the UK.

He said: "Whilst last year we celebrated the "12th at home", this year there will be a return to the parades and demonstrations many of us enjoy, albeit scaled back to reflect the ongoing restrictions and public health concerns.

"The Orange Institution is an integral part of the fabric of Northern Ireland and nowhere has that been more evident than during the Covid pandemic. The responsible leadership offered by Grand Lodge Officers was backed up by massive community outreach right across Northern Ireland. Such practical support offered by Districts and individual lodges was a lifeline to many elderly and vulnerable people.

"Those roots right to the heart of our community mean that members of the Orange Institution have felt the economic impact of the Northern Ireland Protocol as well as understanding the constitutional damage it brings. The Institution stands alongside every single unionist elected representative in Northern Ireland in opposition to the Protocol and the barriers to trade it has created. The Orange Institution represents part of civic society in Northern Ireland and the views it articulates should be heeded by our government."

Man Sentenced For Drug Possession In Antrim

A 29-year-old man has been hit with sentences for drug possession at Antrim Crown Court.

Karl McKeown pled guilty to the offences of possession of Class A controlled drugs, possession of Class B controlled drug with intent to supply and possessing criminal property.

He was sentenced to:

• 9 months imprisonment and 9 months on licence for possession of Class A controlled drug

• 9 months imprisonment and 9 months on licence (to run concurrently) for possession of Class B controlled drug with intent to supply

• 9 months imprisonment and 9 months on licence (to run concurrently) for possessing criminal property.

Detectives from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force have welcomed the sentencing.

Detective Sergeant Crothers said: "Be under no illusion, those who peddle their poison on our streets do not care what harm and utter devastation they cause. There is no place for people like this in our society.

"Those who deal in drugs remain a priority for the Paramilitary Crime Task Force due to the Human Rights abuses they inflict on their local communities. There is no glory in what they do.

"We will tirelessly work with our partners and communities to tackle the scourge of criminals who are continually trying to flood their own towns with drugs, who seek to take control of peoples’ lives. Together we can tackle this.

"I would encourage anyone with information that could assist in our efforts to contact us on the non-emergency number 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/."