Other News In Brief

Time Has Come To Move Forward – SF

Sinn Féin MLA Declan Kearney has said that the time has come to move forward and make progress as the Windsor Framework becomes reality.

The party's Brexit spokesperson said: "In two days' time, the Windsor Framework becomes fully operational, with the implementation of the trading rules around the movement of goods into the north.

"I welcome the commitment given by both the British government and the EU when they met this week that they will fully implement the Windsor Framework in a faithful way.

"It's now time to move forward. We now have unprecedented economic opportunities to strengthen our economy and create more and better jobs.

"We need to see the assembly and executive working now to address the problems in our health service and deliver for business, for workers and families.

"The public's patience has run out. The boycott of the Assembly by one party must end now.

"Sinn Féin will not give up on leading an Executive that works together to better the lives of all our people and communities."

Appeal For Information On Aggravated Burglary In Ballymoney

The PSNI have issued an appeal for information and witnesses following a report of an aggravated burglary in Ballymoney this morning, Friday 29th September.

Making the appeal on the incident in the Cloneen Drive area, Detective Sergeant Colhoun said: "Shortly after 1.30am, it was reported that an unknown number of men forced their way into a house in the area.

"One man who was inside the property at the time, was assaulted and those who carried out the vicious attack are believed to have used various weapons, including crowbars during the assault.

"The man was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, including small puncture-like wounds, bruising and a suspected broken arm and leg.

"Detectives would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area at the time of the incident, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 91 29/09/23."

You can also submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

Man Jailed Over 2020 L'Derry Assault

A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to seven and a half years after previously pleading guilty to an assault in L'Derry in February 2020.

Michael Lynn pled guilty to one count of causing Grievous Bodily Harm with Intent and two of Assault Occasioning Actual Bodily Harm. Half of his seven and a half year sentence is to be served in custody and half on licence. His licence has also been extended for an additional three years.

In the incident, Lynn confronted a family group during the early hours of 2 February who had been out socialising to celebrate a family occasion. Lynn fled but then returned to Strand Road, accompanied by another male who has since been sentenced for Affray. Lynn had a baseball bat which he used to attack another male in the family group in the face, causing him actual bodily harm. Lynn also attacked two women with the bat who were part of family group. One of the female victims sustained severe bruising whilst a second female was knocked unconscious with the bat and sustained a shattered jaw for which she required a serious surgical operation.

Lynn, who had been granted bail in 2021, failed to appear for trial in October 2021, fleeing overseas. Detective Sergeant Marks said due to extensive efforts with partner agencies in UK Border Force, Merseyside Police, Police Scotland and Waterside District Support Team, Lynn was detained and remanded in Scotland in March 2022.

Detective Sergeant Marks said after sentencing: "I hope today's sentencing sends a message to anyone who believes that violence can go unpunished, that the Police Service is committed to apprehending perpetrators, and also demonstrates our commitment towards tackling violence against women and girls but also for any member of the public who find themselves in harm's way."