Other News In Brief

20-Year-Old Arrested In Connection With Graffiti On NI Trains

A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a number of reports of graffiti on trains across Northern Ireland.

Sergeant Purvis highlighted the extensive work conducted by officers in relation to reports received of graffiti spray-painted on trains, which led to the arrest on suspicion of theft and various offences of criminal damage on Monday 22nd April. He was released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Sergeant Purvis continued: "Criminal damage such as the graffiti of train carriages causes a significant monetary loss in cleaning the trains, which impacts the numerous rail users who are dependent on this mode of transport as these carriages are removed from service.

"We are committed to tackling this kind of crime and would remind everyone to play their part. If you see something suspicious, report it to police as this information provided can help us apprehend criminals and bring them before the Court.

"If you think you can help, contact us on 101, or online at www.psni.police.uk/report. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, always call 999."

Finance Minister Welcomes Union Acceptance Of 2023 Civil Service Pay Offer

The Finance Minister has welcomed the decision by unions to accept the 2023 Civil Service pay offer. Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA said: "As the Minister with responsibility for the civil service, I was pleased to be able to move quickly to make the 2023 pay offer. This pay award recognises the important work being done by civil servants in helping to deliver public services. I am pleased unions have accepted the offer."

The overall award across both industrial and non-industrial Civil Service staff groups, will see the majority of staff receive a 5% consolidated increase plus a one-off £1,500 non-consolidated payment. The award includes contractual progression for those eligible.

The Minister added: "We will be keeping staff updated and arrangements are being made to ensure payment of the award in May for industrial civil servants and June for non-industrial civil servants."

SDLP Welcomes Post Office Offences Bill Announcement

The SDLP has welcomed confirmation that local postmasters will be included in the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Bill at Westminster.

The move will reduce the length of time required to deliver justice to postmasters wrongfully convicted as a result of the horizon system scandal.

Leader Colum Eastwood MP said: "This is good news for local postmasters wrongly convicted as a result of the Horizon IT system scandal. The SDLP has previously raised the issue at Westminster and we welcome the British Government’s decision to expedite action for staff in Northern Ireland by extending the reach of the legislation.

"Victims of this scandal have been treated appallingly by government and the Post Office for years. Their lives, livelihoods and in many cases their families have been turned upside down as a result. The least they deserve is the fastest route to justice."