Death Crash Man Denies Charges

A 24-year-old man, named today as Joseph Thomas Brennan, has denied being the driver of a stolen car which crashed, killing another man. The Dunmurry man appeared in court today charged with a number of driving offences over the fatal road crash in west Belfast on Thursday. He was charged with causing death by dangerous driving, driving while unfit and disqualified and going equipped for burglary. He appeared before Craigavon Magistrates Court. His alleged passenger, Antony Wilson, who was 25, died when the car left the Glenside Road on Thursday morning, shortly after the police has failed to stop the vehicle.

Multiple Drink-Drive Man Jailed

A repeat offender who already has 120 previous convictions, over half of which are for motoring offences including drink-driving, dangerous driving and driving while disqualified, has been jailed for driving while almost three times over the alcohol limit. Brian Mongan, 35, of no fixed abode, admitted dangerous driving, drink-driving and having no car insurance after police spotted him weaving between lanes on the M1 near Lisburn in January, Belfast Crown Court was told yesterday. He has been jailed for two years after being stopped after driving the wrong way round Broadway roundabout and being found to be "virtually unable to stand". He also received a 15-year driving ban.

Workers Threatened In Store Held-Up

Staff in a Belfast shop have been held at gunpoint during a robbery. Two armed robbers burst into the premises on Alliance Avenue on Wednesday night, forced the employees into the back of the shop and threatened to shoot them. After threatening the workers, a sum of cash was stolen.

Fraudster Failures

A report has found that a corrupt solicitor - who has since died - who defrauded health bodies in NI of more than a £270,000, could have been unmasked much earlier if managers had been more alert to the risk of fraud. George Brangam of Brangam, Bagnall and Company, systematically defrauded six health bodies he provided legal services to, according to the Auditor General who said chances for earlier detection of some of the solicitor's fraudulent activities were missed.

Rates Relief For Efficient Homes

Energy efficient Northern Ireland homeowners could be in line for rate rebates, if new plans outlined by the government get the go-ahead. Zero carbon property owners could get a reduced rate, in a bid to encourage energy conservation. NI Finance Minister Nigel Dodds unveiled the plans amid rising fuel and energy costs, which are become an increasing concern for householders across the island.

Extra Cash For Play

More NI Government funding has helped local children to play in a safe environment, this time in the Upper Springfield area. The NI Department for Social Development has invested half a million pounds in a state-of-the-art play park for Whiterock and Westrock residents. DSD Minister Margaret Ritchie handed over the park, situated at Brittan's Parade, to the local community.

(BMcC)