Other NI News In Brief

One Bailed, One Held Over 'Suicide' Deaths

The deaths of a man and woman found dead in a fume-filled car in 1991 have been revisited in court today as their former partners have been charged with their murders. Dentist Colin Howell, 50, of Sea Road, Castlerock, and Hazel Stewart, 45, a mother of four, appeared at Coleraine Court on Monday. They were charged separately with the murders of RUC officer Trevor Buchanan, 31, and Mrs Lesley Howell, 30. Dr Howell was remanded in custody. Mrs Stewart was granted bail totalling £15,000. On 19 May 1991, RUC officer Trevor Buchanan and mother-of-four Lesley Howell were found dead in a car in a garage in Castlerock. At the time, a coroner's court ruled that both had committed suicide.

Hunt For Top Apprentice Launched

Northern Ireland Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, pictured here with Bombardier Aerospace apprentices Clare Edgar and Simon Anderson, has just launched the Apprentice of the Year Awards 2009. The awards, organised by the Department for Employment and Learning, recognise the achievement of all apprentices and the commitment of organisations involved in the delivery of Apprenticeship training. The closing date for receipt of applications is 3 March 2009 and further information can be found at www.apprenticeshipsni.info

Sixth NI Road Victim Named

NI's grim road toll has now reached six with news that a 58-year-old man has died in a car crash in Co Antrim. Police in Coleraine have appealed for witnesses to the incident and have named the victim as Maurice Logan from Dunsevrick. He died when his van was in collision with a car on the Whitepark Road in Bushmills at about 6.30pm on Sunday. A second man who was in the other car was taken to hospital for treatment. His condition is not known.

Horses Killed On Newry Road

What has been described as "an ongoing problem with stray horses" in the Shandon Park area of Newry has left four horses dead after colliding with a car. A passing lorry driver reported five horses galloping alongside traffic on the Newry bypass at 6.30am on Sunday and when the horses collided with a car they were so badly injured that four were put down at the scene. Two people in the car were injured. Stephen Philpott of the USPCA told the BBC that he believed the horses had been left at a nearby housing estate by members of the Travelling community.

NI Players Boost Irish Rugby Squad

Five local top names have all made it onto the final 27 man Irish squad to face France next weekend. Ulster's Rory Best, Stephen Ferris, Tom Court, Paddy Wallace and Tommy Bowe were among the players who appeared at the Guinness Press Conference at Armagh RFC ahead of their opening RBS Six Nations match. Commentators said their selection gives rise to hopes of a strong local presence against the French.

Emtek Opens New £1m Lurgan Office

A top urban design firm has opened a new £1m Lurgan-based site, following a huge influx of Irish sales. Emtek, which designs and builds highway infrastructure and street furniture, has benefited from the increased demand for its products across the island, prompting an expansion of production facilities. The firm - founded in 1994 by Eddie McKee - now employs 50 staff across Ireland and the UK.