Zoo Is Egg-cellent

In the run up to Belfast Zoo's Easter Extravaganza, some of the animals have been celebrating with some special treats and each day, from now until 26 April, the zoo will be posting pictures, videos and Easter desktop wallpapers, of the animals enjoying Easter treats, to their website and facebook for everyone to enjoy. "The special Easter egg treats have been incredibly popular with our animals and activities like this are also extremely stimulating and provide enrichment for the different species at the zoo. The eggs definitely didn't last long with Bora, the Malayan sun bear (pictured). She quickly worked out that she could get the treats by ripping the egg apart with her mouth and claws," said Julie Mansell, Zoo Curator.

Body Of Evidence

Remains have been found at a vacant property during a house clearance in Donegall Avenue in the Village area of south Belfast. Neighbours had noticed a pungent smell for some months and had contacted the authorities. Forensic tests will be carried out on the remains that were discovered among rubbish to establish if they are human.

Forecourt Seized

A court has ordered the seizure of a north Belfast petrol station. On Monday, Lord Justice Coughlin granted a recovery order against Dunmore Service Station, Antrim Road, Belfast. The Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) said it was granted orders against the owners after they allegedly defaulted on an agreement to hand over money. Three houses were also recovered after SOCA was first granted an order to seize money and properties. In its application to the High Court, the agency claimed the proprietors had derived the majority of their assets through cross-border fuel smuggling and excise evasion.

Fermanagh Fraud Found-out

A man was convicted at Enniskillen Magistrates' Court this week for claiming benefits he was not entitled to. Aaron Brown, 29, of Lettermoney Road, Ballinamallard claimed Job Seekers Allowance totalling £2,799 while failing to declare capital. He was given a two year conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £37. He is also required to repay the full amount wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency by way of a Compensation Order.

Road Builders Pay-up

A road construction company was fined £350 plus £28 court costs at Newry Magistrates' Court this week. Lagan Ferrovial, based at Corcreechy Road, Newry, Co Down, was fined for making a polluting discharge to a waterway. On 12 September 2008 a Water Quality Inspector acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency inspected the Newry River at Newry Courthouse. It was observed that the waterway appeared to be very cloudy. The source of the polluting discharge was traced to the Lagan Ferrovial construction site at Sheepbridge, Newry. Approximately half a mile of waterway was affected by the discharge.

Newry Pair Sentenced

A couple were convicted at Newry Crown Court on Friday 15 April for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Deidre Kearney, 49, of Innisfree Park, Newry and Michael Kearney, 46, of Mourne View, Newry both failed to declare they were living together at the time of the offence. Deidre Kearney claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £74,000 while failing to declare she was living with a partner. She was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months. Michael Kearney claimed Housing Benefit totalling £38,727 while also failing to declare he was living with a partner. He was given 200 hours community service.

(BMcC/GK)