Other NI News In Brief

Church Cleared Over ‘Homophobic’ Ad

A High Court judge has overturned a decision by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that an advertisement by a Belfast church was homophobic. Sandown Free Presbyterian Church launched judicial review proceedings against the ASA after being found to be in breach of its code of practice. The judge ruled the ASA's decision interfered with the church's rights to freedom of expression. Rev David McIlveen described it as a landmark ruling. The case centred on a full-page advert taken out in the News Letter ahead of a Gay Pride parade in Belfast in August 2008. It was headlined 'The word of God against sodomy' and invited people to meet for a peaceful gospel witness against the act. After receiving seven complaints that the notice was homophobic, the ASA ruled it could not appear again in the same form. It also told the church to take more care in future to avoid causing serious offence.

A & E Wards To Face Waiting List Fines

NI hospitals could be fined £500 every time a patient in casualty has to wait longer than 12 hours for treatment. Health chiefs are planning to impose "substantial fines" to tackle waiting times and trolley waits. But the chief executive of the Northern Health Trust, Sean Donaghy, said imposing fines was not the answer. He commented: "Removing money from the trust will not be an immediate incentive to improve performance. We will be focused on improving performance irrespective of what the overall performance management regime is." Chief executives from NI's five health trusts have received letters from the Health and Social Care Board informing them of the radical proposals which could result in a £500 fine for each 12-hour breach. However, the Health and Social Care Board said an award for good performance would counterbalance the penalty fines.

Children Of Woman Convicted Of Murder 'Can't Move On'

The children of a woman convicted of murdering their father have said they cannot accept she is guilty. Hazel Stewart, 49, was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of Leslie Howell and Trevor Buchanan. Her children have said they are devastated at having their mother "vanish from their lives". In an exclusive interview, which will be broadcast on the BBC's Spotlight programme tonight, Stewart's son Andrew said: "We are not taking any sides. We would not have wanted what happened to our dad ever to happen. But we lost our dad and this nearly feels like we are going to lose our mum... We can't move on. This is the beginning for us of our lives, trying to adapt to what is going to happen."

Policing Board Member Resigns

The Policing Board has confirmed that its chief executive Adrian Donaldson has resigned. Mr Donaldson, a former chief executive of Castlereagh borough council, joined the board in 2008. In a statement the board confirmed that interim arrangements had been put in place and the recruitment of a new chief executive would take place in due course. A spokesperson said the resignation was effective from 1 March.

Suspected Victims Of Human Trafficking Rescued

The PSNI have said two suspected victims of human trafficking have been rescued in a police raid in the Belfast area yesterday. Detectives believe both of the 21-year-old women had been trafficked for the purposes of sexual exploitation. The PSNI’s Organised Crime Branch arrested a 37-year-old man during the raid. Police said the women were now receiving specialist support.

Woman Robbed By Children At Knifepoint

Children in Holywood robbed a woman in her 50s. The woman was returning to her mobility scooter when a group of youths, aged about 12 approached her and asked if they could try the scooter. When she refused, he produced a knife, demanded money and took cash from her purse. After taking money from the woman, two youths took the scooter, but were stopped by a passing driver. The woman was unhurt, but extremely shaken by her ordeal. Local DUP MLA Alex Easton said the incident has "left a lot of fear in the community." He commented: "It is quite worrying when you hear that children as young as 12, may have been involved." Detectives would like to speak to anyone with information, especially the driver who helped the woman.

Tablets Seized In Derry House Raid

A large quantity of medication has been seized by a community policing team following the search of a house in Derry. Over 700 suspected diazepam tablets were seized by members of Foyle City West Neighbourhood Team following a search of a property in the Edenmore Court area on Monday. One man was arrested and is currently helping police with their enquiries.

Woman On Class A Drugs Charges

A 28-year-old woman has been charged with possession of Class A drugs and possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply. The charges follow the search of a house in the Windermere Gardens area of Lisburn on Monday when police seized a quantity of suspected heroin with an estimated street value of £45,000. She is expected to appear before Lisburn Crown Court later.

(JG/KMcA)