Other NI News In Brief

'Kidnap Bid' Charge

Three people have been charged with kidnapping following an incident in Bangor over the weekend. A man and a woman in their 20s appeared at Newtownards Magistrates Court yesterday charged over the incident. Another woman, aged 21, is to appear at Bangor Magistrates Court in a fortnight. They are all charged in connection with a kidnapping in Bangor's Central Avenue area on Saturday. Another man has been released pending a report by the Public Prosecution Service.

Derry's Troubled Youth

The SDLP Shantallow representative Jimmy Carr has voiced concerns at the large gatherings of young people in Moss Park of the city. Mr Carr said the situation has led to elderly people feeling intimidated because of the amount of anti-social behaviour in the area. "I have witnessed these large gangs and can understand how residents, especially older people would feel intimidated. As a young person myself, I am only too well aware of how the lack of facilities in Moss Park can lead to gatherings, however, it is also an ideal arena for others wishing to supply illegal drugs and drink. This all combined can fuel the situation into a rowdy scene and possibly leading to illegal activities," he said, noting that gatherings such as these cannot be allowed to continue. "I will be asking the NIHE together with the PSNI to initiate a unified approach to this problem," he said, noting: "Parents hold the key to the solution of many of these problems and have an important role to play."

Devolution Of Justice 'Works'

The Lagan Valley Alliance Representative Trevor Lunn has said the successful work in the Department of Justice since the powers were devolved last year is an example of positive politics for the rest of government in Northern Ireland. "The Justice Bill was arguably the most impressive piece of legislation that the Assembly has seen since the Good Friday Agreement established the institutions in 1998," he said.

Fraud Sentenced

The Social Security Agency Financial Investigation Unit has obtained a Confiscation Order to the value of £16,000 against John Carlin ,59, of Ballyarnett Village, Londonderry at Londonderry Crown Court last Friday. On 10 December 2009 the defendant had been convicted of social security offences. He was later sentenced to six months imprisonment suspended for 18 months. At the confiscation hearing the Court agreed that the defendant had benefited from his criminal conduct to the extent of £35,223. The defendant had already repaid £19,223 to the Department. The Court granted a Confiscation Order for a further £16,000 to allow for repayment already made by the defendant to the Department. The defendant must pay this amount within six months.

Belfast Woman Convicted Of Fraud

A woman was convicted at Newtownards Magistrates' Court this week for claiming benefits she was not entitled to. Sharon Lawder, 45, of Rathmore Street, Belfast was given a 12 month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £40 for failure to declare capital while claiming Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £8,363. She is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Miniumum Wage 'Stalled'

The Republic's Taoiseach has said he cannot give an exact date as to when the cut in the minimum wage will be reversed. In the Dáil, Enda Kenny said that legislation may be required to bring in the change and said the move would need approval under the European Union/International Monetary Fund deal. The rate was cut by €1 to €7.65 per hour by the last Government. Mr Kenny said "obviously this is an important issue for those who are locked into it". He was responding to a question from Sinn Fein Leader Gerry Adams who asked Mr Kenny to "commit to when the minimum wage will be put back to where it should be".

(BMcC/GK)