Other NI News In Brief

Beef Is 'Royal Treat'

The very best of British beef is the preferred main course for Britons out to celebrate the royal wedding on April 29. According to National Beef Association (NBA) Director Kim Haywood, a human nutritionist, surveys show quality assured British beef remains the ultimate meat treat for modern Britons. "Just as 16th century Tudor monarchs fed their elite Yeomen of the Guard at the Tower beef, hence their nick name Beefeaters, so today British beef meets the nation's needs," she said, noting an NBA poll showed that beef "topped the choices for dining" as Kate Middleton and Prince William, (pictured) wed.

Stabbing Victim 'Stable'

A 40-year-old man, David Nadine, of Innishargie Gardens in Bangor, has appeared in court after making "an open and frank admission" to police when charged with attempted murder after a stabbing incident. He was in Belfast Magistrates Court on Thursday while a 50-year-old man remained in a stable condition in hospital after being attacked at a Tesco supermarket on the Ballygomartin Road in north Belfast at about 4.30pm on Wednesday. The injured man, Harry Stockman, is a senior loyalist from the Shankill Road area and suffered multiple stab wounds.

Teen Dies In Crash

A teenager has been arrested and is now helping with police enquiries after another 19-year-old man died following a road accident in the Ballyeaston area of Ballyclare. The accident, which involved one vehicle, occurred shortly after 1.10am on Thursday. The young victim has not yet been named. Police want anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them. There was also a serious crash in Co Armagh, a police spokesman has said. The accident happened in the Gosford Road area of Markethill at around 6.45pm on Wednesday.

Builders Jobs Falling

It has just been revealed that as many as 26,000 construction jobs have been lost in Northern Ireland since 2007, in an industry slump that has cost the local economy £2bn. After the figures were released on Thursday, the Construction Employers Federation (CEF) warned that investment in the industry was "essential". The CEF argued that it would promote growth in the wider economy. The group said construction alone has a "multiplier effect" on other industry. See: UUP Seeks Maintenance Sector Boost

Frauds Found-out

Four people were convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Michelle McShane, 24, of Ballymurphy Cresent, Belfast claimed Income Support, Carer's Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,018 while failing to declare employment. She was fined £150 and ordered to pay court costs of £92. Stephen McClean, 53, of Glenwherry Place, Belfast claimed Housing Benefit and Job Seekers Allowance totalling £5,047 while failing to declare employment. He was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34. Dorothy Chambers, 45, of Cumberland Walk, Belfast claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling ££5,680 while failing to declare employment. She was given a 12-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay court costs of £46. Finally, Susan Close, 33, of West Crescent, Newtownabbey claimed Income Support and Housing Benefit totalling £15,302 while failing to declare employment. She was given 75 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £34.

(BMcC/GK)