Other NI News In Brief

Belfast Goes Blues

The Belfast Blues Festival returned to for its third outing at the weekend, featuring Sherman Robertson, (pictured) one of the world's top ranked blues guitar players whose distinctive vocals have been at the forefront of the blues scene around the world. Taking place in the Cathedral Quarter of the City, it ran over the August bank holiday weekend and also included Northern Ireland's local blues musicians, along with other great blues acts from England, Scotland and Ireland taking to stages throughout Belfast City centre. See: Local Artists Star At Blues Fest

Too Loud!

A woman has been fined £250 for playing loud music at her north Belfast apartment. Selena Duffy, from Antrim Close, was also ordered to pay court costs of £72 after she ignored a warning notice, issued by Belfast City Council, about causing a noise disturbance on April 22, in a prosecution that was brought by Belfast City Council.

Strongmen Funded

The NI Social Development Minister, Nelson McCausland, has shown his 'strength of character' and made an award of £5,000 to promote the UK Strongest Man - Ultimate Strongman Giant Weekend that was held outside the Odyssey complex over the Bank Holiday weekend. The money came from the Laganside Events Grant Scheme a funding programme aimed at encouraging a wide range of events in the Laganside area. The DUP Minister said: "This grant made an important contribution in terms of showcasing the Laganside area as a prime site for premier events such as this UK Strongest Man competition."

Frauds In Court

Two people were convicted at Londonderry Magistrates' Court recently for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Danielle McLaughlin, 28, of Good Shepherd Glen, Londonderry was given 100 hours community service and ordered to pay court costs of £30 for failing to declare employment while claiming Job Seekers Allowance totalling £2,017. Nora McDonagh, 40, of Carnhill, Londonderry was given four months imprisonment suspended for three years and ordered to pay court costs of £37 for failing to declare capital while claiming Income Support totalling £12,333. Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

(BMcC/GK)