Women Left 'Shaken' After Shooting

The PSNI are today probing an overnight shooting in Co Londonderry.

The incident was at Hawthorne Place in Coleraine and saw three masked men entering a house shortly before 5pm on Wednesday and then firing a shot into a wall in the property before the three made off.

Two women who were in the house at the time of the incident were not injured, but were left badly shaken.

As the Justice Minister and Alliance party Leader, David Ford today announced new proposals to support victims, a Coleraine councillor has condemned those behind the shooting incident.

Mr Ford's party colleague, Alliance Cllr Yvonne Boyle said: "The town is shocked at this despicable incident. This is a deeply worrying incident and my thoughts go out to the two women who were in the house at the time as this must have been a very harrowing experience.

"Those behind this must be brought to justice and anyone with information on this must contact police immediately," she said.

Care For Victims

The new proposals to enhance the use of Victim Impact Statements and Reports in the criminal justice system have today been published.

The NI Justice Minister David Ford has put the proposals out for consultation in line with his commitment under the Victim and Witness Annual Action Plan.

Mr Ford (pictured) said: "Since being elected Justice Minister I have listened to a range of views about what victims need from the criminal justice system.

"People have impressed upon me the need to ensure that the victim’s experiences are heard so that they are not left to feel marginalised by the criminal justice system.

"That is why I am signalling my intention to strengthen the voice of victims of crime in court, by putting the use of Victim Impact Statements and Victim Impact Reports on a firmer footing," he said.

"I would encourage all those who have an interest in improving the criminal justice experience for victims of crime to respond to this consultation."

(BMcC)