Other News In Brief

Belfast Taxi Depot Owner Fined

A Belfast taxi depot owner has been fined £150 at Belfast Magistrate’s Court after being charged with with two offences relating to the use of an unregulated taxi.

Kevin Maguire of Weavershill Square, Belfast, was fined £75 for providing an unlicenced vehicle and a further £75 for providing a taxi service where the driver was not the holder of a taxi drivers licence.

Mr Maguire was also ordered to pay court costs of £25 and an offenders levy of £15.

On 20 April 2013, DVA Enforcement Officers entered the premises of Ligoneil Taxis in North Belfast and requested a taxi.

They were directed to a vehicle in an adjoining car park. The vehicle and driver who completed the journey were both found to be unlicenced.

Mr Maguire was subsequently interviewed for both offences and denied any involvement in the incident. He contested the matter at Belfast Magistrates’ Court and was found guilty of both offences.

Woman In Court Over Stiletto Attack

A woman has appeared in court charged with carrying out an attack using a stiletto shoe as a weapon.

21-year-old Stacey Leanne Moore of Finbank Court in Belfast is accused of carrying out the attack in the south of the city last September.

She faces charges of assault and attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to a man, as well as a count involving possession of an offensive weapon - the shoe - in the area of Bradbury Place.

Drug Drop Safe Opened In W Belfast

A drug drop safe has been installed in the Falls Community Council Building to provide a means for local residents to dispose of illegal drugs, unused prescription pills and legal highs anonymously.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Inspector Michael White, Woodbourne Police Station, said: "Drug drop safes are a successful way for drugs and harmful substances to be removed from the community. It provides a channel for individuals, whether they are concerned parents, grandparents, siblings or family members to dispose of items which they believe have the potential to cause harm, completely anonymously."

Programme To Support Belfast Businesses

A new programme has been launched by Belfast City Council to offer support to nearly 500 small businesses in the city.

'Go for Growth' aims to "provide small businesses and social enterprises with the practical skills and flexible support needed to expand their individual organisations.

"Participants will benefit from a wide range of tailored workshops over 18 months giving them expert advice on best practice in sales, customer service, marketing, finance, people management and strategy."

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the Belfast City Council’s Development Committee, said: "I’m delighted to launch this exciting new business support programme for small businesses and social enterprises in the city to help them grow.

"By next year, the programme aims to have assisted nearly 500 small businesses through one-to-one mentoring; tailored workshops; networking opportunities and vital business assessments. Mentoring will also be delivered by a pool of 30 mentors with a range of skills and expertise across all sectors."

(IT)