Other News In Brief

Three People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Three people have been convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to at Belfast Magistrates' Court.

Zohra Reyani claimed Housing Benefit totalling £11,967 while failing to declare capital. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Linda Coard claimed Income Support totalling £8,504 while failing to declare her partner's employment, an occupational pension and capital. She was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.

Both Ms Reyani and Ms Coard have repaid in full the money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Richard Wellington claimed Jobseekers Allowance totalling £3,657 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

SDLP Slams Minister Farry's Claim That Crime Has Fallen Under David Ford

The SDLP has said a claim by Alliance Minister Stephen Farry that crime has fallen under David Ford as Justice Minister "simply doesn't stand up to scrutiny".

Justice spokesperson Alex Attwood said: "In the week running up to an election, some parties have obviously been tempted to present their time in government in a more positive light than the facts might actually reflect.

"On Sunday Politics this week Alliance Minister Stephen Farry claimed that crime had fallen under David Ford as Justice Minister. But the truth of the matter is that PSNI recorded crime statistics clearly show that crime has risen every year since 2012/13. And worse than that, recorded crime is now at its highest level since 2010/11. The facts simply don't bear out the Alliance Party's ham fisted attempt at spin.

"The reality for communities across Northern Ireland is that crime is increasing, fear of crime is increasing, the availability of drugs is increasing and the response from the police and government has been decreasing. Stephen Farry must now reconcile his statement with the facts."

Alliance Unveils Legislative Priorities

Alliance East Belfast Assembly candidate Chris Lyttle has unveiled his party's legislative priorities for the new Assembly term.

Mr Lyttle said the legislative programme, which contains commitments to bring a Single Equality Bill, Equal Marriage Bill and an Animal Welfare Bill among others, would help correct the lack of progress in many areas by the previous Executive.

He said: "The Assembly is often criticised for lacking movement on and discussion of real legislation, often being dominated by meaningless private members' business, and when legislation does come, it is usually in a rush towards the end of a mandate.

"But with this legislative programme, Alliance believes the next Assembly can hit the ground running with proper business that delivers for all the people of Northern Ireland."

(CD/LM)