Other News In Brief

Two People Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Austin Mitchell claimed Employment and Support Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £2,649 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years and ordered to pay court costs of £32.

Mr Mitchell is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Brian Johnston claimed Income Support totalling £2,490 while failing to declare capital. He was given an absolute discharge.

Mr Johnston has since repaid in full the money he wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Councillor Appointed To The Board Of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority

A Newry, Mourne and Down District Councillor has been appointed to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority, which is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving Warrenpoint Port.

Councillor Glyn Hanna was appointed by Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard to serve a first term.

The councillor appointed following a selection process.

Minister Hazzard said: "I congratulate Councillor Hanna on his appointment to the Board of Warrenpoint Harbour Authority. I am confident that his experience and knowledge of local issues will add significant value to the work of the Port in its aim to be the preferred location for import and export of goods and thus continue to be a major economic driver for its hinterland. I would also thank Councillor McKee for his work and wish him every success in the future."

'No Surprise' Over Comments About West Belfast - Maskey

Sinn Féin MP Paul Maskey has said comments made by a former head of civil service about west Belfast revealed as archive papers are released will not surprise people in the area.

Mr Maskey said: "The comments made by the then head of the civil service in 1987 about west Belfast will come as no surprise to anyone who lives in the area.

"They are indicative of the attitude of the NIO and British government to West Belfast for decades.

"West Belfast was subjected to a systematic campaign of state-sponsored violence and murder and was starved of funding and investment for many years in an attempt to keep the community down.

"Attempts were made to turn West Belfast into a ghetto and to criminalise and demonise its people.

"Those days are gone and are not coming back. While problems still exist as a result of the legacy of decades of underinvestment, west Belfast has been transformed since power was taken from the hands of unelected and unaccountable civil servants."

(CD/MH)