Other News In Brief

Woman Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A woman has been convicted for claiming benefits she was not entitled to at Newry Crown Court.

Rose Stokes claimed Income Support totalling £42,373 while failing to declare capital. She was given a 15 months suspended sentence for two years.

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

Two NI Housing Associations Complete Merger

A merger between two housing associations in Northern Ireland has been completed.

Clanmil Housing Group and Hearth Housing Association confirmed the merger which will boost efforts to preserve Northern Ireland's built heritage.

It will see the 4,000 home landlord adopt around 100 homes of architectural significance that have been restored by Hearth since 1978. The historic properties include Wallace Park Gate Lodge which was brought back into use in 2005 and homes on Camden Terrace in Belfast along with a number of restored schoolhouses, unique almshouses and distinctive townhouses throughout Northern Ireland.

DUP Accused Of Treating Public Like Fools

The UUP has accused the DUP of treating the public like fools.

Ulster Unionist Upper Bann candidate Doug Beattie said they are so desperate to stop people looking at the huge RHI shaped elephant in the room that they are waving the 'stop Sinn Fein' card again.

He said: "It's the same message from them election after election, followed by the same long list of failures, scandals, incompetence and arrogance. These are not unionist values, yet this is what has been served up to public during the DUP's ten long years in Stormont Castle.

"Who do they think they are, telling the public that they must vote DUP? This is just typical of their arrogant attitude.

"The DUP are clearly unnerved by recent events. The public are craving a real fresh start with parties who are ready to form a coalition of the willing, capable of building trust, showing mutual respect and putting the country above petty party interests. The Ulster Unionist Party will focus on the growing number ready to join those voting for change."

(CD/LM)