Other News In Brief

44-Year-Old Jailed For Offences Linked To 'EncroChat'

A 44-year-old man has been sentenced to 12 years at Londonderry for offences linked to EncroChat, an encrypted communication channel used by criminals.

The investigation and the subsequent sentencing stems from Operation Venetic which, led by the National Crime Agency (NCA), was a collective UK law enforcement response to dismantle EncroChat.

Michael O'Loughlin will serve half his sentence in custody and half on licence.

Detective Inspector McCamley from the Police Service of Northern Ireland's Organised Crime Branch said: "EncroChat was an encrypted communication channel used by organised crime groups to plan illegal activity, such as drug importation and the movement of cash.

"Michael O'Loughlin's arrest followed the search of a property in Warrenpoint in 2020. Here, various items were seized, including encrypted mobile phones and other encrypted devices, SIM cards, drugs and cash.

"The defendant was charged with, and pleaded guilty to, over 40 offences, including two counts of conspiracy to commit murder, encouraging or assisting murder, conspiracy to possess a firearm and conspiracy to inflict grievous bodily harm. The list also includes criminal property offences, such as conspiracy to transfer criminal property and possession of criminal property, which amount to over £250,000. Drug offences relate to Class A, B and C drugs and include, for example, conspiracy to import Class A controlled drugs and being concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug, namely cocaine."

SDLP Condemns Govt Decision On Sean Brown Inquest

The SDLP has condemned a decision by the UK government to take legal action over the inquest into the murder of Sean Brown as "utterly disgraceful".

The move will delay a decision over whether to grant a public inquiry into Mr Brown's murder.

Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone said: "The decision taken by the British government to instigate legal action over what occurred at the inquest into Sean Brown's murder is a further insult to a family who have been through one of the worst ordeals imaginable over the past few decades. Not only did they lose their husband and father, a pillar of this community, in harrowing circumstances, but their plea for answers has been repeatedly thwarted by those wrapped up in their own interests, with no regard to truth and justice for this family.

"Sean Brown's family have conducted themselves with the utmost dignity throughout these proceedings and their campaign, in stark contrast to those who wish to deny them the information they seek. It's utterly disgraceful that yet another roadblock has been thrown in their way by a British government that has already shown great contempt for victims and their relatives and sought to close down routes to justice through their ill-intentioned legacy legislation. Now they seek to run down the clock for the family of Sean Brown.

"The coroner was clear that a public inquiry should be held into the murder of Sean Brown and that call has received vehement support across this island. This latest attempt to stop the truth from being told must be resisted in the strongest terms possible and I will continue to stand with the Brown family as they continue their fight to secure a long overdue public inquiry and finally establish what happened to Sean and why."

Alliance Calls For Urgent Action On Special Educational Needs Crisis

The Alliance party has said that it is "unacceptable crisis management in special educational needs (SEN) has become the norm".

Assembly Education Committee Chair Nick Mathison MLA was speaking after a meeting of the Education Committee, where officials outlined how almost 7,000 children with a SEN statement require a new or change of placement for September, and over 1,000 additional specialist education places will be needed to meet demand.

It was also revealed 291 schools had been contacted regarding the creation of specialist provisions in mainstream schools (SpiMs) but only 80 had agreed.

‘It is incredibly concerning the creation of additional SpiMs, at pace and as an emergency response to SEN placements, has become the norm, rather than long-term planning for the necessary SEN placements," said Mr Mathison.

"There was no clear evidence to demonstrate these rapidly developed settings will deliver for SEN pupils, and no effective evaluation of the SPiMs we currently have in place.

"It appears he decision to establish the placements and provision needed lies entirely with a school whether they accept it and questions must be asked as to why more schools are not coming forward.

"I am concerned schools do not have confidence they will receive the necessary support from the Education Authority in the establishment and provision of a SPiM classroom - the focus for all should be the best interests of our SEN learners and there is a real risk this is lost as we  operate on a crisis footing.

"The Committee was unable to receive a clear answer to the question of which school type takes on the bulk of SEN provision. This is something I will be exploring with the Department, as it is vital all school types are committed to delivering for children with SEN.

"All schools should be inclusive settings which can cater for all pupils. We must all work together towards a solution which ensures all our children can access education provision which is appropriate for their needs.

"Alliance supports the necessary long-term reform of SEN services but the Department and EA need to get a handle on this year-on-year emergency provision for our children with SEN and disabilities."