Other News In Brief

Alliance Welcomes 'Ongoing Success' Of Enhanced Stalking Protections

The Alliance Party has welcomed the "ongoing success" of Northern Ireland's enhanced stalking protections.

The party's Justice spokesperson, Connie Egan MLA, said that the stalking legislation introduced by Justice Minister Naomi Long is making significant progress in enhancing protections for victims.

The North Down MLA said: "Since the Protection from Stalking Act (NI) became law in 2022, 90% of stalking and threatening or abusive behaviour conviction cases were dealt with within one year, according to statistics released by the Department of Justice. This legislation is making a real impact, enabling the legal system to take robust action.

"This vital legislation has introduced new Stalking Protection Orders which have enabled police to better respond to reports earlier, applying restrictions on perpetrators if they break the Order, as this is now a criminal offence. The Act also ensures that stalking is clearly defined as behaviour which is fixated, obsessive, unwanted and repetitive, providing protections for victims. "I thank the Minister for her hard work on this matter and for making significant progress in enhancing protections for victims. Alliance will continue to support victims of stalking and ensure they are protected. Stalking has a significant psychological and physical impact on victims. This legislation has provided the police and justice system with an important tool to tackle this insidious behaviour, to support victims and hold perpetrators to account.

"Nobody who is experiencing stalking should suffer in silence or feel alone. I would encourage anyone subjected to stalking to report it to the PSNI and to get in touch with victims organisations for further support."

Dog Owner Sentenced After Child Attack

A Co. Antrim woman has been sentenced to a two-year conditional discharge after her dog attacked a five-year-old girl in the Stormont Estate.

Angela Hollywood, from Loughview Road, Aldergrove, pleaded guilty to the offence. The court also ordered her to pay legal costs of £135.

The court issued a destruction order for the Old English Sheepdog, unless Ms Hollywood takes necessary steps to prevent future incidents.

SF Condemns Attack On Belfast Office Of Commonwealth Games

Sinn Féin has condemned those responsible for an attack on the Commonwealth Games offices in Belfast.

Deirdre Hargey MLA said: "I condemn the attack on the Commonwealth Games office, which saw windows and doors smashed on the premises.

"The police are treating it as a hate crime and are looking to hear from anyone who was in the area between 10pm and 10:20pm yesterday and saw anything suspicious.

"Those responsible for this act of vandalism should be brought to justice and I would appeal to anyone with information to report it to the PSNI."