21/08/2009

Other NI News In Brief

Guns' Court Refuses Bail

A Lithuanian court has refused bail to a Dundalk man while he waits for his trial to start in October. The Vilnius court said that 36-year-old Michael Campbell was considered "a flight risk". He was arrested in January 2008 while allegedly trying to buy weapons and explosives for the Real IRA. See: Lithuanian Arms 'Sting' Outlined In Court

Glengormley Cars Attacked

There was an overnight sectarian incident in what has become a suburban interface. Five cars have been daubed with paint in Glebe Road, off Carnmoney Road, Glengormley. Police said it happened around 4.40am on Friday morning and also led to the road and walls being damaged with sectarian graffiti. Pro-IRA slogans was painted on the vehicles, a number of walls and the road itself. Two youths believed to be in their late teens were seen in the area at the time and police appealed for anyone with information about the vandalism to contact them. The mixed residential street is normally covered by area CCTV cameras.

Liver Failure Teen 'Joins Queue'

A 19-year-old Newtownards teenager has joined eight other local people waiting for a donor liver to save their lives. Gareth Anderson was taken to the Ulster hospital in Dundonald after his liver failed and remains critically ill after a binge-drinking weekend with friends. There have been appeals from his family for a speedy resolution and today it was revealed that he is to be transferred to Kings College Hospital in London. He is being moved so his condition can be monitored. In a statement NI Health Minister Michael Mc Gimpsey said it is a distressing situation for the family and said: "There are currently nine people waiting for a liver transplant in Northern Ireland, of whom Gareth is one."

Crane Crash Escape

A collapsing construction site crane has ended up partly through a supermarket roof in Co Antrim. The arm of the crane pierced the Woodside supermarket's roof with the chain, the block and the hook ending up on the store manager's office chair. Keith Glasgow said yesterday that he had a narrow escape and he is "lucky to be alive". It is thought that the crane, operated by Graham Construction, sank into unstable ground before tipping over on Wednesday afternoon as the manager was out of his office.

Scam Warning

Satellite television subscribers have been warned to be on their guard against companies selling insurance cover, who claim to be affiliated to Sky. The warning comes from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment's Trading Standards Service, following an increased number of complaints against satellite warranty cover companies. Customers have been led to believe that their existing satellite insurance cover is due to expire and they have been offered another contract for 12 months, at a payment of approximately £7 per month. Customers who agreed to a new contract were then asked to provide their bank account details, resulting in them paying for two satellite insurance contracts but it was not immediately noticed that they were making double payments.

Walkers Sought For Fundraiser

Macmillan Cancer Support and Antrim Borough Council are inviting people to join them and take part in the 4th Annual Antrim Walk. They are being urged to come along on Saturday 19 September to help 'make strides' towards better cancer care. Offering a choice of 10 mile or six-mile walks taking in some of Antrim's historic and most beautiful scenery such as Mill Race Trail, Six Mile Water River, Rea's Wood and Lough Shore Park, participants will also have the unique opportunity to enjoy the spectacular surroundings of the Walled Garden at Greenmount College, an area not normally open to the public. For registration and details, see: Antrim Walk

Injured Teen's Flight Delayed

The parents of a Bangor teenager who broke his neck in a swimming accident in Majorca have said they are desperate to get him home. Will Doggart, 18, was due to be flown to NI by air ambulance on Thursday and taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital. However, the insurance company arranging the flight has said it can't get a suitable aircraft until the weekend. His parents have said he is receiving excellent care in Majorca, but they are concerned about the delay.

Jobs For Cookstown

A Tyrone company is to create 15 new jobs after securing a contract worth £7.5m. BA Components Ltd, based in Cookstown, manufactures doors for the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom sectors. The company will provide a range of products over the next three years to the trade-only supplier, which has depots throughout the UK and France.

(BMcC/KMcA)

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