18/05/2011

Other NI News In Brief

Remands On PSNI Murder

Two people have been charged and remanded in custody over the murder of PSNI officer Stephen Carroll (pictured) in Craigavon two years ago. Former Sinn Fein councillor Brendan McConville, 39, and 19-year-old John Paul Wootton pleaded not guilty to murdering Constable Carroll on March 9 2009 and also to possessing the AK47 assault rifle which was used to shoot him in the back of the head. Former councillor McConville, from Aldervale, Tullygally also denied two charges of having explosives, namely firework fuses, composition, filler plugs, pieces of shotgun cartridges and improvised plastic conduit with intent to endanger life on dates between 11 October 2006 and 11 October 2007 and also two counts of having the items under suspicious circumstances. Wootton, from Collingdale, Lurgan also denied attempting to collect information, which would be useful to terrorists relating to the home address of a serving police officer.

Derry PSNI Dad Targeted

Republicans are being blamed for a petrol bomb attack on a car outside a police officer's family home in Londonderry. It was parked in the driveway of the Lone Moor Road property when the blazing device was thrown through the rear driver side window at 9.30pm on Tuesday. The target was the former Deputy Mayor of Derry, Liam Bradley, who has previously been singled-out by dissident republicans because his son serves in the PSNI.

Scrambler Tragedy For Court

A man is to appear in court today charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of Daniel Mooney, who fell off a scrambler motorbike in north Belfast. The accident happened at the corner of Mountcoole Park and Mountcoole Gardens at around 9.15pm on Sunday. The victim, aged 12, who was from the north Belfast area, lost his life when he fell from the bike he was riding pillion and landed underneath a parked jeep. He was not wearing a helmet. A 32-year-old was arrested on Tuesday and later charged with causing death by dangerous driving and associated offences.

UCF Walks For Health

The Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) is launching a series of walking groups specifically for cancer patients. This new service, which is free of charge, is open to anyone affected by cancer and the walks have been chosen to be suitable for people who are currently undergoing treatment. Liz Atkinson, Head of Care Services, UCF said: "Research from Denmark shows that cancer patients who engage in moderate exercise while under-going treatment suffer less from the debilitating effects of fatigue. Fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms affecting cancer patients and has the greatest impact on quality of life. Our new walking groups will follow a slow and progressive walking programme that allows the body to gradually rebuild its normal levels of fitness. Email moragchambers@ulstercancer.org for details of venues.

On The Buses

Ballymena's Ulsterbus station is set to be upgraded in compliance with the Disability Discrimination Act, according to Translink. Accessibility improvements include disabled toilets, a new counter at the ticket desk, lowered station signage and platform lighting. Ballymena Service Delivery Manager Ballymena, Martin Lundy, said the investment will particularly benefit those with mobility difficulties. Translink is investing £500,000 to upgrade stations across the Ulsterbus network in line with government regulations.

Something Fishy?

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Councils are hosting the first ever South Antrim Fishing Festival from 21st - 28th May, funded by 'GROW South Antrim' through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme. Supported by local angling clubs and fishing facilities, the Festival offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests. There is a wide variety of fisheries and rivers available throughout the Council areas of Antrim and Newtownabbey offering excellent fishing opportunities including coarse and game angling. Among the events will be demonstrations of fly tying, fish stalls, arts and crafts as well as children's entertainment. One of the highlights of the festival features Jenny Bristow, celebrated chef and author, showcasing her skills as she demonstrates how to cook fish and seafood at her masterclasses at noon, 2pm and 3.30pm in Antrim town on 21st May. See: www.southantrimfishing.com

(BMcC/GK)

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