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25/11/2011
Other NI News In Brief
'Defy Prison Protests' DUP
Lagan Valley Assembly Member Paul Givan has said the Prison Service must stand firm against demands being made by dissident republicans. Commenting ahead of today's planned protests he said: "Republicans continue to protest inside Maghaberry in an effort to make this prison similar to the Maze when prisoners had unfettered movement and control there. Not only is this absolutely unacceptable, but is costing the public purse hundreds of thousands of pounds. [Justice Minister] David Ford has already compromised with the prisoners and no further concessions can be made that would jeopardise the security of the Prison and the safety of prison staff. These prisoners already receive preferential treatment but should be treated like any other prisoners with privileges removed rather than enhanced," he added. "Visits have been cancelled and additional security measures are being put in place. Any effort by republican protestors to disrupt local people should not be tolerated and the police will have my full support in taking decisive action to prevent this," he said.
Quinn Appeal Date Announced
The former Anglo Irish Bank has brought a challenge to the High Court in Belfast to have Seán Quinn's bankruptcy annulled. A full hearing of the matter will take place on 19 December. The Fermanagh businessman was declared bankrupt in Northern Ireland two weeks ago, however the Irish Banking Resolution Corporation disputes the claim that his centre of main interests is in the North. Lawyers for IBRC appeared at the High Court in Belfast on Thursday morning seeking to have Mr Quinn's bankruptcy overturned.
DPP Row Condemned
The West Belfast District Policing Partnership (DPP) Sub-Group public meeting in Whiterock on Wednesday faced a protest from dissidents both inside and outside the meeting. Cllr Tim Attwood, Chairman of the West Belfast Sub-Group said: "The DPP held one of their regular public meetings in Whiterock last night to listen to a PSNI presentation about child safety and to discuss the report from the PSNI Area Commander. There was a protest from dissidents inside and outside the meeting and attempts to disrupt the meeting. After a period of heckling from some of the protestors, directed at the PSNI, I asked the protestors if anybody wanted to make a statement," he said, adding: "It is important to note that normal business resumed and members of the public questioned the PSNI on important local issues relating to anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults in the area, burglaries and the issue of quad bikes. People have the right to protest but do not have the right to disrupt or stop DPP meetings. There is now a positive dialogue and partnership between the PSNI, the DPP and local communities in West Belfast. The vast majority of people support the PSNI and want to see pro-active policing in the community to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Home Security Focus
An Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland has urged the public to make sure their homes are properly secured after a car was stolen during a creeper burglary in east Belfast. "I urge the public to be extremely cautious in regard to the security of their homes during the Christmas period. Too often I hear reports that constituents have been the victims of crime which could easily have been prevented," he said. "I feel it is important to educate the public as to how to ensure they do not fall victim to crime. It is imperative to make sure car keys are not left on display, especially near windows or letterboxes. Keeping doors locked, even when home, will help to reduce the number of burglaries. Also, vigilant communities, who work together in order to prevent crime will benefit most from low crime levels."
Frauds Sentenced
Two people were convicted at Belfast Crown Court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Geraldine Duffy (45) of Whitecliff Crescent, Belfast claimed Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance totalling £24,147 while working. She was given 15 months custody suspended for three years. Barbara Green (63) of High Link, Belfast claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £27,477 while working. She was given a 12 month sentence suspended for two years.
(BMcC/GK)
Lagan Valley Assembly Member Paul Givan has said the Prison Service must stand firm against demands being made by dissident republicans. Commenting ahead of today's planned protests he said: "Republicans continue to protest inside Maghaberry in an effort to make this prison similar to the Maze when prisoners had unfettered movement and control there. Not only is this absolutely unacceptable, but is costing the public purse hundreds of thousands of pounds. [Justice Minister] David Ford has already compromised with the prisoners and no further concessions can be made that would jeopardise the security of the Prison and the safety of prison staff. These prisoners already receive preferential treatment but should be treated like any other prisoners with privileges removed rather than enhanced," he added. "Visits have been cancelled and additional security measures are being put in place. Any effort by republican protestors to disrupt local people should not be tolerated and the police will have my full support in taking decisive action to prevent this," he said.
Quinn Appeal Date Announced
The former Anglo Irish Bank has brought a challenge to the High Court in Belfast to have Seán Quinn's bankruptcy annulled. A full hearing of the matter will take place on 19 December. The Fermanagh businessman was declared bankrupt in Northern Ireland two weeks ago, however the Irish Banking Resolution Corporation disputes the claim that his centre of main interests is in the North. Lawyers for IBRC appeared at the High Court in Belfast on Thursday morning seeking to have Mr Quinn's bankruptcy overturned.
DPP Row Condemned
The West Belfast District Policing Partnership (DPP) Sub-Group public meeting in Whiterock on Wednesday faced a protest from dissidents both inside and outside the meeting. Cllr Tim Attwood, Chairman of the West Belfast Sub-Group said: "The DPP held one of their regular public meetings in Whiterock last night to listen to a PSNI presentation about child safety and to discuss the report from the PSNI Area Commander. There was a protest from dissidents inside and outside the meeting and attempts to disrupt the meeting. After a period of heckling from some of the protestors, directed at the PSNI, I asked the protestors if anybody wanted to make a statement," he said, adding: "It is important to note that normal business resumed and members of the public questioned the PSNI on important local issues relating to anti-social behaviour, sexual assaults in the area, burglaries and the issue of quad bikes. People have the right to protest but do not have the right to disrupt or stop DPP meetings. There is now a positive dialogue and partnership between the PSNI, the DPP and local communities in West Belfast. The vast majority of people support the PSNI and want to see pro-active policing in the community to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.
Home Security Focus
An Ulster Unionist MLA Michael Copeland has urged the public to make sure their homes are properly secured after a car was stolen during a creeper burglary in east Belfast. "I urge the public to be extremely cautious in regard to the security of their homes during the Christmas period. Too often I hear reports that constituents have been the victims of crime which could easily have been prevented," he said. "I feel it is important to educate the public as to how to ensure they do not fall victim to crime. It is imperative to make sure car keys are not left on display, especially near windows or letterboxes. Keeping doors locked, even when home, will help to reduce the number of burglaries. Also, vigilant communities, who work together in order to prevent crime will benefit most from low crime levels."
Frauds Sentenced
Two people were convicted at Belfast Crown Court this week for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Geraldine Duffy (45) of Whitecliff Crescent, Belfast claimed Income Support and Jobseekers Allowance totalling £24,147 while working. She was given 15 months custody suspended for three years. Barbara Green (63) of High Link, Belfast claimed Incapacity Benefit totalling £27,477 while working. She was given a 12 month sentence suspended for two years.
(BMcC/GK)
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31 August 2021
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
53-Year-Old Dies In Custody At Maghaberry Prison
A 53-year-old has reportedly died in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has announced. The Department of Justice has reported that the prisoner died on Saturday 28 August, that his next of kin have been informed and that the death was not covid related.
31 August 2018
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
Man Dies In Maghaberry Prison
A 22-year-old man has died while in custody at Maghaberry Prison, the Northern Ireland Prison Service has reported. The Department of Justice has confirmed that the man died in custody on the morning of Thursday, 30 August. The man's next of kin have been informed. The PSNI, Coroner and Prisoner Ombudsman have been informed about the death.
14 March 2017
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
Female Prison Officer Injured After Being Attacked At Magahberry Jail
A female prison officer has been injured after being attacked by a male inmate at Maghaberry Prison just outside Lisburn. A sharp weapon is believed to have been used. The officer was taken to hospital to be treated. A Prison Service spokesperson said: "A prison officer has suffered a serious injury following an assault by a prisoner in Maghaberry.
14 September 2016
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
Staff At Maghaberry Prison Watched As Prisoner Self-Harmed
Staff at Maghaberry Prison in Lisburn have been criticised after they failed to intervene while a prisoner blinded himself, according to a Prison Ombudsman report. Sean Lynch, 23, was being detained at the prison in June 2014 and inflicted "extreme and shocking" injuries through self-harm over a three day period.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
