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08/05/2017
Other News In Brief
Randox Partially Suspends Lab Services
Randox Testing Services (RTS) has announced that it has partially suspended laboratory accreditation at RTS Crumlin. All RTS clients have been informed of the development, it is understood.
The decision has been prompted by an investigation into data manipulation at RTS Manchester.
In a statement, the company confirmed it is suspending the use of liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry testing – a common accredited method used in drug toxicology testing in forensic laboratories.
RTS added that it is "committed to supporting the criminal justice system and believes that this voluntary partial suspension enables the most effective support of the criminal investigation.
"As previously reported, RTS acted as whistle-blowers when employees uncovered evidence of data manipulation. It brought in Greater Manchester Police and has been working tirelessly with it and UKAS to resolve the issue. Two former employees are currently on bail."
In February, Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation in concerning 484 cases handled by Randox Testing Services (RTS). It was claimed that potentially hundreds of people could have been the victims of miscarriages of justice because of convictions based on incorrect test results in their cases.
The investigation followed after allegations of "data manipulation" were made at a forensics lab in England run by the Co Antrim company.
Police in England are reviewing hundreds of cases and two former members of staff have been arrested. At the time, Randox said it was treating the matter with the "utmost seriousness" but rejected claims that samples were "fixed", and blamed "the perverse actions of individual(s)".
bmi Regional Launches New Route From Derry
bmi regional has launched a new service between London Stansted and City of Derry Airport.
The service will offer twice daily flights, except Saturdays when there will be one flight each way.
It is anticipated that the timetables will appeal to both business and leisure travellers, making it easy to do the round-trip in a day.
Fares start from £44 one way. All bmi regional fares include 23kg of hold luggage, allocated seating, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks and 30 minute check-ins.
Jochen Schnadt, Chief Commercial Officer of bmi regional, said: "The launch of this important new route, bmi regional's first to/from Northern Ireland, connects business and leisure travellers from the capital and East Anglia to the North West region of Ireland.
"Given Derry's recent and sustained period of economic growth, significant investment in new jobs and the various future growth projects, we are positive that the enhanced double-daily connectivity bmi regional's new service offers will generate additional activity in the market.
"It has become one of our fastest selling route launches and we are very pleased with customer acceptance of our latest service."
Andrew Cowan, Chief Executive Officer, London Stansted Airport, added: "We're delighted to welcome bmi regional to London Stansted for the first time and we look forward to working with them to support the vital and popular link to the City of Derry.
"It will act as an important gateway to London and the East of England as well as providing easy access and excellent flight schedules for both business and leisure passengers wishing to visit the City and the beautiful scenery of north west Northern Ireland."
Aircraft Makes Crash Landing In Co Tyrone
A gyrocopter has made an emergency landing in Co Tyrone.
The incident happened close to Carrickmore airfield outside Omagh at around 3pm on Sunday, 07 May.
Two men were taken to Belfast City Hospital for treatment. They are understood to be in a stable condition.
(JP/LM)
Randox Testing Services (RTS) has announced that it has partially suspended laboratory accreditation at RTS Crumlin. All RTS clients have been informed of the development, it is understood.
The decision has been prompted by an investigation into data manipulation at RTS Manchester.
In a statement, the company confirmed it is suspending the use of liquid chromatography mass-spectrometry testing – a common accredited method used in drug toxicology testing in forensic laboratories.
RTS added that it is "committed to supporting the criminal justice system and believes that this voluntary partial suspension enables the most effective support of the criminal investigation.
"As previously reported, RTS acted as whistle-blowers when employees uncovered evidence of data manipulation. It brought in Greater Manchester Police and has been working tirelessly with it and UKAS to resolve the issue. Two former employees are currently on bail."
In February, Greater Manchester Police launched an investigation in concerning 484 cases handled by Randox Testing Services (RTS). It was claimed that potentially hundreds of people could have been the victims of miscarriages of justice because of convictions based on incorrect test results in their cases.
The investigation followed after allegations of "data manipulation" were made at a forensics lab in England run by the Co Antrim company.
Police in England are reviewing hundreds of cases and two former members of staff have been arrested. At the time, Randox said it was treating the matter with the "utmost seriousness" but rejected claims that samples were "fixed", and blamed "the perverse actions of individual(s)".
bmi Regional Launches New Route From Derry
bmi regional has launched a new service between London Stansted and City of Derry Airport.
The service will offer twice daily flights, except Saturdays when there will be one flight each way.
It is anticipated that the timetables will appeal to both business and leisure travellers, making it easy to do the round-trip in a day.
Fares start from £44 one way. All bmi regional fares include 23kg of hold luggage, allocated seating, complimentary in-flight drinks and snacks and 30 minute check-ins.
Jochen Schnadt, Chief Commercial Officer of bmi regional, said: "The launch of this important new route, bmi regional's first to/from Northern Ireland, connects business and leisure travellers from the capital and East Anglia to the North West region of Ireland.
"Given Derry's recent and sustained period of economic growth, significant investment in new jobs and the various future growth projects, we are positive that the enhanced double-daily connectivity bmi regional's new service offers will generate additional activity in the market.
"It has become one of our fastest selling route launches and we are very pleased with customer acceptance of our latest service."
Andrew Cowan, Chief Executive Officer, London Stansted Airport, added: "We're delighted to welcome bmi regional to London Stansted for the first time and we look forward to working with them to support the vital and popular link to the City of Derry.
"It will act as an important gateway to London and the East of England as well as providing easy access and excellent flight schedules for both business and leisure passengers wishing to visit the City and the beautiful scenery of north west Northern Ireland."
Aircraft Makes Crash Landing In Co Tyrone
A gyrocopter has made an emergency landing in Co Tyrone.
The incident happened close to Carrickmore airfield outside Omagh at around 3pm on Sunday, 07 May.
Two men were taken to Belfast City Hospital for treatment. They are understood to be in a stable condition.
(JP/LM)
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