13/07/2017

Other News In Brief

Two Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

Two people have been convicted at Belfast Magistrates' Court for claiming benefits they were not entitled to.

Gavin Doole (28) of Arundel Walk, Belfast claimed Jobseeker's Allowance totalling £5,800 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for 18 months.

Mandy Cunningham (27) of Crumlin Gardens, Belfast claimed Income Support totalling £6,498 while failing to declare employment. She was given a two year conditional discharge.

Both are also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

Climber Rescued From Cliffs At Fair Head

A climber had to be rescued from cliffs at Fair Head after getting into difficulty some 40 metres up.

Emergency services launched a rescue operation on Wednesday, 12 July after it was reported that the woman had sustained a significant leg injury.

A statement released on the Coleraine Coastguard Facebook page said: "On Wednesday 12th July Coastguards from Ballycastle and Coleraine were tasked to a serious incident at Fair Head. PSNI Officers and the Red Bay Inshore Lifeboat also proceeded.

"A female climber had sustained a significant leg injury half way up an 80 metre cliff. She had been lowered to safety by her partner but was in urgent need of rescue. Several members of the Coastguard Team managed to reach the injured climber and applied first aid.

"They were joined by two members of the Lifeboat crew who had made their way up from the shore with Entonox. The casualty was placed in a Coastguard stretcher and winched to safety by a Coastguard Helicopter. She was then flown to the Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment."

Moy Man Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

A 67-year-old man has been convicted at Dungannon Magistrates' Court yesterday for claiming benefits he was not entitled to.

Thomas Rafferty of Benburb Road, Moy claimed Pension Credit and Rates totalling £8,979 while failing to declare employment. He was given a three month prison sentence suspended for two years.

He is also required to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Department for Communities.

(MH/LM)

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