Two Men Convicted Of Benefit Fraud

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

Scott Crothers (33) of Ballysillan Crescent, Belfast claimed Jobseekers' Allowance and Housing Benefit totalling £4,114 while failing to declare employment. He was given 80 hours community service.

Rhys Morris (26) of St Vincent Street, Belfast claimed Jobseekers' Allowance totalling £231 while failing to declare employment. He was given a £100 fine plus £15 offender's levy.

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

SDLP Present Bill Clinton With John Hume Medal

Former US President Bill Clinton has been presented the John Hume Medal in recognition of the key role he played in the NI peace process.

The Medal was presented by SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA and SDLP Deputy Leader Nichola MLA, on the 20th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

Following the presentation, SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood MLA said: "Today, as we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Good Friday Agreement and remember the vision and principles of the 1998 Agreement, it was an honour to present President Clinton with a John Hume medal to mark his invaluable contribution which helped to bring peace to this island.

"We discussed the need for a resolution to the current difficulties and how the Good Friday Agreement still provides the best answers and best protection during this time of uncertainty. That is precisely why I have advocated for a review and renewal of the Agreement which would seek to get our politics back on track."

Belfast & Nashville Sister City Relationship Celebrated

The long-standing sister city relationship between Belfast and Nashville is being celebrated from 28 April to 6 May, through a jam-packed schedule of exciting events. 

For 20 years the two cities have built strong connections through music, arts, culture and business and the ‘Nashville in Belfast' programme aims to showcase the positive outworking's of this special relationship.

The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Nuala McAllister is excited about what the future holds for both cities. She said: "I'm delighted that the spotlight is being focused on the wonderful relationship we share with our sister city of Nashville, and especially the close musical ties between our two cities. Our formal 20-year relationship has stood the test of time and grows from strength to strength each year.

"The exciting programme of events of ‘Nashville in Belfast' gives us the chance to celebrate this relationship and look ahead to opportunities for further collaboration in the future. I would encourage everyone to pick up a programme and be part of the celebrations."

Both cities boast rich musical traditions and there will be performances by many musicians from both cities throughout the programme of events. Notably, the historic Ulster Hall will stage a performance by the Grammy award-winning Kristian Bush of the country music duo Sugarland on Sunday 29 April. Also, Belfast Waterfront will be the venue for a unique collaboration between the critically acclaimed country singer Mandy Barnett and the Ulster Orchestra, on Wednesday 2 May. 

(MH)