Man Jailed For Illegal Moneylending Operation In Larne

The PSNI have welcomed the sentencing of a 45-year-old man at Belfast Crown Court for illegal moneylending offences in the Larne area.

Steven Spence from the Larne area was convicted of carrying on a regulated activity in breach of general prohibition and acquiring criminal property.

The offences were carried out between the period of February 2018 and February 2019.

Commenting, Detective Inspector Corrigan from the Paramilitary Crime Task Force said: "On Monday, 11th February 2019 police conducted searches at two properties in the Larne area linked to Mr Spence.

"In one of these properties two black ledgers were found and subsequently seized. These ledgers were examined and found to have hundreds of names recorded, with no further details.

"The examination estimated that the monies borrowed in one ledger totalled £241,484 and the second £25,800. 

"A number of additional financial checks were made by our partner agencies and Mr Spence’s bank account transactions were also thoroughly examined for financial fraud.

"Mr Spence was subsequently handed down a 20-month custodial sentence on Thursday, 7th March that was suspended for two years.

"Lending money illegally is a very serious offence and we, along with partner organisations, remain committed to disrupting the activities of those involved with illegal activity, including financial fraud.

"I would encourage anyone with information that could assist in our ongoing efforts to contact us on the non-emergency number 101, or submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/"

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org/

Greens Send Message Of Solidarity To Women In Palestine

Marking International Women's Day, Green Party Councillor Áine Groogan has sent a message of Solidarity to women in Palestine.

Cllr Groogan said "This International Women's Day, we stand in solidarity with the women of Palestine who continue to show unfathomable courage in the face of displacement, starvation, and violence.

"As we fight for our own reproductive justice; we remember that rates of miscarriage, maternal morbidity amongst Palestinian women are soaring. As we stand against violence against women, we remember that Palestinian women face missile strikes, unlawful detention and threats of sexual violence.

"As we call for opportunities for our girls, we remember that young girls in Palestine are taking up the mantle as journalists - bravely sharing their experiences with the world. The genocide in Palestine is an intersectional, feminist issue, and the Green Party in Northern Ireland stand with the women and people of Palestine today and every day."

Alliance Express 'Shock And Concern' Over Newtownards Fire

Alliance Party Councillor in Newtownards, Victoria Moore, has expressed her sympathies with the people of the town following a major fire at a business in Conway Square.

The fire broke out in the early hours of this morning (8 March) and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) battled for a number of hours to get the blaze under control and prevent it spreading to connecting buildings.

Both Regent Street and High Street remain closed.

Cllr Moore, who was at the scene this morning, has said: "Newtownards is a tight-knit local community, and I unreservedly share the shock and concern many will also be feeling this morning.

"I want to give my sincere thanks and well-wishes to the NIFRS and emergency service workers for the speed and skill in their response to the blaze as they continue to work to get the situation under control. It is inevitably due to their hard work that the damage so far hasn't been worse or more extensive, and that thankfully nobody's been hurt.

"The businesses in Conway Square are such an important part of the identity of the town, for both residents and visitors, who I have no doubt will be very keen to show support in any way they can going forward.

"In the meantime, I'll continue to liaise with police throughout the day as more information becomes available, and I'd encourage anyone affected by road closures to keep an eye on the PSNI website and social media channels for further updates."