Man Charged Following Sectarian Crime Reports In North Belfast

Police investigating reports of sectarian motivated crime in north Belfast on Wednesday, 21st May, have made an arrest.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on Tuesday 03 June, in connection with the incidents. He has since been charged with criminal damage.

The accused is expected to appear before Belfast Magistrates Court on Tuesday 01 July.

As is standard procedure, all charges will undergo review by the Public Prosecution Service.

SDLP Call For Clarity On Belfast Zoo's Future Amid Cost Concerns

SDLP North Belfast councillor Carl Whyte has called for immediate clarity regarding the future of Belfast Zoo, following concerns raised by Sinn Féin about its running costs.

Councillor Whyte has requested an urgent meeting of the Zoo Steering Group to establish a clear picture of the current financial situation.

"Prior to the pandemic, the zoo made a profit, but the post-Covid position remains unclear, and those facts should be established before any political judgments are made," he stated. He added that zoo staff are "rightly concerned" by recent comments and "deserve better than this uncertainty."

Sinn Féin Councillor Ronan McLaughlin recently highlighted that the zoo lost approximately £1.9 million in the past year, deeming it "completely unsustainable." An additional £2 million has also been allocated for safety works over the next four years. Councillor Whyte emphasised that Belfast Zoo is more than just a visitor attraction. "It plays a key role in a number of European and global conservation networks, working to protect endangered species," he noted. He believes the site holds "real potential," but this can only be realised with a "sustainable funding model and proper political commitment."

He also pointed out that Belfast Zoo receives no funding from any Stormont department. "Instead of casting doubt over the future of one of Belfast's most popular institutions, Sinn Féin might do better appealing to their party's Finance Minister to provide direct funding to support the Zoo and the wider regeneration required at the site including the much-loved Floral Hall," Councillor Whyte concluded.

Belfast Zoo, owned by Belfast City Council, is one of the few local government-funded zoos in the UK and Ireland. It contributes to international breeding programmes and various conservation projects.

Garvagh Man Sentenced For Fraud And Theft From Employer

A Garvagh man has been sentenced to 200 hours of community service at Antrim Crown Court after admitting to charges of fraud by abuse of position and theft.

Christopher White, 40, was also ordered to pay a compensation order totalling £20,126.

Detective Sergeant Higgins confirmed details of the offences, which occurred between 01 May 2021 and 25 May 2022. "He ordered stock during the course of his employment and took it home or sold it on. He also stole diesel from fuel pumps at the employer's premises in Garvagh," Detective Sergeant Higgins stated.

The detective added: "We will continue to work tirelessly to bring offenders before the courts for this type of fraudulent crime."