25/06/2025
Other News In Brief
Bushmills Man Fined Over £100,000 For Illegal Waste Offences
A Confiscation Order totalling £101,682.66 has been granted at Antrim Crown Court today, Wednesday, 25 June 2025, against Mr. Alan Chestnutt (53) of Haw Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim. The order relates to environmental offending.
In addition to the financial penalty, Mr. Chestnutt received a sentence of 10 months imprisonment on two counts and four months on a further count, all to run concurrently and suspended for three years. These sentences were in relation to three offences contrary to the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.
The case stems from an investigation launched in 2017 by officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s (NIEA) Environmental Crime Unit (ECU). The investigation focused on the illegal disposal and keeping of controlled waste on lands under Mr. Chestnutt’s control, located near Cabragh Road, Bushmills. The waste discovered at the site included household, commercial, and industrial materials.
Mr. Chestnutt pleaded guilty to offences contrary to Article 4 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 on 4 October 2023, with several other charges left on the books. The court calculated the criminal benefit generated from his illegal activities to be £101,682.66, which the Confiscation Order granted today directly reflects.
Mr. Chestnutt has been given six months to pay the Confiscation Order. A default sentence of one year imprisonment was also granted, which will be activated should he fail to pay the ordered amount.
DUP Delegation Raises Concerns Over PSNI Response to Public Disorder
The DUP's lead Policing Board representative, Trevor Clarke MLA, today led a delegation to meet Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton to express concerns regarding perceived disparities in the PSNI's approach to recent public disorder incidents in Ballymena and Londonderry.
Mr Clarke was joined by East Belfast DUP MLA Joanne Bunting, who chairs Stormont's Justice Committee, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, and Policing Board members Keith Buchanan MLA and Cheryl Brownlee MLA.
Commenting after the meeting, Trevor Clarke stated: "The violence witnessed on our streets in recent days was unacceptable and cannot be justified. We have been unequivocal that anyone engaging in public disorder, whether it be in Ballymena, Portadown, Larne or Londonderry, should be held fully accountable for their actions."
He stressed the principle of equality under the law: "At the same time, everyone must be equal under the law and equally subject to it. Where police officers are attacked, property damaged and homes attacked, the criminal justice response must be fair and consistent, irrespective of the motivation or background of those involved."
Mr Clarke specifically raised concerns about the deployment of baton rounds (AEPs), stating it "should not be dictated by how such measures might be perceived by those on the receiving end, including those from republican or nationalist communities. Although the Chief Constable has indicated that the fear of complaints is no longer a factor in these decisions, we remain to be convinced that this has been played out on the ground during recent riots."
DUP East Belfast MLA and Justice Spokesperson Joanne Bunting added: "The threat posed to officers and members of the public from flying masonry or petrol bombs does not change depending on whether public disorder is sectarian or racially motivated. Therefore it seems rational that police objections should carry the same weight in all of these cases." Ms Bunting then highlighted specific judicial outcomes: "Yet it has emerged that those arrested in connection with disturbances in Ballymena were remanded while those from Londonderry received court bail, despite police objections. This fuels a perception that the judiciary has chosen to distinguish between race riots and sectarian riots in terms of their seriousness. The decision not to grant bail for recent public disorder offences also sits uncomfortably, and somewhat ludicrously, with separate decisions to afford murder suspects bail."
She concluded by warning against a "two-tier justice system": "Local communities do not, and will not, accept the appearance of a two-tier justice system. The PSNI, the PPS, the courts, and the Minister of Justice all have obligations in this regard. They must not bury their heads in the sand or dismiss legitimate concerns as whataboutery."
SDLP MPs Unite to Oppose UK Welfare Bill
SDLP MPs Claire Hanna and Colum Eastwood have taken a strong stance against the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill, signing two reasoned amendments aimed at preventing its progression during its Second Reading in the House of Commons next week. The two MPs also joined over 100 Labour colleagues in vowing to vote against the legislation.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill proposes significant changes to welfare provisions, including altering the rates of Universal Credit elements and restricting eligibility for PIP. While changes to Universal Credit and Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance will apply across England, Wales, and Scotland, changes to PIP eligibility will also affect Northern Ireland. Concerns have been raised about plans to introduce an additional 'four-point test' for the PIP daily living component and to reduce the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit for new claimants from April 2026.
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP stated: "I am standing in firm support of the reasoned amendment opposing the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. This legislation, as currently drafted, poses a serious threat to vulnerable in our society, particularly in Northern Ireland, where the impact will be disproportionately severe - on individuals and on the economy."
Ms Hanna highlighted the potential human cost, referencing the UK Government's own admissions. "The Government has admitted that this will push hundreds of thousands of people across the UK into poverty, including children, the disabled and their carers. There will be a devastating impact in Northern Ireland, where disability prevalence is higher and economic inactivity due to long-term illness is more pronounced. These reforms will compound these hardships and inequality, before support and reform to help people back to work is in place."
She criticised the government's approach, stating: "The UK Government has refused to listen and is belligerently pushing this legislation. We understand that the government wants to get more people into work, but pulling the rug out from beneath people who can't will not make that happen."
Ms Hanna urged the government to reconsider, advocating for a more collaborative approach to welfare reform. "The Government should instead focus on introducing necessary and effective supports to help people into work. I urge them to reconsider their approach and work collaboratively to create a fairer, more compassionate welfare system. The The Stormont Executive also needs to use the powers at their disposal to support and protect people here."
A Confiscation Order totalling £101,682.66 has been granted at Antrim Crown Court today, Wednesday, 25 June 2025, against Mr. Alan Chestnutt (53) of Haw Road, Bushmills, Co Antrim. The order relates to environmental offending.
In addition to the financial penalty, Mr. Chestnutt received a sentence of 10 months imprisonment on two counts and four months on a further count, all to run concurrently and suspended for three years. These sentences were in relation to three offences contrary to the Waste and Contaminated Land (Northern Ireland) Order 1997.
The case stems from an investigation launched in 2017 by officers from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency’s (NIEA) Environmental Crime Unit (ECU). The investigation focused on the illegal disposal and keeping of controlled waste on lands under Mr. Chestnutt’s control, located near Cabragh Road, Bushmills. The waste discovered at the site included household, commercial, and industrial materials.
Mr. Chestnutt pleaded guilty to offences contrary to Article 4 of the Waste and Contaminated Land (NI) Order 1997 on 4 October 2023, with several other charges left on the books. The court calculated the criminal benefit generated from his illegal activities to be £101,682.66, which the Confiscation Order granted today directly reflects.
Mr. Chestnutt has been given six months to pay the Confiscation Order. A default sentence of one year imprisonment was also granted, which will be activated should he fail to pay the ordered amount.
DUP Delegation Raises Concerns Over PSNI Response to Public Disorder
The DUP's lead Policing Board representative, Trevor Clarke MLA, today led a delegation to meet Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton to express concerns regarding perceived disparities in the PSNI's approach to recent public disorder incidents in Ballymena and Londonderry.
Mr Clarke was joined by East Belfast DUP MLA Joanne Bunting, who chairs Stormont's Justice Committee, North Antrim MLA Paul Frew, and Policing Board members Keith Buchanan MLA and Cheryl Brownlee MLA.
Commenting after the meeting, Trevor Clarke stated: "The violence witnessed on our streets in recent days was unacceptable and cannot be justified. We have been unequivocal that anyone engaging in public disorder, whether it be in Ballymena, Portadown, Larne or Londonderry, should be held fully accountable for their actions."
He stressed the principle of equality under the law: "At the same time, everyone must be equal under the law and equally subject to it. Where police officers are attacked, property damaged and homes attacked, the criminal justice response must be fair and consistent, irrespective of the motivation or background of those involved."
Mr Clarke specifically raised concerns about the deployment of baton rounds (AEPs), stating it "should not be dictated by how such measures might be perceived by those on the receiving end, including those from republican or nationalist communities. Although the Chief Constable has indicated that the fear of complaints is no longer a factor in these decisions, we remain to be convinced that this has been played out on the ground during recent riots."
DUP East Belfast MLA and Justice Spokesperson Joanne Bunting added: "The threat posed to officers and members of the public from flying masonry or petrol bombs does not change depending on whether public disorder is sectarian or racially motivated. Therefore it seems rational that police objections should carry the same weight in all of these cases." Ms Bunting then highlighted specific judicial outcomes: "Yet it has emerged that those arrested in connection with disturbances in Ballymena were remanded while those from Londonderry received court bail, despite police objections. This fuels a perception that the judiciary has chosen to distinguish between race riots and sectarian riots in terms of their seriousness. The decision not to grant bail for recent public disorder offences also sits uncomfortably, and somewhat ludicrously, with separate decisions to afford murder suspects bail."
She concluded by warning against a "two-tier justice system": "Local communities do not, and will not, accept the appearance of a two-tier justice system. The PSNI, the PPS, the courts, and the Minister of Justice all have obligations in this regard. They must not bury their heads in the sand or dismiss legitimate concerns as whataboutery."
SDLP MPs Unite to Oppose UK Welfare Bill
SDLP MPs Claire Hanna and Colum Eastwood have taken a strong stance against the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill, signing two reasoned amendments aimed at preventing its progression during its Second Reading in the House of Commons next week. The two MPs also joined over 100 Labour colleagues in vowing to vote against the legislation.
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill proposes significant changes to welfare provisions, including altering the rates of Universal Credit elements and restricting eligibility for PIP. While changes to Universal Credit and Income-Related Employment and Support Allowance will apply across England, Wales, and Scotland, changes to PIP eligibility will also affect Northern Ireland. Concerns have been raised about plans to introduce an additional 'four-point test' for the PIP daily living component and to reduce the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element of Universal Credit for new claimants from April 2026.
SDLP Leader Claire Hanna MP stated: "I am standing in firm support of the reasoned amendment opposing the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill. This legislation, as currently drafted, poses a serious threat to vulnerable in our society, particularly in Northern Ireland, where the impact will be disproportionately severe - on individuals and on the economy."
Ms Hanna highlighted the potential human cost, referencing the UK Government's own admissions. "The Government has admitted that this will push hundreds of thousands of people across the UK into poverty, including children, the disabled and their carers. There will be a devastating impact in Northern Ireland, where disability prevalence is higher and economic inactivity due to long-term illness is more pronounced. These reforms will compound these hardships and inequality, before support and reform to help people back to work is in place."
She criticised the government's approach, stating: "The UK Government has refused to listen and is belligerently pushing this legislation. We understand that the government wants to get more people into work, but pulling the rug out from beneath people who can't will not make that happen."
Ms Hanna urged the government to reconsider, advocating for a more collaborative approach to welfare reform. "The Government should instead focus on introducing necessary and effective supports to help people into work. I urge them to reconsider their approach and work collaboratively to create a fairer, more compassionate welfare system. The The Stormont Executive also needs to use the powers at their disposal to support and protect people here."
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07 June 2018
Taoiseach's Visit To Orange Order Headquarters Welcomed
The SDLP has welcomed news that the Taoiseach is to visit the Orange Order headquarters. Mr Leo Varadkar will be the first representative from the Irish Government to make a historic visit to Schomberg House. SDLP MLA Justin McNally said his visit is a "powerful illustration of the Peace Process in action".
Taoiseach's Visit To Orange Order Headquarters Welcomed
The SDLP has welcomed news that the Taoiseach is to visit the Orange Order headquarters. Mr Leo Varadkar will be the first representative from the Irish Government to make a historic visit to Schomberg House. SDLP MLA Justin McNally said his visit is a "powerful illustration of the Peace Process in action".
06 June 2018
Taoiseach To Visit Orange Order Headquarters
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is expected to visit the Orange Order headquarters. The Press Association understands he will tour Schomberg House in Belfast on Friday, 08 June. The visit will mark the first time the head of the Irish government will have visited the headquarters. Mr Varadkar is also expected to meet with Orange lodge members.
Taoiseach To Visit Orange Order Headquarters
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar is expected to visit the Orange Order headquarters. The Press Association understands he will tour Schomberg House in Belfast on Friday, 08 June. The visit will mark the first time the head of the Irish government will have visited the headquarters. Mr Varadkar is also expected to meet with Orange lodge members.
23 November 2004
Spellar calls for views on licensing laws in NI
Any changes to the licensing laws in Northern Ireland will aim to strike a balance between facilitating the sale of alcohol, public safety and the public interest. This is according to Minister for Social Development, John Spellar who was speaking last night at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual ball at the Europa Hotel.
Spellar calls for views on licensing laws in NI
Any changes to the licensing laws in Northern Ireland will aim to strike a balance between facilitating the sale of alcohol, public safety and the public interest. This is according to Minister for Social Development, John Spellar who was speaking last night at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual ball at the Europa Hotel.
10 December 2010
City Hall Protest Condemned
Trouble that led to two people being charged with public order offences after yesterday's Belfast protest against plans to raise third level tuition fees has been condemned.
City Hall Protest Condemned
Trouble that led to two people being charged with public order offences after yesterday's Belfast protest against plans to raise third level tuition fees has been condemned.
08 May 2007
Three protestors arrested near Stormont
Three police officers have been injured following disturbances near Stormont. It is understood three arrests have been made for public order offences, following the incident where anti-war protestors had blocked a road near Stormont.
Three protestors arrested near Stormont
Three police officers have been injured following disturbances near Stormont. It is understood three arrests have been made for public order offences, following the incident where anti-war protestors had blocked a road near Stormont.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.