The son of a local man who was killed due to dangerous driving has said that the jailing of the man responsible for the crash ‘sends out a very clear message’.

Wilson Sherrard died after the vehicle he was travelling in collided with a van the Foreglen Road near Claudy on August 2, 2016.

Last week, Richard Frazer, a close friend and neighbour of Mr Sherrard, was jailed for 12 months after he of causing death by careless driving and one charge of causing grievous bodily injury by careless on the above date.

The Crown Court heard that around 4pm, an accident occurred between a Mazda car driven by Frazer and a Mercedes van.

Road conditions were said to have been good and the weather was dry.
The court was told the defendant had been driving from the direction of Belfast towards Derry and the van was going in the opposite direction when there was a head-on impact.
The collision occurred in the Belfast bound lane and experts ascertained that the Mazda had crossed lanes and hit the van.
It was not found possible to discover why the Mazda crossed the white line and the court was told there were two possibilities – either a ‘a period of inattention’ or a loss of control.

When arrested, Frazer told police he had been giving Mr Sherrard a lift to Belfast, something he had done on numerous occasions in the past.
The court heard the defendant had said he could not remember the actual crash.
Judge Philip Babington said that Sherrard family were ‘devastated’ and added that it was made all the harder because 'an apology was only received from the defendant in mid-June of this year.'
The court was told Frazer, whose address whose address is now Stanley Road in Portsmouth, was assessed as unlikely to re-offend and was said to be ‘deeply remorseful and sad at the loss of a friend’.

Judge Babington sentenced Frazer to 12 months and disqualified him for four months.

‘No winners’

Speaking after the sentencing, Mr Sherrard’s son Christopher, the family did not expect a jail sentence to be given.
“To be honest we weren’t expected a custodial sentence to be handed down,” he told the Derry News.

“There have been a lot of cases where a driver who caused a death by dangerous driving got a suspended sentence, so it had almost become run of the mill.

“I think just has sent a clear message today that if you are not driving properly and do not obey the rules of the road and you are responsible for someone’s death as a result then you will get a custodial sentence.

“There have been no winners in this.”

“We are still grieving my father, but it has brought us a bit of comfort.”

After his father’s death Mr Sherrard set up a support group for people bereaved a result of road traffic accidents called ‘Life After’.

“A lot of our members have court cases pending and hopefully today’s verdict will help them," he said.

“A precedent has hopefully been set that if f you do misbehave on the roads the courts will come down on you.”

Picture: The late Wilson Sherrard.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

There has been a steady decline in the numbers of students attending the Ulster University’s Magee campus in Derry, it has emerged.

The news came to light after leaflets were delivered to householders living in the university area of the city advising residents there will be wardens active in the area tasked with dealing specifically with issues involving students’ ‘anti-community activity’.

The leaflet was issued by the Sinn Féin councillor for the area, Mickey Cooper.

In the wake of the leaflet drop, Derry Now spoke to residents living in the area about the issue of students and anti-social behaviour.

However, many of the residents claimed that incidents related to noise or anti-social behaviour from students living in the area had significantly decreased, which they attributed to ‘dwindling numbers’ of student admissions at Magee University.

Derry Now contacted Ulster University, who confirmed that there had been a ‘decline in overall admissions’ at the Magee campus.

A university spokesperson said that in the past two years, the number of admissions had dropped by 172.

“As part of our commitment to our multi-campus operation we balance student numbers across all campuses,” the spokesperson said

“Full time undergraduate student places at Ulster University, for students from Northern Ireland and the EU, are limited by a Regulated Cap on Student Numbers, set by the Northern Ireland Executive.”

“Enrolment figures for Magee for the last three years showed that there has been a decline in overall admissions with figures for 2015/16 standing at 4,391.

“The enrolment figures for the following year, 2016/17 were 4,338, a drop of 53 student places.

“The figures for the academic year 2017/18 stand at 4,219 – a drop of more than twice the number than the previous year with a further 119 fewer student enrolments.

However, the Ulster University spokesperson said there were ‘ambitious’ plans for the expansion of the campus.

“These numbers have been broadly sustained despite the impact of the Northern Ireland Executive budget cuts of 2015 which resulted in an overall reduction of 1,250 students across the University.

“For 2018/2019 enrolments, we continue to work through our confirmation and clearing period to provide educational opportunities to new students on a wide range of programmes on the Magee campus.

“Our plans for our Magee campus and the city are ambitious.

“The recent opening of the £11million teaching block is a major boost for our staff and current students and also paves the way for enhanced future capacity on the Magee campus in line with our broader expansion plans.”

Disciplinary action

In relation to the issue of anti-social behaviour in and around the university area, the spokesperson said such incidents would not be tolerated.

An Ulster University spokesperson said: “Ulster University is proud of our role in the community and the positive contribution our talented students make to society, but we do not tolerate anti-social behaviour and have robust disciplinary processes in place to deal with any incidences, as and when they are reported to us.

“We will be working with students from the start of the academic term to underline the impact of anti-social behaviour, both on the local community and on future career prospects.

“We work closely with the PSNI on a range of initiatives who also join us each year in giving presentations to our students on the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

“We will fully investigate all reports made to us by the authorities and begin disciplinary action where we have the necessary evidence to do so.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The Housing Executive has admitted not enough properties are being built to meet the growing demand for new homes in Derry.

The figures emerged at Derry City and Strabane District Council Governance and Strategic Planning Committee earlier this week where Chief Executive of the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) Clark Bailie presented the organisation’s ‘Housing Investment Plan’.

Mr Bailie said the report set out what the Housing Executive planned to do over the next three to four years and looked back at what had been achieved in the last year.

The report stated there was a waiting list of 4,447 total applicants, 3,279 of which are in housing stress and 1,203 of which are accepted as homeless.

However, in the year 2017/18 just 269 new social homes have been completed, with a further 866 new social homes currently being built.

The report found 2,818 new social housing units are needed over the next five years - but just 1,305 had been programmed between 2018 and 2021.

Mr Bailie said this was the third year of the current four-year plan cycle and a new plan will be produced in 2019.

He told the meeting it was difficult to get the land where it is needed at a ‘competitive price’.

Mr Bailie added the Housing Executive wanted to promote all communities being able to live together in a safe space.

Commenting, Sinn Fein councillor Patricia Logue said private developers were ‘winning’ when it came to procuring land for new builds and called for this be addressed.

Meanwhile, the independent unionist councillor AMaurice Devenney said the figures within the report revealed ‘the chance of having a house is very, very limited’ and councillors would now have to convey this to people who come to them with housing issues.

DUP Alderman David Ramsey said it was clear there were not enough houses to meet demand.

“Hopefully it will be resolved when you bring this presentation to us next year,” he said.

Picture: Housing Executive Chief Executive Clark Bailie

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A new programme aimed at addressing abusive behaviour by young males in their households before it becomes a bigger problem has been launched in Derry.

It comes after Derry Now revealed recently that domestic violence levels in the city are at a record high.

At a time when those requiring support has risen significantly, Marie Brown of Foyle Women’s Aid (FWA) has announced details of the new programme which will be launched in partnership with the probation service on November 21, will be aimed at young males who are at the early stages of exhibiting abusive behaviour within the home.

“The new programme will provide therapeutic and cognitive learning to support young males and prevent them from repeating learned patterns of behaviour,” she said.

“Year on year domestic violence is increasing, therefore more resources need to be put into all of the agencies which are dealing with the issue.

In the absence of a NI Executive important legislation around the issue of coercive control has also been put on hold - in England and Wales similar legislation has already been proven to support victims and increase convictions for domestic abuse.

A domestic violence court is being piloted at the Derry Courthouse in an attempt to rehabilitate offenders, as well as other initiatives between FWA and the University of Ulster aimed at offering support to victims of domestic abuse - both financially in terms of seeking legal advice and emotionally.

Ms Brown believes that all such initiatives help victims by encouraging increased reporting of domestic violence incidents.

Funding

However, with increased numbers requiring support services, Ms Brown said ‘responsibility’ lies with the government to match that with proportionate resources.

“What doesn’t help are the issues of hardship and poverty which people are experiencing,” she added.

“We are seeing all of those issues on the ground as we’re dealing with families.

“It’s good to have increased reporting but we also need to have better facilities to make sure that the pathway through services is improved.

“We need more funding, we need support, because through supporting more people our budgets aren’t increasing so we’re having to cope with less money and that becomes increasingly difficult. “You can cut at the beginning but there comes a time when it can’t continue.”

She added: “In order to tackle domestic violence the government needs to deliver in terms of resources, to support women, children and all of the programmes that are needed to really address this problem – which is quite an extensive problem here in the Foyle area.

“Our workers are really skilled workers in this area and we bring in money ourselves to make things better for families, but ultimately, it is the government’s responsibility to address this problem with the appropriate funding.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Former Derry City winger Ronan Curtis has received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior panel.

The Portsmouth player, who has made a blistering start to the new club season - scoring five goals in six games - netted the equalising goal for the Republic of Ireland U21s on Thursday night in their European Championships qualifier against Kosovo.

The squad face Germany, who currently top the group, on Tuesday night in Tallaght, but with Curtis suspended for that game Martin O'Neill has taken the opportunity to call the 22-year-old into the senior squad for their friendly against Poland in Wroclaw on Tuesday.

The senior side lost 4-1 to Wales in their Nations League opener on Thursday night.

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The Department for Communities and the Housing Executive need to revise its targets and prioritise increasing the supply of social housing in areas of greatest need, says a Derry Councillor.

Sinn Féin  Councillor Christopher Jackson, the party’s Housing spokesperson, was commenting after a senior Housing Executive official admitted that not enough social homes are being built to meet demand in the north west.

Christopher Jackson  said: “There are currently around 24,000 people on the social housing waiting list either accepted as homeless or living in housing stress across the North.

“The greatest disparity between supply and demand is located in Foyle ,North and West Belfast, and Newry/Armagh constituencies.

“The decision by an SDLP Minister in 2010 to remove ring-fenced protections for social housing has left the Housing Executive playing catch up to reduce demand. This has undoubtedly failed and the Derry area has felt the full wrath of this decision.

“The growing crisis in housing is underpinned by a shortage of social housing in areas of greatest need. Families are rearing children in overcrowded conditions, temporary accommodation and hostels.

“The failure to build sufficient social housing is undermining the ability of the Housing Executive to fulfil its statutory duty to address homelessness.

“It is resulting in more and more households being forced to rely on the private rented sector, where tenants face higher rents, worse conditions and less security of tenure.

“The Department for Communities and the Housing Executive need to revise its targets and prioritise increasing the supply of social housing in areas of greatest need.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry museum is planning a series of special events for this month as part of an exhibition marking some of the most significant historic events of the 20^th Century.

The 'Creative Centenaries' series at the Tower Museum features a special talk, documentary and tour touching on some of the tumultuous events of 100 years ago, which changed the course of Irish history. The Creative Centenaries project is led by the Nerve Centre and supported by Derry City and Strabane District Council, and brings together information and resources about the Decade of Centenaries and the work of Northern Ireland’s creative sector in commemorating these events.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle, welcomed the autumn series of events. “I am delighted to see the continuation of the Creative Centenaries programme which shines a spotlight on what was an eventful period in terms of conflict and peace building as well as major social reform.

“The programme is creating a valuable archive of new resources which chart the course of history, including previously undiscovered personal accounts. I would really recommend going along to hear more about the local events which helped shape the society we live in today.”

The series begins on Tuesday September 11 with a fascinating documentary recounting the memories of thirty Irish centenarians. The film 'Older than Ireland' recreates events spanning 100 years of their lives, providing a unique insight into the period from the dawn of Irish Independence to their life in modern day Ireland. This event takes place in the Tower Museum at 7pm.

On September 13 at 7pm we look back at the North West’s eventful maritime history with a special talk by Guy Warner. Titled Eagles over Lough Foyle, the talk will explore the deployment of the US Navy to Lough Foyle in 1918 and the impact of a major new technology and culture on life in the region.

The City Cemetery will be the location for a special tour on September 15 focusing on the history of the city as depicted by its headstones. The Friends of Derry City Cemetery will lead the tour taking in the history of the cemetery from the mid-19^th century through the First Word War and beyond, including its connections to events from throughout the Decade of Centenaries. The tours will be led by experienced guides Seamus Breslin and Trevor Temple and leave at 1pm, lasting one hour and fifteen minutes. Spaces will be limited so booking is advised.

Admission is free but booking is essential by contacting the Tower Museum on 028 71 372411 or by email tower@derrystrabane.com

Picture: 1916 Easter Rising which features in 'Older than Ireland'

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The body of a young man has been recovered from the River Foyle in Derry.

Volunteers from Foyle Search and Rescue discovered the body this morning.

They had been engaged in a search for a young male since last Monday when reports were received that somebody had been seen entering the water near the Craigavon Bridge.

Shortly after the discovery, the Police Service of Northern Ireland were notified and family members of the deceased informed.

In a message on social media, volunteers and staff at Foyle Search and Rescue offered the family concerned their deepest condolences at this difficult time.

Photo: File picture of a rescue operation on the River Foyle.

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Derry has been announced as one of two areas in the north to benefit from multi-disciplinary teams at its GP practices which will create two hundred new jobs in the city.

It has been described as a ‘new era’ in GP care placing the city will be at the forefront of the ‘major transformative initiative’, according to the Department of Health.

Health and Social Care Trusts are working with GP Federations to start the recruitment processes for 200 new posts in Derry, with the new services expected to become available in the coming months.

Multi-Disciplinary Teams (MTDs) involve the establishment of practice-based physiotherapists, mental health specialists and social workers at GP practices - working alongside doctors and nurses to better meet the needs of the local population.

The Department of Health said the model includes significant investment in additional nursing specialist roles such as health visiting and district nursing.

It aims to provide care closer to people’s homes and improve access times and will also see practice teams supported to identify opportunities for early intervention.

Patients will be supported in managing long-term conditions and dealing with lifestyle issues which can impact on their health.

The Derry GP Federation area covers in the region of 200,000 patients and includes Derry, Claudy, Limavady and Strabane.

The Department of Health announced the MDT initiative in May as part of a £15m transformation fund allocation to primary care.

The Department’s Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly today said: “This is a very important step forward in the transformation journey.

“I look forward to MDTs being extended to other GP federations in the years ahead.

“By bringing in new professional roles to work alongside and support GPs and nurses, we can really improve care in communities and neighbourhoods.

“This will help us move to a system focussed on physical, mental and social wellbeing rather than just managing ill-health - with a greater focus placed on prevention and early intervention.”

Communities

Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson Patricia Logue has welcomed the first stage of the £15m programme.

“This is a very important part of the transformation agenda identified within the Bengoa report and which was begun by the then Health Minister Michelle O’Neill,” she said.

“This is the direction of travel which healthcare must go in and the introduction of this scheme is tangible evidence of the transformation agenda now beginning to be rolled out within the health and social care service.”

Meanwhile, Foyle DUP MLA Gary Middleton has welcomed the allocation of £15million secured from the confidence and supply agreement to introduce multi-disciplinary teams to GP surgeries.

“Today the Department for Health has announced a £15million rollout of money secured by the DUP for Health Transformation,” he said.

“GP surgeries in Londonderry and County Down will be the first to benefit from the introduction of multi-disciplinary teams.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

CRUMLEY, Kathleen (nee Friel)
R.I.P, 9th September 2018 beloved wife of the late Johnny, loving mother of Kevin, Pat, Marian, Declan, Adrian, John, Katrina and Dermot and a much loved grandmother and great grandmother.
Funeral from her home 50 Groarty Road, on Tuesday at 11.15 am for 12 o’clock Requiem Mass in St Columb’s Church, Waterside. Interment afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, Ardmore.
Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers if wished to Foyle Search & Rescue, 20 Victoria Road, Derry, BT47 2AB. Queen of the Most Holy Rosary pray for her.

Hetherington Mark William James
September 8, 2018 Peacefully at his home 15, Esker Gardens, Caw (surrounded by his loving family in his 48th year) much loved husband of Fiona, devoted dad of Emily, Andrea, Sean, Natasha and Conor, adored granda Mark of Lauren, Hayley, Amber, Curtis, Megan, Jay, Jenson, Cameron, Keegan, Kingston and Sophie, precious son of James and Ann, dearest brother of Richard, Roy, Keith, Gillian and Leanne, a dear uncle and brother-in-law. Funeral leaving his late home on Tuesday 11th September at 1.30pm followed by a Service of Thanksgiving for his life in First Derry Presbyterian Church at 2.15pm burial afterwards in Ballyoan Cemetery. (All enquires to D. & R. Hay & Sons Funeral Directors 028 71312567)Dearly loved and will be sadly missed by his entire family circle.One of life’s true Gentlemen

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250 new jobs will be created in Derry through the setting up of a 'centre of excellence' in the city by a US based IT firm.

Alchemy Technology, which is based in Houston, Texas has announced the 250 new high level jobs for Derry at a event held at the North West Regional College (NWRC) this morning.

The jobs have been created through a partnership involving the company, Derry City and Strabane District Council, North West Institute and the local branch of InvestNI.

Welcoming the announcement, Sinn Féin MP Elisha McCallion said it was a 'major boost' for the local economy.

“Today's announcement that tech consultancy firm Alchemy Technology will be setting up a new centre of excellence in Derry is a great boost to the city and the wider north west region," she said.

“The company is making a significant investment in the city through the creation of 250 high level posts with salaries ranging from £25,000 to £45,000 per year.

“This is a major boost for the local economy and demonstrates what this region can offer when people work in partnership to make the vision of a new Derry and north west a reality.

“At a time when the uncertainties of a Tory Brexit looms over business and threatens the economy here job creation of this level is welcome news.

She added: “These jobs will provide much-needed employment for the local area and particularly for our young people and I look forward to seeing them come to fruition."

Alchemy Technology Group is an industry-leading IT advisory, consulting, and reseller firm headquartered in Houston, Texas.

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The Western Trust in Derry has urged people to talk about the 'elephant in the room' as part of World Suicide Prevention Day which occurs today, and World Mental Health Day, which occurs next month.

The Trust has now launched a new campaign, 'The Elephant in the Room - Time to Talk about our Emotions', encouraging people to open up about their feelings.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: "This year, the Health Improvement, Equality and Involvement Department of the Western Trust is linking World Suicide Prevention Day on 10th September and World Mental Health Day on 10th October to encourage people to talk about the ‘elephant in the room’, in other words, the things that we often choose to ignore – our emotions and how we feel.

"The respective themes for each campaign are ‘Working Together to Prevent Suicide’ and ‘Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World. Central to these themes is how we communicate with each other, how we express our emotions and how we access help when we most need it.

"In tough times for a whole host of reasons, people find this very difficult, meaning that negative thoughts and feelings get bottled up and hidden away often leading to adverse long-term physical and mental health consequences."

The spokesperson added: "Mostly though, we want you to talk to each other! We invite you to share this information, particularly the signposting and helplines, with family, friends and work colleagues. You never know who it might help."

For further information please contact the Western Trust Health Improvement Department T: (028) 71865127 or email: health.improvement@westerntrust.hscni.net

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A 21-year-old Derry man who attended the police station by arrangement later escaped from custody by climbing out a toilet window.

Nathan Canning, of Earhart Park in Derry, appeared at Derry Magistrates Court charged with escaping from lawful custody on September 6.

He also faced two charges of breaching a restraining order and one count of criminal damage to a window on August 24.

A police officer connected Canning to the charges and opposed bail.

He told the court that Canning's ex-partner received a call from him while he was imprisoned in Hydebank in breach of a restraining order.

On his release from prison, Canning was said to have appeared at the woman's home and despite being told he was not allowed there persisted.

He then became angry and punched a window, breaking a pane of glass.

The officer told the court Canning reported to police voluntarily and admitted the offences on September 6.

While in police custody a medical officer advised that Canning should be taken to hospital for treatment.

The court heard that the defendant asked to go to the toilet and police removed handcuffs to facilitate this.

He then entered the toilet while police waited outside.

Canning was then alleged to have climbed out a window and made off.

Police pursued him and deployed a helicopter in the chase, recapturing the defendant shortly afterwards.

The officer opposed bail as he said the defendant did not seem to see the ‘seriousness of the situation’.

“If we can't trust him to go to the toilet how can we trust him to abide by bail?” the officer added.

Defence solicitor Paddy MacDermott conceded that it was 'a difficult case even before the escape'.

He said Canning had been told he would face a 28-day charge, but once he was placed in custody 'he imploded.'

District Judge Barney McElholm said that he could not trust Canning and that it had been made clear to him that if he breached the restraining order he would go to prison.

The judge said the alleged victims had the right to live their lives free from fear from Canning.

Describing the case as ‘outrageous’, Judge McElholm added: “This man needs to settle down and realise this sort of behaviour is not going to be tolerated.”

He refused bail and remanded Canning in custody to appear again on October 4.

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A new project is seeking to transform a historic site and the surrounding area into a new playtrail and walled gardens.

The 'Foyle River Garden' project will see both the Boom Hall and Brook Hall sites on the banks of the River Foyle transformed into a series of walled gardens that incorporate play areas and horticultural projects.

The body behind the ambitious proposals, The Eden Project working with local landowners, hope to create a series of covered courtyards, adventure trails and treetop walkways.

The group also hopes that the new-look site will also be an example of 'best practice' in horticulture and agriculture, and play a vital role in the future of food and farming.

It also hopes to create 200 new jobs through the project, attracting 400,000 visitors to the Foyle River Gardens a year.

You can watch a video showing the project here -

http://foylerivergardens.com/#video

PICTURED ABOVE - An image of how Boom Hall would look after its transformation.

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Pat Hume will be honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Irish Red Cross, in recognition of her decades of public service.

Pat worked alongside her husband John Hume from the beginning of civil rights movement in the 1960s, continuing during the Troubles, right through to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998. Pat ran operations on the ground, manning John’s constituency office in Derry. She met many young people caught up in the Troubles and dealt with issues presented to her by thousands who were encountering housing problems, social security issues and health and education concerns.

Pat sacrificed her first career as a teacher to undertake this work and didn’t just run one political office; the Hume family home was a thoroughfare for journalists, political visitors and diplomats, and Pat ran proceedings here too, while also taking care of a young family.

John travelled for much of his political work and Pat was his eyes and ears on the ground, keeping him briefed on political matters. This was all against a backdrop where the Hume family was often under threat; the car was tampered with and the family home was firebombed and vandalised. These were threats Pat often dealt with alone while John was working away.

Given 2018 marks the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, it is very fitting that as the year draws to a close, the Irish Red Cross is recognising the role Pat Hume played in Derry and her wider contribution to the politics which ultimately provided the basis for the Good Friday Agreement.

Pat is now primary carer for John, who has been suffering with dementia for almost 20 years.

Pat will accept the award at the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards Ball which takes place in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road Dublin on November 24.

Above - Pat pictured with her husband, John Hume.

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A woman who was sexually abused by her uncle and then some years later by her own father has waived her right to anonymity so her abusers can be identified.

The woman was abused by her uncle Martin Stanley Burke (46) of Creggan Heights in Derry over a two year period from 1989 to 1991 beginning when she was four-years-old.

Her father Thomas Gérard Scarlett (58) of Glendale Park also in Derry was found guilty of indecently assaulting his daughter from October 1995 until October 2001.

Both men had denied the offences but were found guilty by a jury, Burke on a unanimous verdict and Scarlett by majority verdict.

The court heard that the uncle Burke was babysitting and approached the then child when she was in bed.
He told her to be quiet and then removed her underwear and abused her.

He told her 'the witches would get her if she told' knowing the child was 'very scared of witches.'
On the second occasion the child was asleep and woke up to find Burke assaulting her in a sexual manner.

She said he stopped when her brother woke up but she felt 'yucky'.

The court heard that the child told her mother and the two of them confronted Burke who said if he had done anything he 'must have had too much to drink and smoked too much cannabis.'

The victim told the court Burke had said he couldn't go to jail and added he would kill himself.
The mother said no one was to know especially not Scarlett.

In 1995 the family including Burke went on a camping holiday and the child refused to sleep in the same tent as her uncle as she was 'petrified' and made a disclosure to her father who told the jury 'I had no difficulty believing her.'

But he never confronted Burke over the matter.

Then sometime between 1995 and 1997 Scarlett began abusing the girl when she was aged around 12 or 13.

This abuse continued on several occasions and the jury heard that the child would put an ironing board or step ladder against her door to stop anyone coming in.

On one occasion when her father was abusing her he told her 'you like it' despite the fact she was 'crying and crying'.

When the child said she going to tell her mother Scarlett told her if she did he would kill her and then himself.

Eventually Scarlett was confronted and said 'if he had done it he must have been drunk and he was sorry.'

Both men denied all the claims against them when they were interviewed by police.

Judge Philip Babington said it was obvious the victim 'has suffered a great deal both at the time of the abuse, since it and when giving her evidence.'

A pre-sentence report on Burke revealed that he was still denying the offences but claims he does not want to put the victim through anything else.

A report on Scarlett revealed that he too' does not accept he ever sexually abused his daughter. '

Describing the offending' as a gross abuse of trust' by both men Judge Babington said that it was aggravated by the fact it took place in the girl's own home.

He said: "A child should feel safe in such places."

The judge said as regards Burke 'to abuse a child aged four or five is quite appalling.'

Referring to Scarlett Judge Babington said: "His offending and the facts behind it are horrifying as they relate to his own daughter who he knew had already been abused by his brother in law.

"He chose to do nothing about that abuse because he wanted to do something similar."

Scarlett was sentenced to 10 years in prison and Burke to five years.

Both men will stay on the sex offenders register for an indefinite period and sexual offenders prevention order was imposed on both of them prohibiting them from any contact with females under 18 or the injured party.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr John Boyle, has presented certificates to young people from the North West who took part in a life-changing sea voyage between Derry and Belfast as part of this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival.

The voyage was part of the ‘Foyle Sail Training Programme’ under the guidance of Sail Training Ireland – which has been organising and co-ordinating sail training voyages since its foundation in 2011.

Voyage One – for the 15–17 year-old age group – commenced on the 15th July 2018 in the Titanic Quarter Belfast and arrived in Derry on 21st July.

Voyage Two, with a crew of 18–30 year olds, departed the following day, Sunday July 22nd to make the return journey to Belfast.

The two voyages lasted six days each – and equipped participants with life-changing skills aboard the vessel ‘Brian Boru’.

Derry City and Strabane District Council funded 10 places in total for the voyages with a contribution from the Loughs Agency – 5 places from the 15–17 year-old age group and 5 from the 18–30 age group.

Pictured above: The Mayor Councillor John Boyle presents certificates to young people who completed a 6-day Foyle Sail Training voyage on board the vessel ‘Brian Boru’ as part of this year’s Foyle Maritime Festival. The event was organised by Sail Training Ireland in conjunction with Derry City and Strabane District Council, Belfast City Council and the Loughs Agency. Included standing (centre), is Seamus McLoughlin, Chairman of Sail Training Ireland.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

Teenage Cancer Trust is calling on schools in Derry and across Northern Ireland to make all young people between the ages of 13 – 18 cancer aware, so that they can recognise the main warning signs of the disease to help with early diagnosis.

The charity estimates that around 66 young people aged between 16 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer in Northern Ireland every year.

As part of its services for teenagers and young people, Teenage Cancer Trust runs an education and awareness programme in Northern Ireland, which is free for all post primary schools to access. However, only 31% of schools are currently accessing this programme.

The education and awareness programme includes three elements: an ‘Understanding cancer’ presentation which teaches young people about cancer in an engaging and sensitive way; Mates Matter support which involves working with young people who have cancer to help them educate and empower those around them; and an ‘online learning hub’ with downloadable lesson plans and teacher resources.

A trial of the programme by The University of Stirling found that Teenage Cancer Trust’s education presentation in schools significantly impacted upon the recognition of cancer warning signs and risk factors. After the presentation three times more young people talked to others about cancer, than before.

Julieanne Donnelly, Teenage Cancer Trust’s Education and Awareness Executive for Northern Ireland, said: “We want young people to know the warning signs of cancer so that it can be detected early. The aim of our understanding cancer presentation is to empower young people to take responsibility for their own health. We want them to know their body, and love their body”

Mark Vernon, Teacher at St Malachys High School, Castlewellan, whose school hosted the education programme, said “Our students are now educated in the preventative measures they can take to improve their health.”

Feedback from students has also been positive. A pupil from St. Mary’s Grammar, Magherafelt said: “I think it was very informative as I knew very little about cancer before the talk and now I know how it is caused, the symptoms, the treatments and lots of interesting statistics.”

To bring the Education and Awareness Programme to your school for free, please contact Julieanne Donnelly, Education and Awareness Executive for Teenage Cancer Trust Northern Ireland, at julieanne.donnelly@teenagecancertrust.org or 07507 197225.

Teenage Cancer Trust help young people and their families deal with the many ways cancer affects your body, mind and life. In Northern Ireland, the charity helps to fund clinical nurse specialists, and enhances centres where teenagers and young adults are treated.

To find out more visit https://www.teenagecancertrust.org/about-us/what-we-do/cancer-awareness

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

A Derry court has heard how a police officer suffered a potentially career ending injury after being pushed to the ground by a 35-year-old man who had been stopped for drunk driving.

The officer, who suffered a fractured left ankle in the incident, has had metal plates and screws inserted in his ankle and only returned to work two months ago, almost ten months after he sustained the injury.

The defendant, thirty-five years old David James Watson Houston, a farm labourer from Lisnaragh Road in Donemana, admitted charges of driving while disqualified, without insurance and when unfit due to his alcohol consumption.

He also pleaded guilty to taking his mother's car without her permission, failing to provide a breath specimen, assaulting, resisting and obstructing police officers and possessing a small amount of cocaine.

Houston committed the offences last October 29, just four weeks after he had received a suspended jail sentence and a five year driving disqualification for previous motoring offences.

A prosecution barrister told Judge Philip Babington that on the night of l October 29, members of a mobile police patrol saw a Seat car swerving across the white lines along the Victoria Road.

The driver, who was the defendant, stopped when signalled to do so.

He was unsteady on his feet, his speech was slurred and there was a strong smell of alcohol coming from his breath.

The police officers activated their body worn cameras and when they did so Houston grabbed one of the cameras and pulled it from the officer.

He then slapped the same officer on the face and struggled with two officers, one of whom he pushed to the ground resulting in the fracture to the officer's left ankle.

Houston managed to break free from the police and they used CS spray to restrain him but it had little effect.

Houston then walked away with the body worn camera before returning to the scene minutes later where he was arrested by police reinforcements.

After his arrest the police found a bag on Houston which contained a small quantity of cocaine.

Defence barrister Stephen Chapman said that Houston, who had previously been shot by Republican paramilitaries and who had sustained serious injuries in a road traffic accident, was embarrassed when shown the camera footage of his offending.

He said Houston has been in custody since his arrest last October and had completed level two maths and had enrolled in a bookkeeping course in order to prepare himself for life outside of jail.

He will be sentenced on Thursday.

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.