Director ‘used public cash to buy drone’

THE former director of Armagh Planetarium used public funds to buy a drone and a computer which he kept at home months after retirement, auditors said yesterday.

Dr Tom Mason also bought a games console and flowers using the educational centre’s credit card while he was responsible for accounts.

Comptroller and auditor general Kieran Donnelly’s report said: “The role of accounting officer carries with it personal responsibilities in relation to regularity and propriety and the conduct of accounting officers should be beyond reproach.

“In my view, Dr Mason’s actions were not up to this high standard, in his conduct as an accounting officer.” THESE stark photos show the inside of a home gutted in a fire that killed four people.

A woman, two teenagers, and a baby died in the February 27 blaze outside Derrylin, Co Fermanagh.

The house of horrors on Molly Road has been all but destroyed.

Photos taken yesterday show a shell of the building remains but the rooms inside have suffered heavy damage. The roof has also caved in.

Scorched children’s toys and books are among the items visible in the rubble.

The blaze at the property was first spotted after 7am on the morning of February 27.

Three bodies were recovered on the day of the fire – while a fourth, a child, was not recovered until two days later.

Daniel Allen, 27, whose addressed was given as Molly Road, has appeared in court charged with four counts of murder. He has also been charged with arson.

He is to appear in court later this month.

CHILLING Toothbrushes in bathroom TRAGIC Toys in hallway GUTTED Remains of hallway GRIM SCENE Child’s toy at home in Co Fermanagh CARNAGE Four people died in February 27 blaze SHELL Remains of home