Ulster ports trade ‘stable’

ULSTER ports have had a steady trade flow under new Irish Sea shipping rules – with some recording a surge in freight, MLAS have been told.

A Stormont Assembly committee was told yesterday the requirements of the Northern Ireland Protocol had not prompted the drop in trade some had predicted.

Belfast Harbour Commissioners’ Maurice Bullick said the port operating model has “remained fairly stable overall”.

A KNIFE was held to the throat of a pensioner with learning difficulties as his home was ransacked, the High Court has heard.

Prosecutors claimed the 70-year-old man who lives in supported accommodation was among three victims targeted in Antrim within a 15-minute period.

Joseph Mcdonnell is accused of carrying out the break-in, trying to seize a nearby resident’s wallet and raiding a store.

The 25-year-old, of Suffolk Square in the town, denies involvement in the incidents on December 4.

Mr Justice Simpson granted bail for Mcdonnell to live in Crumlin.

POLICE are appealing for information following the alleged hijacking of a van on Tuesday night resulting in the arrest of two men.

It was reported shortly before 9.15pm that a male driver who had been parked on Agnes Street in North Belfast, was approached by two men, one of whom was armed with a metal bar.

Police said the two men allegedly threatened the victim, before subsequently driving off in the van which overturned on the Springfield Road in West Belfast.

Officers said two men were arrested and remain in custody.