Peter Robinson claims denied in Bryson 'Nama trial'
Controversial claims about Peter Robinson by the loyalist activist Jamie Bryson at a Stormont committee 10 years ago were replayed in court today.At the time, Mr Robinson was First Minister of Northern Ireland and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).He described the allegations made in 2015 by Mr Bryson, about a so-called Nama property deal, as "scurrilous and unfounded" without "one iota of evidence".Mr Bryson, 35, from Rosepark, Donaghadee, is on trial at Belfast Crown Court where he denies a charge of conspiracy to commit misconduct in public office, related to the Finance Committee meeting a decade ago.
Video footage of the hearing, which took place in September 2015, was played in court on day three of the trial.The court was shown Mr Bryson's 47-minute appearance at the committee. He spoke about how Northern Ireland property loans were handled by the National Asset Management Agency, known as Nama.More to follow
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The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Police release new image as they probe days of disorder in Northern Ireland
Police in Northern Ireland have released an image of a man they want to speak to as part of their investigation into recent disturbances in the region. The latest image follows four released by police on Friday as officers investigate offences during several nights of unrest. PSNI spokesperson said: 'Can you identify the following individual? 'Police would like to speak with these persons, in connection with our ongoing investigation into a number of incidents of disorder and attacks on police officers since Monday 9 June 2025 in the Ballymena area. 'We are asking these individuals to come forward to police, or anyone who can assist in identifying these individuals should contact us on 101. 'Please do not comment on this post with information.' Anyone with information or who wishes to submit photos and footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage, can share it through the Major Incident Public Portal at
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
More police officers hurt during fifth night of violence in Northern Ireland
More police officers were injured as heavy masonry and fireworks were thrown during disorder on Friday night, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has said. A senior officer warned that the force is actively investigating people inciting the disorder through social media. The scenes on Friday night in Portadown were the fifth consecutive night of rioting in the region after serious disturbances in Ballymena on Monday. The violence, which followed an alleged sex attack on a teenage girl in the Co Antrim town, has since spread to several other parts of Northern Ireland. On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of people attended a rally in Belfast city centre which heard calls for greater political leadership in opposing racism. More than 60 police officers have been hurt during the rioting. A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Disorder and violence broke out in Portadown with officers coming under sustained attack with heavy masonry and fireworks thrown at them. 'Officers used various public order tactics including water cannon to keep the public safe with no reports of injury to the public or damage to property.' Two males, aged 14 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of riotous behaviour and remain in custody. Police in Londonderry dealt with disorder in the Tullyally area. A police vehicle was damaged, with the front window smashed. One male was arrested at around 2.20am and remains in custody. Damage was caused to playing fields and property in the Killeavey Road area of Newry as a large group set a pitch and bins on fire. One 14-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of riot. Stones were thrown at the windows of a hotel in the Newtownabbey area and a car was set on fire in the Hesketh Gardens area of Belfast, which police are treating as a racially motivated crime. The disorder started in Ballymena on Monday after an alleged sexual assault of a girl in the town last weekend. Two 14-year-old boys, who spoke to a court through a Romanian interpreter, have been charged with attempted rape. A peaceful protest about the alleged assault on Monday evening was followed by attacks on properties housing ethnic minorities and police. The PSNI described the scenes as 'racist thuggery'. Assistant Chief Constable Melanie Jones said: 'It's deeply disturbing to see such young members of our communities involved in and in some areas driving criminal activity like this. 'I would appeal directly to parents and guardians to speak to your children about the impact their behaviour is having on the safety of our local communities and the impact this could have on their lives if arrested, charged and prosecuted. 'We continue to have a heightened presence in our local communities to de-escalate violence and we are making arrests and will continue to make public appeals with photos of suspects. 'Do you want your child, family member or friend directly associated with this disorder in this way? These actions are not without serious consequence. 'I am so grateful to our frontline officers who continue to put themselves at risk in protecting everyone from this hate-motivated criminality.' Ms Jones added: 'To those posting hate on social media, inciting disorder or being seen to commit disorder, we are actively investigating what you have said and what you have been captured doing. 'We have an ongoing physical and online presence. 'As our investigation continues, we have already released images of four individuals we want to identify and interview in connection with our ongoing investigation. 'In releasing these images, I am asking the wider community to step forward and help us. 'It is in all of our interests, and in the interests of justice, that those responsible are dealt with and I would urge anyone who may have information to bring it forward. 'It is important to know over the remainder of this weekend the public will continue to see a large policing presence across Northern Ireland to reassure our communities and protect our streets. 'This will include the deployment of mutual aid resources from Scotland. These officers, trained to work in our environment, will be working side by side with their PSNI colleagues. 'We repeat, once more, our appeal for calm across Northern Ireland in the coming days.'
The Independent
4 hours ago
- The Independent
Tributes after death of former Alliance leader Sean Neeson at 79
Tributes have been paid following the death of former Alliance Party leader Sean Neeson at the age of 79. Current party leader Naomi Long said Mr Neeson had been a dedicated public servant. Mr Neeson was first elected to Carrickgergus Borough Council in 1977 and later served as mayor. Later he became an East Antrim MLA and served as Alliance leader between 1998 and 2001. 'My thoughts and prayers today are with Sean's family and friends,' said Ms Long. She added: 'But today, Alliance has also lost a part of our history. 'Sean showed leadership at a time when the party needed it, and we will always be grateful to him for that. 'Known for getting things done, Sean was a dedicated public servant who delivered for everyone in Carrickfergus as a councillor and then the wider East Antrim area when he became an MLA, a role he was delighted to take on. 'In later years, Sean's passion for Alliance and Northern Ireland as a whole continued, and I was delighted he was well enough to join us at conference just last year.' DUP leader Gavin Robinson said Mr Neeson had been a 'strong voice for his constituents' as a political leader. He said: 'He was a passionate advocate for the beliefs and principles that guided him. 'His respectful approach earned him recognition across the political spectrum. 'We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends, and to all in the Alliance Party who mourn his passing today.' Stewart Dickson, an Alliance Party colleague of Mr Neeson on Carrickfergus Council and as an East Antrim MLA, said he was 'saddened to hear of the death of my good friend'. Alliance Party deputy leader Eoin Tennyson paid tribute on social media. He said: 'I'm deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Sean Neeson. 'Sean steered Alliance through challenging times, always seeking to build bridges where division and sectarianism loomed. 'He served our party and the people of East Antrim with distinction. 'My thoughts and condolences are with Sean's family and loved ones.'
