Latest news with #BobbySingleton
BreakingNews.ie
15 hours ago
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Irvine controversy has impacted confidence in justice system
Controversy around the sentencing of leading loyalist Winston Irvine has impacted upon confidence in the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland, PSNI Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton has said. Mr Singleton also told the Policing Board that he wanted to give clarity that he did not provide a character witness for Irvine and would not have done so if asked. Advertisement Irvine was sentenced to two-and-a-half years, with half to be served in jail, at Belfast Crown Court last month following an incident where firearms and ammunition were found in the boot of his car. Irvine avoided a statutory five-year sentence on several of the charges he faced after Judge Gordon Kerr KC ruled there were 'exceptional circumstances' in his case, namely Irvine's 'work for peace and his charity work in the community'. The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has said it is considering whether there is any legal basis to appeal the sentence. The length of Irvine's sentence and the fact he and his co-accused Robin Workman were not prosecuted for terrorism offences has attracted controversy. Advertisement Mr Singleton was asked about the case during the monthly meeting of the Policing Board. He said: 'I think this case and the debate surrounding it undoubtedly has impacted on confidence in the entire criminal justice system. 'As the face, the front end of that, it has also impacted on policing.' Mr Singleton added: 'For clarity, I absolutely did not provide a character reference for Mr Irvine, nor was I asked to. Advertisement 'If I had been, I absolutely wouldn't have done so.' Bobby Singleton said he did not provide a character witness for Winston Irvine. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. The senior officer said he had given evidence under oath during an earlier preliminary inquiry in the case. He added: 'As Mr Irvine's arrest by our counter-terrorism officers and subsequent investigation by our terrorism investigation unit demonstrates, we police without fear or favour, and that is exactly the way it should be.' Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said sentencing was a matter for the courts. Advertisement He said Irvine had been arrested by police under the Terrorism Act and there had been a 'thorough investigation'. He added: 'I can confirm that ballistic testing of all the firearms was conducted and there was no previous history in respect of those firearms or indeed the ammunition. 'Our role is to investigate and to place evidence before the court.' Police Service of Northern Ireland Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck (centre) speaks during the monthly meeting of the board. Photo: Liam McBurney/PA. Irvine, 49, of Ballysillan Road in north Belfast, and Workman, 54, of Shore Road in Larne, Co Antrim, both admitted possession of a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Advertisement They also admitted two counts of possessing a handgun without a certificate, one count of possessing ammunition without a certificate, possessing a prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Workman further pleaded guilty to possessing a .177 calibre air rifle without holding a firearm certificate. The offences were committed on June 8 2022, when Workman transported a quantity of weapons and ammunition to the Glencairn area of Belfast in his van, which were then put into the boot of Irvine's Volkswagen Tiguan car. Ireland Gerry Adams to donate €100k to Irish language and... Read More A short time later, Irvine's vehicle was stopped by police in Disraeli Street. A long-barrelled firearm, two suspected pistols, several magazines and a large quantity of ammunition were discovered inside a bag in the boot. While the judge noted that UVF paraphernalia was found in the homes of both defendants, he did not consider that there was a terrorist link to the weapons.
Belfast Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI records lowest-ever number of anti-social behaviour reports across NI
Figures published by the PSNI have revealed details of crime incidents reported over the 12 months to March 31, 2025, including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, hate-motivated crime and drug seizures. According to the figures there has been a decrease in crime in Northern Ireland. There were 8,233 fewer crime incidents in NI over the past 12 months, a 7.9% drop from 2023/24 – including reductions in violent offences, criminal damage and harassment. Anti-social behaviour reports were also recorded at their lowest since the data series began in 2006/7, with 1,004 less incidents reported. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised the latest statistics, saying: 'These significant reductions demonstrate once again that not only is Northern Ireland one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family but also that the PSNI is a service that everyone here can be proud'. The Deputy Chief Constable also expressed his worry over declining police numbers. 'The continued contribution of our officers and staff to these reductions really shouldn't be under-estimated or taken for granted,' he said. "It's also important to recognise that whilst the overall number of crime and anti-social behaviour incidents has reduced, the work that goes into dealing with them is becoming increasingly complex and resource-intensive.' Despite a decrease in general crime, the PSNI have also revealed that last year saw the highest number of race hate crimes and incidents since records began. Official statistics show that there were 454 more race incidents and 349 more race crimes recorded in comparison to the previous year. There were 1,807 race incidents and 1,188 race crimes documented in the 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 – the highest financial year levels recorded since the data series began in 2004/05. A spokesperson for the activism group, United Against Racism Belfast, told this newspaper that 'the statistics on hate crime in the past year are disturbing and infuriating'. "Attacks on migrant communities have become virulent, both online and on the streets of our shared city,' they added. "Deliberate disinformation and hate-mongering around immigration, including by the current government, strip the humanity of Black, minority ethnic, Muslim and migrant communities. "As a result, we have seen multiple attacks on people for no other reason but the colour of their skin, their language or their perceived immigration status.' "This must stop'.
Belfast Telegraph
16-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
PSNI reports lowest ever number of anti-social behaviour reports across NI
Figures published by the PSNI have revealed details of crime incidents reported over the 12 months to March 31, 2025, including anti-social behaviour, domestic abuse, hate-motivated crime and drug seizures. According to the figures there has been a decrease in crime in Northern Ireland. There were 8,233 fewer crime incidents in NI over the past 12 months, a 7.9% drop from 2023/24 – including reductions in violent offences, criminal damage and harassment. Anti-social behaviour reports were also recorded at their lowest since the data series began in 2006/7, with 1,004 less incidents reported. Deputy Chief Constable Bobby Singleton praised the latest statistics, saying: 'These significant reductions demonstrate once again that not only is Northern Ireland one of the safest places to live, work and raise a family but also that the PSNI is a service that everyone here can be proud'. The Deputy Chief Constable also expressed his worry over declining police numbers. 'The continued contribution of our officers and staff to these reductions really shouldn't be under-estimated or taken for granted,' he said. "It's also important to recognise that whilst the overall number of crime and anti-social behaviour incidents has reduced, the work that goes into dealing with them is becoming increasingly complex and resource-intensive.' Despite a decrease in general crime, the PSNI have also revealed that last year saw the highest number of race hate crimes and incidents since records began. Official statistics show that there were 454 more race incidents and 349 more race crimes recorded in comparison to the previous year. There were 1,807 race incidents and 1,188 race crimes documented in the 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025 – the highest financial year levels recorded since the data series began in 2004/05. A spokesperson for the activism group, United Against Racism Belfast, told this newspaper that 'the statistics on hate crime in the past year are disturbing and infuriating'. "Attacks on migrant communities have become virulent, both online and on the streets of our shared city,' they added. "Deliberate disinformation and hate-mongering around immigration, including by the current government, strip the humanity of Black, minority ethnic, Muslim and migrant communities. "As a result, we have seen multiple attacks on people for no other reason but the colour of their skin, their language or their perceived immigration status.' "This must stop'.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama Legislature's 2025 session ends in lengthy Senate filibuster
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro (center) speaks to Sen. Larry Stutts, R-Tuscumbia, on the floor of the Alabama Senate on May 14, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama Legislature's 2025 session ended Wednesday with the passage of a handful of bills and a lengthy Senate filibuster that doomed many more. Senate Democrats, upset after a dispute between the House and a senator over a gambling bill for Greene County, managed to slow consideration of an agenda of 50 local House bills in the chamber, which Senate President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, said last week would be his priority for the last day of session. 'We're going to use the tools we have to make happen what we need to make happen,' said Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, whose criticism of the House's handling of a local gambling bill led to the slowdown. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Republicans repeatedly clotured Singleton and Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, the other major figure in the filibuster, limiting debate to 20 minutes. But Democrats asked for each bill to be read in its entirety and for a roll call vote on each motion. After about six hours, the Senate had only passed about 11 of the bills on its calendar. Smitherman later said that he felt locked out of the political process after discussing lawmakers from the same region working together to address local issues. Not being afforded the same luxury, he said the tools to represent his constituents effectively were taken away. 'I just couldn't do what I needed to do. That's all … when you've got no tools, you can build nothing. My tools were put in the toolshed, and they locked the door,' Smitherman said, saying he's 'trying to knock on the door.' The Republican-led chambers managed to pass HB 202, sponsored by Rep. Rex Reynolds, R-Huntsville, which extends police immunity protections. The legislation, a priority for GOP lawmakers and Gov. Kay Ivey, in the waning minutes of the session on Wednesday. In the House, the chamber concurred with Senate changes on HB 199, sponsored by Rep. Travis Hedrix, D-Birmingham, that allows the Board of Pardons and parole to electronically monitor a juvenile delinquent before their court hearing. But the Senate filibuster dominated most of the day. After the Shroud Award was presented to Rep. Ron Bolton, R-Northport, early Wednesday afternoon, House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said a farewell and thanked the chamber for all their work this session. 'You guys are like family to me. I love each one of you, and we pray every night for success throughout the districts,' Ledbetter said. 'And I can't be more proud of a group of men and women that serve the people of Alabama.' The House then recessed for nine hours to wait for the Senate to pass the police immunity bill. The slow grind Wednesday brought an end to a session that saw several notable pieces of legislation passed. Lawmakers approved a bill banning firearm modifications known as 'Glock switches,' which convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons. The bill was the first gun restriction to pass the Alabama House since 2010, and passed after Rep. Philip Ensler, D-Montgomery, introduced similar legislation the year before. The Legislature also passed legislation to change the state's public school funding formula to help address the needs of underserved students through a new funding system. But Republican lawmakers also pumped $180 million into the CHOOSE Act, a voucher-like program in which families can claim tax credits for nonpublic education expenses, including private school tuition. The allocation far exceeded the $100 million lawmakers originally put into the bill. Lawmakers rushed through the 'What is a Woman Act' early in the session, provides definitions for sex, male, female, man, woman, boy, girl, mother and father. Critics said the bill attempted to erase trans and intersex identities. Lawmakers also passed bills targeting immigrants. Ledbetter highlighted the a bill regulating pharmacy benefit managers, a cut on the grocery tax and a bill allowing the state's dominant agricultural organization to offer its members health benefit plans. 'I think we got a lot to be proud of, lots to hang our hat on,' he said. Ledbetter said he was surprised HB 188, sponsored by Rep. Allen Treadaway, R-Morris, did not receive final passage. The bill would have created a scholarship program for dependents of law enforcement, which passed the House in February. 'I really don't even understand that one,' Ledbetter said. 'It's pretty simple to me, because we give everybody else scholarships. If we're really trying to protect the police officers and in this state, and back the blue then, to me, that's a no brainer.' Gudger said after the Senate adjourned that despite the partisan tensions of the last day, he felt like there was cooperation. He said that they could have concluded the debate sooner, but he wanted to make sure members 'were treated as fairly as possible.' 'You heard some people tonight saying they didn't treat them fairly tonight, but if you look back into how many minutes they've had at the mic, I think they've had more movements than anybody else on the floor. You've got to be able to balance that, and so you can't look at just one night,' he said. Gudger signaled the Senate might work on potential rule changes to improve efficiency before the next legislative session, particularly in handling local legislation. 'It would be, how do we handle local legislation and it be fair so that one person can't hold up the whole legislature,' he said. 'In the Senate, you're able to do that, but I think there needs to be more of a group that needs to say, 'this is something we don't want as a delegation' before you hold up everyone's local bills,' Gudger said. Smitherman, shortly before the Senate adjourned, asked the lawmakers to reassess how they'll conduct business when they return next year. 'All of us want to take something home. You all want to take something home. We want to take something home. And where it is now, it's not working out like that, so I hope you all reassess when we come back,' Smitherman said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Alabama House and Senate clash over local legislation as session nears end
Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro (left) looks at the phone of Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, on the floor of the Alabama Senate on May 7, 2025 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. The Senate saw two filibusters on Wednesday: one from Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham that would have allowed the governor to appoint members of the governing board of the Alabama Department of Archives and History without Senate confirmation; the other from Singleton in protest of the House not taking up a bill he considered important for his district. The Alabama Legislature ground to a halt on Wednesday afternoon amid a dispute between the Alabama House and a senator over a gambling bill for Greene County. The stand-off on the next-to-last legislative day of the session punctuated a tense day in the chambers that saw another filibuster on a bill that would change the governance of the Alabama Department of Archives and History and two Republican representatives getting into a shouting match on the House floor. 'The question about ending it today was the right decision, I believe, so that everyone stopped, we had a clean break, and then we're going into the last legislative day, knowing exactly what's in front of us,' said President Pro Tempore Garlan Gudger, R-Cullman, after the Senate adjourned, adding that cloturing the Democratic filibuster would 'create a little bit of animosity towards each side of the aisle, and we don't want that.' SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The disputes left the fates of high-profile legislation and dozens of local bills for individual districts up in the air. The last day of the session is May 14. '[Next week] looks slow because I'm settled in They've got 40 more House bills,' said Senate Minority Leader Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro, who filibustered a Senate calendar for most of the afternoon. 'I'm willing to talk 40 more hours.' Singleton wanted the House to pass a SB 90, a bill for Greene County that would update the distribution of local gambling revenue in the county and change the appointing authority for Greene County Racing Commission members from the governor to the legislative delegation. Wednesday was the last day for lawmakers to get bills to the governor's desk before Gov. Kay Ivey can wield a pocket veto over legislation. Singleton said Ivey's staff said she wasn't going to sign his bill, and that a Senate agenda of 10 bills taken up by the chamber on Wednesday 'needed to get out' because 'she's not going to sign the bills.' 'The governor has said to leadership that there were certain bills that she was not going to sign … That's why you saw all those bills because they needed to get out today, so that therefore they could override the veto on the last day if she decided to veto them,' Singleton said. Gina Maiola, a spokesperson for the governor, wrote in a text message Wednesday 'that's not necessarily true regarding issues with local bills,' saying that the governor met with leadership to discuss the final days of the session and agree to a final schedule. Singleton filibustered the local calendar but allowed the first five local bills on it to pass. The House did not put Singleton's bill on a calendar on Wednesday, likely dooming it for the session. In the House, Rep. Curtis Travis, D-Tuscaloosa, requested to bring SB 90 to the floor out of order, a move that requires four-fifths of members present to approve. After an hour and 45 minutes of debate, Travis withdrew the motion. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, said after the House adjourned that all gaming bills must be brought to the floor on a special order calendar, regardless if they are local legislation or statewide bills. '(Singleton) was really adamant about getting on the floor, and gave a chance for Rep. Travis to have a conversation about it,' Ledbetter said after the House adjourned. 'And I think that's what he wanted to do. And unfortunately, our rules and rules in the Senate aren't the same. And anything that's got to do with gaming in the House, it's got to be general and going to the House floor.' Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest, who co-sponsored a comprehensive gambling package last year, supported the motion saying Alabamians gamble anyway. 'I do feel that we failed our citizens last year by not voting on a comprehensive gaming package,' Whitt said. 'This is a great demonstration of what happens when we let this patchwork gaming happen all across the state, and it will continue to happen. If you don't think gambling and gaming is happening in your communities, you're all wrong.' The House had its own internal drama Wednesday when Reps. David Faulkner, R-Mountain Brook, and Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, had a heated discussion on the House floor over an amendment to SB 82, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur. The bill requires municipal court magistrates and circuit court clerks to annually audit and recall outstanding warrants for Class B and Class C misdemeanors and violations that have not been served within 10 years. Faulkner's amendment allowed the presiding judge to decide if a warrant would be recalled. Simpson asked Faulkner to change his amendment to also alert the prosecuting attorney. 'We're not amending the amendment,' Faulkner said. 'You can amend the bill.' Simpson argued Faulkner could not do that. 'I can have this debate with you right now because I'm asking to amend the amendment,' Simpson said. 'Let's let the body ask to amend the amendment.' The pair got heated, then the bill was carried over to the call of the chair. The pair continued their debate away from the podiums on the House floor, then moved to a side room for about an hour. They emerged, but the bill was not brought back up. Both chambers of the Legislature will return on Wednesday afternoon, but the battle between the chambers may not ease. Ledbetter said Singleton's bill will not be on the calendar when the House returns. But Singleton said after the Senate adjourned that he still wants his bill passed 'like all other local bills.' The Senate minority leader noted the Senate still had to pass about 50 local bills and approve confirmations, and warned that he was willing to filibuster most if not all of them. 'That's where we will be. If that's what game they want to play, I'm willing to play, and I think most of you know that I can play that game,' Singleton said. 'We probably have another 25 confirmations out there. Somebody's not going to get confirmed, and some local bills will die.' The impasse could also threaten high-profile state bills, including a bill broadening police immunity that Ivey called for in her State of the State address in February. A bill to change the governance of the Alabama Department of Archives and History also stalled after Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham, objected to the bill removing Senate confirmation of board members. The bill will go to a conference committee. 'As of right now, the local legislation is my main priority because all politics is local. We want to make sure that we try to take care of our members here and the members in the House,' Gudger said after the Senate adjourned Wednesday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
