Latest news with #SundayWorld
Sunday World
8 hours ago
- Sunday World
Rampage continues as another 5G mast is torched overnight
The overnight incident brings the total number of masts destroyed since January 2023 to 18 Stock Image: Firefighters deal with an arson at a 5G mast on the Monagh Bypass earlier in the year(Photo by Kevin Scott) Emergency services were called to reports of a 5G mast alight on Upper Dunmurry Lane shortly after 11:45pm on Monday. Firefighters used specialist cutting equipment to access the site due to a locked gate. The Sunday World understands the mast failed to ignite fully. Police officers at the scene removed material from the interior of the mast that was used, in an attempt to start the blaze. The 17 previous attacks A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Firefighters used a CO2 extinguisher to extinguish the fire and the scene was handed over to the PSNI. 'The cause of the fire is believed to be deliberate ignition and the incident was dealt with by 1.07am.' A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Some damage was caused to electronics in a nearby building and we're treating the fire as deliberate, with our enquiries into the matter ongoing. 'We understand the concerns regarding the recent series of attacks on 5G masts in the west Belfast area and the significant disruption these incidents are causing across the community, impacting both businesses and local residents. Stock Image: Firefighters deal with an arson at a 5G mast on the Monagh Bypass earlier in the year(Photo by Kevin Scott) Firefighters battle 5G mast fire in Poleglass 'We believe there are individuals with knowledge that could assist us in identifying those responsible for these attacks and, once again, are appealing to the public to share any information with us. "We're also keen to speak with anyone who might have CCTV or other footage that could assist with our enquiries. The overnight incident brings the total number of masts destroyed since January 2023 to 18. Earlier this week the Sunday World reported that a group calling itself 'Anarchy 61' have claimed responsibility for the most recent attacks. The value of each mast ranges between £100k and £200k meaning the cost of the damage to date could be as high as £3.4m. In a statement Mobile UK, the umbrella organisation of the UK's main network providers, said the time for condemnation of such incidents has long passed, with providers now seeking what they say will be 'a crucial intervention' from Stormont to help stop the attacks and ensure seamless network coverage for all, across Northern Ireland.
Sunday World
12 hours ago
- Sunday World
‘Winkie' Irvine under threat of violent attack from loyalist faction in jail
Paramilitary prisoners planning to 'send message he won't forget' to loyalist chief Jailed loyalist leader Winston 'Winkie' Irvine is under threat from a violent attack behind bars, sources have told the Sunday World. And we can exclusively reveal that paramilitary prisoners currently housed near Irvine in HMP Maghaberry are planning to 'give him a message he won't forget'. The threat is believed to have been issued by associates of ousted UVF men from east Belfast who blame Irvine for their expulsion from the paramilitary organisation. 'Winkie will need to watch his step every inch of the way while he's in jail. The men from the east have fingered him for waging a campaign to discredit Stephen Matthews,' said a well-placed east Belfast loyalist source. Last night the Sunday World made the PSNI aware of the alleged threat against 49-year-old Irvine from Ballysillan Road, who is currently serving out a two-and-a-half-year sentence after he was caught with a bag of guns and ammunition in his car. Earlier this week police released dramatic film footage of Irvine's arrest in June 2022, alongside his co-accused, 54-year-old Robin Workman of Shore Road, Larne, who was later jailed for five years – half of which will be served on licence. Winston 'Winkie' Irvine in police custody Police bodycam shows the moment Winkie Irvine is arrested The East Belfast faction of the UVF was expelled by the terror group's Shankill Road leadership on Remembrance Sunday 2023. A masked UVF volunteer read out a statement in front of 1,000 UVF-linked loyalists who had earlier that morning paraded in honour of the war dead. A similar statement was read out at other UVF-controlled venues, including one off the Newtownards Road in east Belfast. Source claim veteran loyalist Stephen Matthews was replaced by a new leader installed with the blessing of the Shankill leadership controlled by veteran UVF men John 'Bunter' Graham and 'Harmless Harry' Stockman. Matthews has previously denied being involved in both criminality and paramilitarism. And moves were also made to take complete control of UVF arms dumps in the east of the city. Stephen Matthews Matthews was made aware in no uncertain terms that he wasn't under any physical threat as long as he 'steered well clear' of UVF military hardware, according to sources. It is claimed he was further warned that any attempt to push back against the Shankill Road ruling, would be met with an immediate and violent reaction. For a number of years, Matthews was alleged to have run a criminal gang which it was claimed used the UVF name as cover for a range of activities, including drug dealing and extortion. Traditionally known as the UVF 4th Battalion, its east Belfast territory ran from the Albert Bridge near the city centre to Newtownards. And its heartland was by far the largest area of loyalist paramilitary influence and control in the whole of Northern Ireland. And the lucrative cash return in the area was huge. But as time passed, sources claim Matthews became estranged from the UVF's Shankill Road centre, although he continued to consolidate his support in the east. But since his expulsion 18 months ago, Matthews didn't disappear quietly as some predicted. Instead, he steadily rebuilt an even more solid support base. In recent times, Matthews has overseen a move away from drug dealing and criminality toward community-based activism, sources claim. And we were also told that during a meeting with his top men, one of 'Mackers' distant relatives – who held the rank of Provost Marshal – made a jokey remark about drug dealing, saying: 'No more drugs? That's why I joined the UVF.' Matthews is alleged to have slapped his relative around the head. And he was later busted down the ranks and is now driving a taxi for a living. 'That showed Mackers meant business with regards to cleaning up the image,' said our source. Only last Saturday, Mackers was spotted handing out chilled bottles of mineral water to thirsty returning bandsmen and 12th of July Orange marchers, near St Matthews Catholic Church on the Newtownards Road. Matthews was inundated by well-wishers who showed their support by slapping him on the back and asking him for souvenir 'selfies'. 'Good on you, big man,' a member of the East Belfast Regimental Band shouted as he passed by on the final hurdle of the 12th parade, which was seen as a spectacular success. 'Mackers is more popular now than he was before he was ousted,' one of his supporters told us. Whilst accepting the reality of their position outside the mainstream UVF, Mackers' men have refused to fully surrender their loyalist connection and they are now branding themselves the UVF Regiment of East Belfast. This effectively sees two UVF-proclaimed groups vying for loyalist support in the East Belfast Brigade area. But all available evidence also shows the Matthews faction is currently enjoying a resurgence of influence in working-class loyalist areas east of the River Lagan. And many of Mackers' men are thoroughly convinced Winkie Irvine was responsible for a relentless smear campaign against their east Belfast boss. Video footage of Winkie being arrested Winkie's final throw of the dice came in June last year while he was still out on bail awaiting trial for a range of arms offences. Irvine arranged for a psychological show of strength aimed at emphasising Mackers' demise. The Woodvale UVF boss was one of hundreds of loyalists – wearing white shirts and black ties – who lined the entire length of the Newtownards Road. Mackers stayed away, opting to observe proceedings from the nearby safety of the Constitution Club. And he later used the moment to rebuild his support in the heartland of loyalism in east Belfast. 'Some people thought it would be the death knell of Stephen Matthews. Instead it was the beginning of his fight back and a year later he done it,' said our source. 'The blame for what happened has been laid at Winkies' door.' Another loyalist source with an insight into Matthews' thinking insisted he didn't know the identity of those tried to discredit him, but he doesn't blame Irvine. Last night, a spokesman said: 'Mr Matthews has no issue with Winston Irvine. And he doesn't wish to see any division within loyalism.' Winston 'Winkie' Irvine in police custody News in 90 Seconds - July 22nd
Sunday World
16 hours ago
- Sunday World
Disgraced sex-crime charged swim coach expected in Dublin court today
Sources told the Sunday World that Gibney was on Monday transferred by US Marshals from Florida to a transit hub in America Disgraced former Irish national swimming coach George Gibney is expected to face criminal charges in Dublin today. The 77-year-old was arrested on foot of an extradition warrant in Florida earlier this month as he faces 79 charges relating to sexual offences in the 1970s and 1980s against minors. Sources told the Sunday World that Gibney was on Monday transferred by US Marshals from Florida to a transit hub in America. Members of the Garda extradition unit, attached to the National Bureau of Criminal Investigation (NBCI), are now expected to escort him on an overnight return flight back to Dublin. George Gibney While sources said that the current plans could change, Gibney is expected to appear before the Dublin District Court on Tuesday morning to be formally charged. The Director of Public Prosecutions has said that he should be charged with 79 sexual offences against four young girls between 1971 and 1981. On June 6, 2023, the Dublin District Court issued warrants for Gibney's arrest, covering 78 counts of indecent assault and one count of attempted rape. He has been the focus of a lengthy investigation by the Garda National Protective Services Bureau after he was tracked down to a bungalow in Orlando, Florida, by the podcast Where is George Gibney. It appeared he was living far away from the storm over sexual abuse allegations that the BBC production had re-opened. But when confronted by the makers of the podcast, he declined to answer questions about alleged sexual abuse. Gibney coached children with the Trojan swimming club in Dublin in the 1970s and the 1980s. He was a high-profile sports figure who regularly appeared in Irish media, until he was exposed for allegedly sexually abusing children. He appeared before Dún Laoghaire District Court in April 1993 charged with 27 counts of indecency against young swimmers and of having carnal knowledge of girls under the age of 15. The prosecution was halted after he successfully took a judicial review arguing that the delay in the offences coming to court would deny him a fair trial and also highlighting the lack of precision around specific alleged incidents. The Supreme Court found in Gibney's favour, after which Gibney moved to Scotland and later to the US. He continued to coach children in the US, working for a swimming club in Colorado but he lost his job after details of his past allegations in Dublin emerged. He stayed in the US and worked in various non-swimming related roles. George Gibney in Florida News in 90 Seconds - July 22nd
The South African
18 hours ago
- The South African
DJ Sumbody: Alleged hitmen and mastermind to appear in court
The four suspects arrested in connection with the brutal murder of artist and businessman Oupa 'DJ Sumbody' Sefoka are expected to appear at the Alexandra Magistrate's Court on Tuesday, 22 July. The four suspects aged between 45 and 60 were arrested on Monday, 21 July. DJ SUMBODY'S ALLEGED KILLERS TO APPEAR IN COURT DJ Sumbody – who was an amapiano artist and the co-owner of popular Pretoria and Cape Town nightclubs, Ayepyep Lifestyle – was gunned down on 20 November 2022 in Woodmead, Johannesburg. In May 2023, Sunday World reported that the Iyamemeza hitmaker's business partner, Kagiso Setsetse, had relocated to the United Arab Emirates because he feared for his life. On Monday, South African Police Service (SAPS) national spokesperson brigadier Athlenda Mathe said the Gauteng organised crime detectives worked on the case and later roped in the SAPS Political Killings Task Team to assist. The arrests were all effected in Gauteng on Monday afternoon and three of the suspects are believed to be hitmen and one is believed to have ordered the hit on DJ Sumbody. The weapon allegedly used in the commission of the crime was seized and has since been linked to other murders as KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi hinted during his explosive media briefing on 6 July. Amongst the charges the four suspects are facing include murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Meanwhile, national police commissioner general Fannie Masemola has welcomed the breakthrough saying it is significant and will hopefully provide closure to families involved. 'Well done to the teams that have been piecing together evidence since November 2022. This is a culmination of hard work and dedication to justice. 'This is one of those complex cases that our teams needed to take their time in ensuring a thorough investigation so that we could ultimately bring a strong case before court,' he said. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
Sunday World
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Irish rap star Malaki thrilled as lyrics featured on exterior of trendy new Dublin hotel
The Dubliner from Stillorgan says he's particularly honoured to have been chosen by the quirky citizenM hotel as the featured artist from a list that included Hozier and Dermot Kennedy Irish rap star Malaki yesterday spoke of his thrill that a trendy new Dublin hotel has featured a bronze-cast lyric of one of his songs as an eye-catching attraction on the building's exterior. The Dubliner from Stillorgan says he's particularly honoured to have been chosen by the quirky citizenM hotel, set opposite St Patrick's Cathedral in The Liberties, as the featured artist from a list that included Hozier and Dermot Kennedy. 'I'm still a struggling artist with a day job as a hospital porter, so they probably felt it would mean more to me than to artists who've had international success, which I'm very grateful for,' Malaki tells the Sunday World. 'I don't think it'll sink in until the official opening next week. For me and probably many other people, your city is who you are. And as a Dubliner it's very ingrained in who we are…proud to be here, but proud of the concrete and the grass on which we stand. 'I think as an artist to have something to remember you and your legacy is huge. We see it across the city with our Phil Lynotts and our James Joyces and Luke Kellys, and to me that just screams achievement - what they did for the art and not just for themselves. 'For me, in the beginning this journey was for Dublin, it was to spread a message to Dubliners because that's what Malaki means, it's messenger, and I just felt I did my job when I saw it. The citizenM hotel in Dublin 'It felt like you did what you wanted to do you grieved in the city of Dublin, you wrote a song about your love of the city, and now it has come full circle, you've got what you wanted and you've come out the other end.' Malaki's lyrics are from his song, Cuppa Tea. 'It's one that I've always loved playing live. The first time I played it everyone went crazy because it was upbeat, they could relate to it, it's fun, it has this great outro,' he says. 'So it seems it's always been meant to be that it's my most important song. And in this case it was chosen by the citizenM people, I didn't choose it.' The citizenM hotel group has 36 hotels in 21 cities around the world and is the brainchild of Rattan Chadha, founder of global fashion brand, Mexx. It's Dublin hotel is a Brutalist-style building design by legendary Irish architect Sam Stephenson, lovingly preserved and given a fresh new life by citizenM's creative team. 'They contacted me by direct message on Instagram three years ago,' Malaki reveals. 'And they said they chose Cuppa Tea because they wanted a representation of Dublin city. Even not coming from the city and not having any business here they felt that song was the best representation of it. 'And that was a massive compliment because that's exactly what I wrote the song about. It's about the love that's for Dublin, basically. 'I always wanted a billboard, but this is even better, this is forever.' Malaki Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 21st
