Kelly Bonner

1 week ago | bbc.co.uk | Kelly Bonner

Image source, PSNIImage caption, MacCormack was given a seven-year sentence in AprilThe PPS is challenging the "unduly lenient" sentence imposed on a man convicted of human trafficking. The defendant, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, was convicted on 40 counts with dates spanning seven years from 2015 to 2022. The charges included multiple counts of human trafficking, supplying Class A drugs, controlling prostitution for gain, intimidation and perverting the course of justice.

2 weeks ago | bbc.com | Kelly Bonner

Spanish police say John George murder investigation is completeFamily handoutJohn George's body was found by Spanish police in RojalesPolice in Spain have said they have completed their investigation into the murder of Belfast man John George. A suspect in his murder, Jonny Smyth, 26, was extradited to Spain earlier this month after being arrested in Braga, Portugal, on 25 March. He had been named in international arrest warrants circulated by Interpol following John George's disappearance.

4 weeks ago | bbc.com | Kelly Bonner

A derelict building site that is being used by drug users to inject cocaine and heroin has prompted fresh calls for a drug consumption room in Belfast. The site in the city centre is earmarked for student accommodation, however it is currently being used by drug users to inject Class A drugs. Drug consumption rooms allow people to inject substances such as heroin under medical supervision but Westminster would need to change the law to allow them in Northern Ireland.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Kelly Bonner

Woman forced into prostitution says she was scared for her lifeBBCCourtney Smith has waived her right to anonymity to tell BBC News NI about the abuse she enduredA woman who was trafficked, sexually assaulted and forced into prostitution has said the abuse she suffered was so traumatic it has ruined her life. Courtney Smith was abused by 71-year-old Oliver James MacCormack. MacCormack, whose address was given as HMP Maghaberry, was given seven years in jail with half to be served on licence.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Kelly Bonner

'Lifeline' as first women-only crisis accommodation facility opensGetty ImagesThe number of women sleeping rough on the streets of Belfast more than tripled in five years, according to figures from homelessness charity the Welcome OrganisationNorthern Ireland's first women-only temporary crisis accommodation has opened near Belfast city centre.