19/12/2011 BBC Newsline

Good evening. This is BBC Newsline with Donna Traynor and Noel

Thompson. The headlines this Monday evening.

BBC Newsline learns police are investigating six allegations of

abuse at children's psychiatric hospitals. After more plans finds

in Londonderry, a quarter of a million pounds is pledged for

repairs. We do not want to move, it is just before Christmas. One of

the men on trial for the murder of two soldiers in Antrim says he has

only years to live and had nothing to do with the attack. Sean Quinn

is accused in High Court of indulging in bankruptcy tourism.

Why are we paying up to four times more for ferry crossings compared

to trips across the English Channel?

Belfast teenager Rory Donnelly is on the verge of a move to

footballing big time. But which Premier League club is he going to

sign for? And milder weather has returned, but it isn't always going

to be the sunniest. Join me later. First tonight we start with some

breaking news. A five-year-old boy has died after being hit by a car

in South Belfast. The accident happened on private property of the

Upper Lisburn Road this afternoon. It is understood one car was

involved. BBC Newsline has learned police are

investigating six cases linked to alleged abuse at two hospitals.

People who claim they suffered abuse have come forward to the

police since a health service report was leaked to the media two

months ago. The Stinson report contained allegations of abuse at

Lissue Children's Hospital near Lisburn and Forster Green Hospital

in Belfast. Those claims related to the 1980s and 1990s. Our reporter,

Chris Page, has more. What is the latest? Are the Stinson

report was completed in 2009 but never published. It was leaked to

the Irish News in of toper. The allegations were that children

suffered a physical, emotional and sexual abuse. The Health Minister

told the Assembly that the Stinson report indicated that the regime

was harsh and a small number of staff may have committed acts of

abuse. Lissue Hospital just outside Lisburn closed around 20 years ago.

What are these allegations? Will police have received six reports

from people has ever suffered abuse of these hospitals. I have this

update through a Freedom of Information Act request made to the

police. I asked them to tell me about the investigation they are

currently running into this. All six allegations are being

investigated by the police. At the moment we should stress that they

are just allegations. To those allegations date from 1979 but one

happened this year in 2011. The West Belfast Health Trust were

asked about this and they described it as an undisclosed allegation of

abuse. They point out that Lissue is closed and Forster Green does

not operate as a child and adolescent hospital any more. The

Trust also say there were not given appropriate Right to Reply. But

these are the facts we have learnt from the police through this

freedom of information request. We will keep looking into this. In the

meantime you have met some people who came forward after the coverage

of the story to say that they had been abused? Several people did get

in touch with us. One is a professor at Queen's who was at

Lissue Hospital in the mid- 1970s. He said he remembered being shot in

his room for days because he did not eat the food put in front of

him. His memories of that time he said he had shut out as a kind of

defence mechanism. He is not one of those who made a report to the

police. He said he thinks he suffered less than others but feels

for people who were abused. The Environment Minister has

announced �250,000 in funding to help a retaining wall which has

caused two landslides beside terraced houses in Londonderry. The

remaining part of the 20 foot high wall is now so dangerous that some

families are being told to move out of their homes. But, even with

funding now available, it's still not known when a contractor will

move onto the site. Our reporter, Kevin Sharkey, has spent the day at

the scene. This garden shed is still in place.

For now. But for how long? The remaining part of this wall is

hanging precariously. The wall is around 100 metres long. The second

part gave way at the weekend bringing down tons of rubble and

debris. Last week when I reported on the beginning of this crisis,

the first fall happened about 20 metres to the left of where I'm

standing. I spoke to a man at the time and he thought at the time his

workshop was safe but look at it now. There are large chunks of

masonry all around. Residents are stunned by what has happened. Other

residents below are facing new dangers and health hazards. Not the

Christmas week that these families expected. How old are you feeling

this morning's desperate. We were out there this morning and water

was coming down. Just panicking. do not want to move, it is a week

before Christmas. I kept my boy beside me all night. One the

residents look for answers, others have just come to look. But

everyone is shocked and they are turning to the city council. Derry

City Council is working in full partnership with MLAs, and and MPs

to try to find a way to resolve this situation in the quickest and

most efficient way possible. Council engineers visited the scene

often today, assessing the damage and looking out for potential new

risks. Sometimes when they came, something else had just happened.

This tree came down just after lunch. This regularly changing

landscape has left many families worried. On the terrace below and

the homes above, residents are facing another night with the

problems of nature and time. One of the men accused of murdering

two soldiers at Masserene Barracks in March 2009 has appeared in the

witness box at his trial. Brian Shivers told the court that just

months before the attack he'd been told he only had a few years left

to live. He denies any involvement. Our district journalist, Ciara

Riddell reports. Brian Shivers, seen here at an earlier court

hearing, told the court he had nothing to do with the attack at

the Massereene Barracks. Mark Quinsey and Patrick Azimkar were

shot dead as they collected pizza at the army barracks in Antrim just

hours before they were due to be deployed to Afghanistan. Today one

of the accused, Brian Shivers, told the court he had cystic fibrosis

and had been told by doctors just four months before the attack that

he had just five or six years to live. It was hard hitting, he said.

I had other things in life rather than getting involved in anything

like this. Brian Shivers said he had been to three or four meetings

of the Republican political organisation but had never joined

the group. He said he had only gone because he was invited by Dominic

McGlinchey, the man he had become friendly with the year before the

attack. And that he had no desire to be involved in anything

political. Under cross examination, he said he had often smoked

cigarettes with Dominic. He had been arrested and released after

the mattering shootings. Brian Shivers said it had become a

running joke that Dominic would often disappear with his matches.

The prosecution case is that Brian Shivers's DNA was discovered on the

mobile phone and matches Flint to the getaway car. The ballast -- the

barrister for the Crown asked him why he had never before named

Dominic McGlinchey. He said he had been in fear of his life and had

not wanted to give any names because others he had mentioned had

been threatened. He said he only maintained when his solicitor asked

about the matches. Brian Shivers outlined his movements on the day

of the attack but admitted that no one could vouch for him. The

prosecution barrister put it to him that they were too many

coincidences at play. You're involved in this attack along with

your friend, Dominic, he said. I suggest you have indicated you

support by the attendance at meetings at an organisation that

can only be described as a dissident side of republicanism.

You have manipulated your fiance to try to concoct a story. Brian

Shivers denied this. The case continues.

The police are continuing to question a 34-year-old man about

the death of a man in Portrush at the weekend. 48-year-old Colin

McLeester, from Coleraine, died at the Playhouse entertainment complex

in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The police in Bangor now say there's nothing suspicious about

the death of a man in Bangor at the weekend. 28-year-old Ryan Anderson

from Portavogie was found injured near the Flagship Shopping Centre.

He died later in hospital. You're watching BBC Newsline and

still to come on the programme. Why crossing the Irish Sea can cost

four times as much as a trip across English Channel. And the colourful

life of St George's market in Belfast, captured on canvas.

The police say an incident in which three men were run down by a car

early this morning in east Belfast was attempted murder. The men were

struck by a car which police say was being driven recklessly on the

Lower Newtownards Road at about three o'clock. Two of the men are

in a serious condition in hospital. A fourth man was found assaulted

nearby. Police are investigating a possible link between the incidents.

The car thought to have been involved was discovered on fire

near Conway Street in west Belfast. There was an altercation somewhere

along the road here. A car drove into a number of people who had

been walking home from some kind of function. Two of those were

seriously injured. Our thoughts and prayers go to their families this

morning. The people in this area are shocked because coming up to

Christmas, no one wants this to happen to any family. There are two

men in hospital this morning, seriously injured.

The businessman Sean Quinn is involved in "a form of bankruptcy

tourism," a barrister for the former Anglo Irish Bank has claimed.

The comment came at the High Court in Belfast on the first day of a

challenge to Mr Quinn's bankruptcy status. The bank claims Mr Quinn

should not have been allowed to declare bankruptcy on this side of

the border. Our Business Correspondent, Kevin Magee, reports.

Sean Quinn, formerly Ireland's richest man, was in court today

that members of his family to hear a challenge to his bankruptcy

status. He may himself bankrupt in Northern Ireland earlier this year.

The former Irish Bank claims he owes them around �3 billion and it

wants the bankruptcy decision here to be annulled all of return. Much

of the evidence today focused on whether Sean Quinn conducts his

business interests from a new premises in County Fermanagh or

whether he is headquartered just over the border in the Irish

Republic. The bank maintains the so-called central interest is in

County Cavan and Mr Quinn should be subject to the tougher bankruptcy

laws in the republic. But Mr Quinn said he recently moved his business

headquarters to a unit in an industrial estate on the northern

side of the border. The lease on the property was examined in detail.

It was signed in May of this year without any witnesses or solicitor

present. The QC for the bank said there was a series suspicion that

this was a document created for the purpose of the proceedings today.

In the Republic, bankruptcy to the great lasts 12 years were as in

Northern Ireland it can take 12 A new Consumer Council report shows

ferries travelling from Larne and Belfast to ports in Britain can

cost four times more than comparable journeys across the

English Channel. The Executive at Stormont has been asked to respond.

The next few days will be some of the busiest of the year for the big

ferry companies to carry more than 2 million passengers per year

between Northern Ireland and Britain. Most passengers it seems

are satisfied with the cost of travelling by ferry. A new survey

by the Consumer Council raises questions about the price has been

charged on Irish Sea routes. consumers look across to other

similar journey lengths in the English Channel BC but they are

paying more for their ferry travel, in some instances up to five times

as much. The Consumer Council compared prices last summer and the

average cost for a father of -- family of four on a Larne to

Cairnryan writ was just over �268. On Stena line Belfast to Stranraer,

the cost was just over �261. By comparison, the fare for that same

family travelling a similar to our crossing from Dover to Dunkirk was

just over �56. That means the Irish Sea crossing cost over four times

more than a journey of a similar distance across the English Channel.

Eno says that the comparison of fares between the Irish Sea and

English Channel routes is misleading and claims that too many

boats and subsidised foreign competition have driven prices on

English Channel routes to unrealistically low levels. The

other big operator Stena also defends the prices charged on Irish

Sea routes. The Dover-Calais prices have always been unrealistically

low and it does price levels it is unsustainable for an Irish Sea

operation. A lot of factors come into play, but you look at the pace

of price development since 1993 and you can see that we have not

covered inflation and during this period, fuel prices have increased

by 500%. The Consumer Council is clear on what it wants and that is

for a ferry passengers here to enjoy the same value for money as

travellers using other ports and the UK. There is work that the

Northern Ireland Executive and the Scottish Executive and Department

of Transport can do to try and lower the cost to consumers. Very

comely say that fare increases have been kept below the cost of

inflation and at a time when they are investing in new boats and port

facilities, the operators will be reluctant to cut costs from their

Irish Sea routes. We have been discussing this on our Facebook

page and most people are in agreement at -- with the consumer

council. You can contact us by e- mail. The fishing industry got a

better than expected deal over quotas during talks in Brussels at

the weekend. Last week, there were concerns that the EU will cut the

amount of fish that could be caught in the Irish Sea. Although there

were some cuts in the quantities of cod and herring become the landed,

the important prom quartet will remain untouched. The vast majority

of fishermen will be breathing a sigh of relief, because the

Minister in Brussels was able to securing a roll over in the prom

quarter which is our most important fishery. We were able to avoid the

position of conservation measures and the number of days at sea that

the fishermen get as well should be able to see us through 2012.

Belfast artist whose work can sell for thousands has been given his

precious paintings away. In return for crepes and copies, he is

creating portraits at St George's Market even though he hates doing

that sort of painting. He set up his easel in this Belfast market

inspired by the faces and fashions of the regular traders. Brian

Ballard says his work around the world, but these will not be going

into his portfolio. This collection of portraits started with a whim,

an artist who also happens to be a fan of St George's Market has shown

his loyalty by not only painting the traders, but also giving them

the work for free. He is modest about the quality of this art,

although his work can command between two and �10,000. They are

not exactly works of art, and they are only quick likenesses and

sometimes they capture a bit of them and they enjoyed the results

in the main. It gives -- I give in the painting because it suits them.

Our no shortage of candidates willing to take time out from

selling to sit for portraits. painted by such a famous person and

to actually witness Henman doing the painting and doing it so

skilfully and quickly was amazing. Why do you think he chose you?

have a lived-in face! It has been good for me to be excepted and made

to feel welcome. I get smiles and I get free craps and coffee. It is a

good result for me. This is one of the special Christmas opening days

and it has taken shoppers by surprise. I would like to have more

in the market taking into account in a bigger way. I get and they

sometimes when people do not even know the market is on. For me,

coming from Spain and having a market like this is a beautiful

thing to have in the city. Belfast city council says it has

done its best to advertise the Christmas opening this week, via

Twitter and newspaper adverts, but the message apparently has not got

through. I like that line, lived-in face! I think the Markets are not

the only place where it is a bit quiet, it is a difficult time for

people. We will continue our festive cheer and now for the sport

and another fantastic success the weekend For Ulster Rugby in the

Heineken Cup. Lots of balls to rugby festive cheer at the weekend.

Ulster beat Italian side Aironi for the second time in a week. 10

points achieved in two matters means Ulster at now lead pulled

four. Now the tricky qualification Maz begins with the crucial

remaining matches against Leicester and Clermont Auvernge in the New

Year. Back to back bonus point when his means Ulster are top of the

Heineken Cup tree over Christmas and strengthens the chances of

qualifying for a quarter-final spot for the second successive year.

There is that valuable try! I think they needed 10 points and they did

that. At the end of the group stages we will find it welcome down

to one point between second and third, if the rest of the Games go

to form. Then you are battling for that second spot if you do not top

your grip. I think it was vital that they got the 10 points and the

played some good rugby as well. Ulster scored six tries against

Aironi, something similar would be perfect at home to Leicester.

points would be ideal, but they should go out to win again. If you

are being realistic, does the four points and not allowing Leicester

to get within seven points would be a good achievement. But difficult

road awaits, but Ulster's Heineken Cup progression is in their own

hands. Two wins and they are there. Michael O'Neill had his into the

today for the Northern Ireland manager's post. He had his last

game in charge of Shamrock Rovers last week as they bowed out of the

Europa League group stages. The IFA announcing all three candidates,

after interviewing Ian -- Iain Dowie Lee and Jim Magilton last

week. Now, Liverpool are the latest club to express interest in

Cliftonville striker Rory Donnelly. Kenny Dalglish contacted the

Belfast club over the weekend. But Donnelly is in Wales today,

discussing terms with Swansea city. Their manager Brendan Rogers is

confident he can persuade the teenager to sign for them. For any

player you want to get an idea of where they fit into the structure

of the group and how, especially as a young player, how you will

improve. It is also very much about the club and the city as well. I

feel that after a couple of days here, there is still that fission

to him, we can sell and the culture of how we work. I am hopeful that

we can get that sealed. Roy's club Cliftonville lost the 10 match

unbeaten run in the Irish league at the weekend. That allowed Linfield

to open up a five-point lead going into a busy festive period, which

includes the traditional Boxing Day clash against Glentoran. In years

gone by, the game has been a 10,000 sell-out, but this year because of

health and safety, only half that number of fans are able to attend.

Linfield had started to show their championship credentials, a win at

Windsor was the sick in a row. There is danger here! The manager

was happy with the performance, but not with the in forced reduced

attendance at the biggest game of the season. You should never ever

compromise on spectator safety, but I think that is draconian. Unless

we start getting some help, make the rules, certainly make the rules,

but then give us the money to upgrade the stadium and make sure

it is safe, to whatever standards they are supposed to be. The bottom

of the table provided some of the best excitement of the day. And the

best goal by Distillery's David Critchley. Three goals in three

minutes pretty much sealed the win for Carrick Rangers. Though the

entertainment was not quite over, straight from the restart they

capitalised on some sloppy Karaka defending. Portadown moved into

second place on the table thanks to this goal. The score a hat-trick in

the win over Donegal Celtic. Coleraine beat their place

Cliftonville for the second time in five days. Curtis Alan and netted

the winner. And Crusaders defeated Dungannon Swifts 2-0 at Seaview,

helped by this go. There is a full programme of games tomorrow night

and we will have the goals on Wednesday's programme. The Belfast

I is going to Christmas top of the elite league table after a narrow

win over the Dundee Stars at the Odyssey Arena. It was local boy

Graham Walton who opened the scoring early in the game. The time

and that followed his goals of the annual Christmas teddy bear toss.

Good pictures these. The Giants players will deliver alternated

Tories to the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children and the

Ulster Hospital Children's Ward later this week. With playback

underway, the Giants edged a close game, thanks mainly to the exploits

of Jon Pellay, who contributed to macro fine goals in at 5-4 win.

Belfast maintain their lead at the top of the table but have now lost

another of the top scorers, because Brock McBride is heading off to a

new contract in the Austrian League. Lots of teddy bears off to some

very good homes! If you had the tries, Liverpool or Swansea city,

what would you choose? I would play for Alan first. And she has the

Temperatures creeping up with eight or nine degrees and that will have

helped to thought some of the line snow over the hill tops. We have a

bit of brightness hoping that as well. A bit of a price to pay

before we got those bright spells, and very dismal and wet start this

morning, but those heady spells of rain. We are seeing the cloud

increasing again, about and showery rain moving into Donegal and parts

of the west. It will turn damp, and rain showers and snow moving in on

that breeze. This batch of showery rain edges across most parts during

the night, but it will break up as it does so, some not so much across

the south and east. Later in the night, it will clear. We could see

temperatures in rural spots dipping to two or three degrees, low enough

for the odd patch of ice or ground frost, but it will not be

widespread as we have been used to lately. Into tomorrow, showers will

move away and for a good part of the day we will get away with a lot

of dry weather, but a lot of cloud. First thing in the morning, we may

get a glimmer of brightness particularly in the eastern

counties, but by the end of the rush hour, but will be squeezed

away and the breeze will bring more cloud. The wind will ease for a

time in the afternoon, but apart from the odd shower, it looks

mainly dry across Londonderry, Antrim, Belfast County Down and

Armagh. Temperatures will be down to six degrees, which is average

for the time of year. Later in the afternoon, we will see showery rain

push in across Fermanagh and Tyrone. That is edging its way eastwards

and that will give us a pretty wet spell through tomorrow evening and

the first part of tomorrow night. A breeze will pick up as well. There

will be enough cloud and breeze to prevent any frost problems, around

five or six degrees. As that rain clears the way, we will see some

mild air pushing in through the middle part of the week, so for

Wednesday and Thursday, temperatures in double figures. Can

you believe it! A late summer is here on BBC One at 10:25pm you can