25/04/2012 BBC Newsline

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

Thompson. The headlines this Wednesday evening:

Day two in the trial of grandparents accused of killing a

severely disabled girl - her mother gives evidence.

More claims against Martin McGuinness by a former intelligence

officer - allegations that he authorised the use of human bombs

by the IRA. The regeneration agency for

Londonderry is criticised for spending nearly half a million

pounds without approval. Back to work after a heart attack

in the street - the woman now campaigning for more portable

defibrillators. The windy weather is staying with

us this evening, tonight, and tomorrow. But will it be dry? I'll

A mother has been giving evidence in the case of her severely

disabled child who died 11 years ago. On trial are the child's

grandparents, who are accused of abusing and killing her.

Cheryl McKeown said she had dropped her 14-year-old daughter Rebecca at

her parents' house. When she returned, the child was saturated

in blood. David and Sarah Johnston from Carwood Drive in Glengormley

deny the charges of manslaughter and child cruelty.

We have decided not to broadcast all of today's evidence because of

the nature of the details. Eunan McConville reports from Belfast

Crown Court. Rebecca McKeown was 14 years old

when she died in March 2001. She was severely disabled, she could

not walk, she could not talk and she had to be fed through a tube in

her stomach. Accused of her manslaughter are her maternal

grandparents. It is a prosecution case that one of them sexually

assaulted Rebecca and that this assault left her more susceptible

to other conditions. Rebecca died a few days later after contracting

pneumonia. Today, her mother, Cheryl McKeown, gave evidence. She

detailed everyday life with Rebecca St the bond between them meant she

could tell how her daughter was feeling by looking in her eyes.

Turning to the day of the alleged sexual assault, Cheryl McKeown

recalled how she had gone out leaving Rebecca with her parents.

She told the court that it was after Rebecca was brought home that

she noticed her daughter was bleeding. She described how in

hospital doctors informed her that Rebecca had been traumatised.

Cheryl McKeown told the court, I said, what do you mean, and that is

when he said your daughter has been sexually assaulted. Cheryl McKeown

told the court than when she informed her parents that Rebecca

had been sexually assaulted, there was no reaction, no shock, not even

a facial expression. It is expected that Cheryl McKeown will be cross-

examined by defence barristers tomorrow.

A former Army intelligence officer has told the Smithwick Tribunal

that Martin McGuinness authorised the use of so-called human bombs,

forcing civilians to drive car bombs into Army checkpoints. The

tribunal in Dublin is investigating allegations of Garda collusion in

the IRA killings of two senior RUC officers in 1989. Today was the

second day of evidence from the former Army officer Ian Hurst. Sinn

Fein say his evidence lacks credibility. Our reporter Julie

Kirby joins us from Dublin. Remind us who Ian Hurst is. Ian Hurst is a

former British army intelligence officer who spent 11 years in

Northern Ireland. Three of those were in the Force Research Unit. He

gave his evidence in a private session last week and a transcript

of that was red into the record yesterday. What further allegations

were made today against Martin McGuinness? Yesterday we heard him

name Michael Mike -- Martin McGuinness and he said the murders

of Chief Superintendent Harry Breen and Bob Buchanan would have to have

been authorised by Northern Command because they would have needed

political cover. Today we learn that in the cross-examination, he

went a lot further in his claims. He said that human bombs were also

authorised by Martin McGuinness. He said that contrary to what he would

have you believe that he left the IRA in the 1970s, it is not true.

He was a member of Northern Command and the Provisional IRA council.

Ian Hurst also alleges that there was a highly prized agent within

the IRA with the codename steak knife. Martin McGuinness rejects

the allegations. They have been described as more lies with - from

an individual with a dubious track record. He was not just... The

former intelligence officer contradicted quite a bit of Ian

Hurst's evidence. For example, on the issue of Garda collusion with

the IRA, witness 82 said he had never seen any documents linking

Garda to the IRA. He also said that he could not have told Ian Hurst

that he was the handler for Garda and that the two men were involved

in the ambush and the murder of the two officers because he never had

that information in his possession in the first place.

The head of the organisation responsible for regenerating

Londonderry has been criticised by the public spending watchdog for

spending more than �400,000 of taxpayers' money without proper

authorisation. The auditor has described what happened at Ilex as

a systemic breakdown in how it used public money. Our political

correspondent Martina Purdy reports. When these barracks closed its

doors, a window of opportunity opened into a new future. Turning

imagination to reality became the job of a new organisation called

Ilex. But critics say the publicly- funded body has not done enough to

transform Londonderry in the past decade. Do Ilex was given

responsibility for two sites. It is brilliant what they have done with

the bridge, had the beginnings of the regeneration, but there are a

lot of buildings that still need to be done. Fort George, very little

has happened in 10 years. The site needs to have chemical pollution

taken out but the work is not really beginning. Ilex told us to

judge them on the number of cranes that well over the skyline and as

far as I can see, there is not a single crane. Ilex had millions of

pounds in taxpayers' money to spend but the problem was its sometimes

spent many first and asked for permission later. An audit report

found that six projects totalling �3 million failed to get approval

before money was handed out. This resulted in �400,000 in irregular

for spending. The regeneration plan costed almost �50,000. The

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

consistent -- consultancy spent Still to come on the programme:

Unlike the rest of the UK, there is no legal requirement to look after

Apology for the loss of subtitles for 40 seconds

reservoirs here, so I'll be finding In 2010, �21 million contract was

awarded. Last year, a dispute broke out between the contractors and the

council. It was over issues including Land Access and design.

An independent mediator was appointed to try to resolve the

dispute. According to council sources, the independent mediator

has recommended the contract should end and the council should make a

payment of around a quarter of a million pounds. A spokesman for

Belfast City Council said they accepted the outcome and felt

vindicated. A spokesman for the contractors said they could not

comment because of commercial confidentiality. Today councillors

were briefed about the latest developments. The scheme was meant

to be ready by next year but it is understood this latest legal

wrangle has put back the entire project by 18 months.

The portable defibrillator pioneered in Belfast has saved

lives all over the world. You can find one in shopping centres and

sports centres but not in all public places. Our district

journalist has been speaking to a County Down woman who wants one of

these resuscitate has installed in every town and village.

Last year, this woman was with her husband when she collapsed outside

a chip shop. I was in pain and we were having a good time but just as

I got to the door I felt dizzy and I went out -- I went to speak but I

did not even get the words out. For the shot has frozen, we could

hear them but we could not see them! We will come back to that

report later. Here is a record we probably will not boast about. It

seems Northern Ireland people have the worst teeth in the UK.

Teenagers here have the worst level of two to decay in all of Europe.

1,200 children aged between two and four have been randomly selected to

take part in the trial. A thin layer of flight will be painted

directly on to their teeth to prevent decay. -- flouride.# This

is the shocking state of many people's teeth in Northern Ireland.

A consultation has been launched today. I would expect to see an

astonishing improvement in the hygiene of the children

participating in this. I anticipate that these children will have to go

through the drilling and filling that many of us have gone through.

It is the first time such a trial has been attempted. Half of the

children will have a protective floor might contain -- coating

painted on to the teeth. Their other children will use normal

dental practices and when the study is complete, it will show what

works best. The children chosen are aged

between two and for. The trial is about prevention and to see if the

worrying trend of tooth decay can be reversed.

In the next three years, dentists will provide the court in service

and that two years old, Isabel liars the right age for the

It takes a couple of minutes. It is very easy. At a cost of �1.7

million, it is hoped to the study will improved he's here and, if it

is successful, it could be rolled out across Northern Ireland.

From protecting our teeth to preserving an important part of our

environment. Reservoirs and dams are a vital

part of our water cycle. Not all of them however are state owned and

there is no law requiring them to be kept in good condition.

Our environment correspondent Mike McKimm has been finding out how

that may be about to change. He's just outside Holywood at one of our

many reservoirs. We are 80 years behind the rest of

the UK when it comes to reservoir safety because there is no

legislation to control it here. There are well over 150 reservoirs

in Northern Ireland. A third are owned by Northern Ireland water, a

third by public bodies such as councils, and the rest are

privately owned. But there is no law to force rightly inspections or

cheques. UK reservoirs have filled in the past. In 1925, this dam

burst in Wales are. The water swept a complete village away and 16

people lost their lives. He missing near, five more people died when a

dam failed in Scotland. Eventually safety legislation was put in place

but not in Northern Ireland. This is a Silent Valley reservoir. It

also to 13 billion litres of water. And this is the dam that holds it

all back. It is absolutely huge, made out of tens of thousands of

tons of rock and concrete. He is probably the safest am in the UK.

It is well maintained. But supposing it wasn't, supposing it

burst. What would happen then? Flood maps show that water would

flow down this river, taking the shortest route to the coast three

miles away. Fortunately, it would bypass most of the town but not

every house would escape. This is where the river ends up. In the

harbour. A wall of water would sweep into the harbour. Anybody in

its foreign boats would have little chance. Northern Ireland water, who

alone this, have had to adopt UK safety standards until legislation

is finely produce next year. Of 156 reservoirs in Northern Ireland, we

think they would be subject to this legislation in the form it may well

take. In the event of total failure of them all, which is such an

unlikely scenario, it was the only way we could quantify the potential

impact that those could impact upon a 66,000 people. Go craft flood

maps have been drawn up for every reservoir, including this one. If

this structure gave way, it was caused a lot of local flooding.

According to this matter, the water would run down this road. It would

also run along streets parallel to it, right down to the railway line.

Last year, there was a bit of a scare when water was seen running

from part of the structure. He turned out just to be a plot spite

and was quickly sorted. Both dams were subsequently investigated by

engineers and they have been given the all-clear. Because there is no

legal safety guidance here, Belfast Castle have been forced to adopt

had the legal system used for Scottish reservoirs instead. It --

Belfast council. But not every reservoir has been examined that

carefully. We are concerned about some of the privately-owned

reservoirs. We do anticipate there will be sent that need attention.

They tend to fill in a progressive manner. Catastrophic failure

without any warning is an unusual situation. However, an absence of a

inspection regime, that risk is increased. That was a warning that

reservoirs do not fail suddenly, they to give plenty of warning such

as cracking or spelling, so don't be too worried about it. He this

reservoir he glanced and Northern Ireland water and it has been well

maintained. They have lowered the level to work at it so they to look

after their reservoirs but they have had to adopt English standards

because there is no legislation here. That is the situation we're

We have some sports news now. Some rugby match this weekend?

He might have heard about it. Brian McLaughlan was a little weight down

at training this week but the Ulster coach has encouraged his

players to enjoy the build up to the Heineken Cup semi-final against

dead under a, a game which for many of them will be the biggest of

their careers. A media scrum in a week that is

building slowly for Ulster. With the players fielding questions

today, G-men in last week's game are fighting to be fit for a

special occasion. There is always a huge buzz and a

big crowd at press conference. The players train that bit harder and

everyone is bubbling. You can imagine what it is like.

Ulster have beaten Adam but twice already this season and

convincingly but Saturday is a clean slate. We have had good

results against them but any team that has beaten Toulouse, they are

a quality side and they have shown that. These are quality teams that

they have beaten, to get here so it will be tough.

The match-day squad will be named on Friday. The biggest Kohl will be

at Number Ten with Paddy Jackson in line to start.

A big international week for the Northern Ireland woman's football

team as well. Tonight they play Hungary at my own field --

Mourneview Park. The girls know what to expect

against their opponents as they do 2-2 away last November.

Unfortunately we didn't get three points last time round. A couple of

mistakes cost us close to the point. But we got the draw. And we are all

hopefuls. The undoubted highlight of the

campaign was this 3-1 win against the Norway side.

I think Norway underestimated us and it was to their folly. I think

there were at a few years there we have beaten Norway so people are

more aware of us now but we will see.

Good results like their draw away in February have drawn attention.

But have any of the girls been approached about the Olympics team.

A no letters were sent and scouts well that the games, so there will

be girls in contention to be there. It would be fantastic.

And it would be fantastic if the girls could qualifier against the

odds for the finals in Sweden next July.

And it was finals day for schools football today. Holy Cross College

took victory against just is a Derry in the Senior Cup decider.

To have the highlight of winning a national competition for your

school is a big event for the school and for the labs. It has

always been a big part of younger players' development. That will not

change. We are keen to aid and progress the development of young

players as much as possible. There was an exciting afternoon of

Gaelic games action today. The difference was that they were from

on GAA backgrounds. -- non-GAA. This Belfast sites all consist of

not GAA school children, many of whom are Protestant. Is there a

possibility of traditional non- GAA children playing Gaelic games?

I think it has been brilliant. It is a good thing for all schools.

is a sport and if you want to play, you can.

Did you enjoy it today? Yes, it was amazing. Why?

Because we won. I think we are brave enough and

confident enough to say we can accept this, try it and explore

that and I think after today's victory, it has been successful.

Some people are convinced that the GAA's message to those who are not,

the message is simple. There are still much sand problems out there

but come and talk to us and see our games, you are very welcome.

It is a long-term project by the GAA and certainly one that has

delivered success this afternoon. Finally be GAA has announced this

evening that they are reducing ticket prices for all games in this

year's Ulster football championship. Good news for all of those young

players. A museum run by volunteers is

calling itself one of our best kept secrets. The Ulster ready is in

society as one of the most pristine collections of their craft. It is

based at the Maze Long Kesh side. The society is topped -- hoping

that the plans to move the Balmoral shot their will help bring a new

influx of visitors. -- the Balmoral Show.

Row upon row of aircraft, all of which flew in Northern Ireland.

This is the jewel in the crown. It flew with the RAF all over the

world from 1958, for 48 years. There were only 23 of these

manufactured and a lot of those were built here in Belfast. It is a

completely iconic aircraft for Northern Ireland. Not only where

they built here but for the next 30 years, whenever modifications were

The in 1951 and 1952, there were flights across the Atlantic

breaking record speed times. They say aircraft flew long enough

to undertake reconnaissance in Afghanistan in 2006. On its return,

it was flown past for one last time. Now it is here, complete with a big

surprise. A secret compartment in the aircraft's knows where the

Navigator could sit for hours at a time, locked away from the pilot

above his head. 70 feet long and 70 feet wide, this aircraft certainly

makes its mark. This was a submarine hunter. Many of these flu

in the 1950s. It was never pretty but it was good at its job.

I remember seeing an aircraft like this in 1956 and the last Ice of

flying was 1971. That is 40 years ago so it is a tremendous thrill to

have this. With the Royal Agricultural Society

consulting its members about a move here, the opera's many more

visitors will come to see these hidden treasures.

We consider this one of Northern Ireland's best hidden treasures.

The hope is that more visitors will come now.

It has been a mixed back today. It depends where you live because in

the East and south-east there was unsettled weather, because of this

low-pressure which is moving north. The cloud is bringing with it wet

weather and even rain. It will stay that way as we go through the

course of the night with much of the wet weather remaining over

Antrim and Belfast. With the more unsettled weather, and more cloud

around, it will not be quite as cold. Temperatures between five and

seven degrees. That low-pressure will remain with us tomorrow so it

will still be windy and wet at times. More so in their East, but

during the day there will be outbreaks of rain almost anywhere.

There will be dry spells in between but little in the way of brighter

spells or sunshine. Temperatures struggling into the double figures.

With those strong northerly winds, it will feel colder than that.

Especially towards the North coast. Some unpleasant conditions there.

As we go into tomorrow evening, it remains unsettled but it will

gradually improve overnight into Friday with clear spells developing

allowing temperatures to fall back again particularly in the South

West. There the cloud hangs on, not quite as cold. The good news after

the disappointing day tomorrow, Friday will be an improvement, the