A NEWRY man has been jailed for life after admitting murdering a Newcastle student.

David Anthony Kenneway killed 18-year-old Paul Owens in the early hours of 26 February last year.

There was standing room only at Downpatrick Crown Court on Monday when members of the dead teenager’s family and friends heard Kenneway, with an address at Kenard Villas in the city, change his plea to guilty.

The 27-year-old had been due to stand trial but dramatically admitted stabbing the trainee plasterer to death last year following an application by his barrister for the charge to be put to him again.

Mr Owens was attacked in an alleyway between the Bryansford Road and the Donard car park in the town, resulting in fatal injuries.

Pilot scheme takes place in Kilkeel for mums to be

A GROUP of expectant mothers from Kilkeel took part in a pilot scheme designed to help them manage their weight and stay healthy during pregnancy.

The project has been developed by midwives, dieticians and physiotherapists from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) in partnership with the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Kilkeel Leisure Centre.

Head of Midwifery, Patricia McStay, said the scheme was set up to address the increasing numbers of women who were found to be overweight at their first visit with the midwife.

“We want to support these women to improve their diet and remain active during and after their pregnancy,” she said.

“And to reduce the risk of complications for both the mother and her baby and improve their future health.”

HOMES were evacuated near Castlewellan at the weekend as part of an overnight security operation.

The alarm was raised after a suspect vehicle was discovered along the Wood Road, at Clanvaraghan.

Although it turned out to be a false alarm, householders were forced to flee their homes on Saturday night.

The vehicle, it subsequently transpired, had been abandoned by thieves.

This week Down District’s head of police, Chief Inspector Deirdre Bones, praised residents for their patience during the weekend’s security operation, which ended after bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion.

She also said she regretted “any inconvenience” that was caused.

Around 30 residents were moved to Aughlisnafin Parish Hall shortly before 10pm on Saturday, with a number of others deciding to stay with family and friends.

The Wood Road was reopened to the public at approximately 3.30am.

Ms Bones said that the measures taken by the security services were a direct response to the heightened threat level posed by terrorists.