Robin Swann urges BBC NI to reverse axing of Give My Head Peace and The Blame Game with Early Day Motion in Commons

Jeffrey Donaldson’s victims in their own words

The PSNI has released the audio statements of Jeffrey Donaldson’s victims, Victim A and Victim B.Their voices have been artificially generated to protect the victims’ identity.On Thursday, the former DUP leader was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of 18 charges of child sex abuse.

Jeffrey Donaldson given 15 years - but will be out in seven

Jeffrey Donaldson received a 15 year sentence in prison for his crimes. He was given 11 years for rape against Victim B and four years for all offences against Victim A, to be served consecutively.The former MP and ex-DUP leader was sentenced in Newry Courthouse on Thursday morning.However, later on Thursday after the Lady Chief Justice confirmed Donaldson will actually walk free in seven-and-a-half years.That is because the crimes were committed before the law changed in 2008, so he will automatically be entitled to 50pc remission of his sentence.He was found guilty of 18 child sex abuse charges, including rape, in June.Donaldson is trying to win an appeal, and his denials were an aggravating factor in the sentencing.However, as it stands, the 63-year-old will emerge from prison as a 78-year-old pensioner.Ciarán Dunbar spoke to Allison Morris outside Newry Crown Court.

Missing for 34 years: Patsy O’Sullivan and the secret family no one knew about

It was in April 1992 when Patrick ‘Patsy’ O’Sullivan called into his brother Jerry’s home like it was any other day, but it’s a day that will forever remain etched in Jerry’s memory.  Patrick went missing from his home in Co Kerry that year, and despite extensive searches and emotional appeals, efforts to find him proved fruitless. It would take the O’Sullivan family 34 years to find out the truth.Tessa Fleming is joined by Kerryman journalist Sinead Kelleher and by Jerry O’Sullivan, Patsy’s brother, to discuss his disappearance and how they eventually found out what happened to him.This episode of The BelTel was produced by our sister podcast, The Indo Daily.

'I just spoke from the heart': Content creator and entrepreneur Caroline McKenna on how heartbreak transformed her life

Caroline McKenna is a serial entrepreneur, and an accidental content creator with a highly popular and inspirational podcast of her own. A qualified school teacher, Caroline went viral after sharing her experience with heartbreak after moving to Australia. A series of sliding door moments motivated her to pivot into the business world, to make a difference in both children and adults’ lives.She joined Cathy to talk about how her businesses, including Nurturing Minds Tutoring Services and Co. Down’s Elara Pilates Studio, align with her values around wellbeing, nutrition, and mindset.

A car has crashed into an estate agents in Dundonald, Emergency services are at the scene

A car has crashed into an estate agents in Dundonald, Emergency services are at the scene.

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Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald arrive at Musgrave Police Station for interviews over Garvaghy Road protest

Michelle O’Neill and Mary Lou McDonald arrive at Musgrave Police Station for interviews over Garvaghy Road protest.

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NI comedian Vittorio Angelone apologises for Rebecca Goodwin sexual assault joke

Belfast comedian Vittorio Angelone has issued a public apology after facing backlash for a joke he made regarding an ongoing sexual assault trial. Angelone’s joke, as part of his comedy set on the ‘Have a Word’ podcast, referenced Rebecca Goodwin — an influencer involved in a sexual assault trial currently before the courts. In a statement posted on social media, Angelone said he was “ashamed” that he had allowed his “need for validation to supersede [his] standards and morals.”

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Mother of special needs child says social media has given her a community

Deborah Hannigan recently won Family and Parenting influencer of the year at the Vava Awards. She has been sharing her daily life as a parent of a special needs child online for two years. Deborah said sharing her journey online has helped her to find a community. 

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