Sinn Féin’s high-stakes gamble in staunchly unionist constituency may not be the big risk it seems

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.

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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Pilot food programme launched at south Belfast school 

A pilot programme to promote a healthier and locally sourced diet for children was launched at a south Belfast school.Pupils at Cranmore Integrated Primary School were introduced to a variety of foods through speaking to chefs as well as sandwich making workshops. 

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Jamie Bryson on continued legal challenge over Drumcree parade

Details of offers made by Portadown District to allow Orangemen to walk the Garvaghy Road have emerged in court.It comes as a legal challenge over Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant’s ban on the Drumcree parade continued at the High Court.The case has now ended, with the judge saying he will rule on the matter next week.Addressing media outside court today Jamie Bryson said : “The world can now see 35 peaceful, lawful Orangemen were denied their legal rights, upheld by a court, and the basis upon which there was that denial. So that’s been achieved,” he said.“The second thing that has been achieved is we now know for the first time since 2015, continued existence of the provisional IRA. Now we go to see what’s actually underlying that intelligence.“Whatever happens with the ultimate case, if we lose the case, then we lose it on the basis that the mob prevails over the law-abiding people. I’ll take that point all day long.”

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Watch: Hilarious moment MLA literally loses his seat

This is the unfortunate moment a Stormont politician lost his seat - literally. But the comical mishap featuring Daniel McCrossan had nothing to do with an election defeat. Instead, he took a tumble in his office. A clip of the incident was posted by his staff on his Facebook page today. It shows the West Tyrone MLA moving back in his chair and reaching to get something, before collapsing on the floor. A few seconds later, someone comes to his aid and helps him to his feet. Not seriously injured, it seems all that was bruised was his pride. Mr McCrossan, who has been an MLA since 2016, turned 38 today. Footage of the incident was posted by his staff on his official Facebook page with a birthday message. The post reads: “Happy Birthday to the boss! “Here is a little clip we kept in our back pocket for a special occasion. “Enjoy your day from the team.”

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