The photos of celebrity chef Nigella Lawson being grabbed around the throat by her husband are disturbing. He said he was just being 'playful'. It's not acceptable behaviour, says Barbara Scully

THE first time I covered a sexual assault case I remember sitting in the court room and being stunned by the evidence — when I realised that I had experienced the same abuse that was being outlined by the victim.

A New York Medical Examiner Office employee has been suspended after the body of a young Irishman was placed in a van full of rubbish after his tragic death over the weekend.

A 27-year-old woman found murdered in her rented home in Killorglin, Co Kerry, had been looking forward to returning permanently to her native Lithuania in the coming weeks.

New Wigan manager Owen Coyle had some harsh words for Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni yesterday as he was officially unveiled at the DW Stadium.

FIRST lady of the United States of America Michelle Obama touched down in Dublin yesterday for an official visit to the Republic with her daughters Malia, 14, and Sasha, 12.

Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and boyfriend Kanye West have stuck with 'tradition' in their name choice for their newborn girl.

The bodies of a mother and daughter, who were believed suffered a violent death, were found in separate rooms of a house in Killorglin, gardaí revealed today.

Gardai have formally upgraded their investigation into the deaths of a mother and daughter in Killorglin, Co. Kerry to murder.

A man who impersonated a garda to steal €28,000 from a pensioner fled to England two days before his trial but was arrested on a European warrant and brought to court.

A double murder investigation involving more than 50 gardaí got under way in Killorglin, Co Kerry, after autopsies confirmed a Lithuanian woman and her young daughter had died violently.

He's kicked a record number of penalty kicks, drop kicks and conversions over the bar. But Irish rugby legend Ronan O'Gara, 36, hit the side of a bar yesterday as a very special photographic exhibition was unveiled across Cork City.

Pop star Katy Perry has revealed that Russell Brand told her he was divorcing her in a text message.

A former criminal associate of James "Whitey" Bulger told jurors at the accused mob boss's trial that he agreed to testify against his old friend after learning that his former gang pals had begun co-operating with law enforcement.

Shannon-based aircraft leasing firm GE Capital Aviation Services have bought 10 new Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners for an estimated $3bn (€2.24bn) at list price.

Nearly 20% of Ireland's wealthy people have seen the value of their assets halved as a result of their over-reliance on property.

The GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.

Rob Kearney might not have felt like putting his best foot forward today as the Lions continued to prepare for Saturday's all-important first Test against Australia but he is experienced enough to know that after this midweek defeat by the Brumbies, it is essential for the main mission of the tour.

Soul singer Charles Bradley found fame late in life, but is haunted by his past, writes Ed Power

Do it together and it's harmless, do it alone and it's criminal, says Suzanne Harrington

THE first time I covered a sexual assault case I remember sitting in the court room and being stunned by the evidence — when I realised that I had experienced the same abuse that was being outlined by the victim.

Children with special needs face further cuts to resource teaching as the Government forces schools to cater for more pupils without increased staffing levels.

Cork manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy says his team have "worked very hard" on fitness since losing their relegation play-off with Clare.

I'm 57 and have lost interest in sex. My husband has given up making advances. I know it's unfair to him but I have no desire. I don't want to feign interest. I am afraid our zero sex life will drive us apart and I'll end up alone.

The West Cork region is "bleeding to death" due to Government cuts, protesters claimed yesterday.

A major security operation is being planned to prevent protests disrupting the election of the new lord mayor of Cork on Friday night.

The GPA could yet act on the behalf of the Carlow and Laois football panels as they have confirmed neither they nor the players were consulted about Friday week's All-Ireland round one qualifier.

ONE thousand women attended the meeting in the Mansion House, Dublin on Apr 14, 1971, when the Irish Women's Liberation Movement was established.

A New York Medical Examiner Office employee has been suspended after the body of a young Irishman was placed in a van full of rubbish after his tragic death over the weekend.

The Seanad is in need of reform, but the bill launched last week demonstrates that reform is attainable.