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.

Moors murderer Ian Brady made his first public appearance in over 50 years, claiming his murder of five children was "petty" compared to the crimes committed by politicians.

Thailand's Buddhist monks are under investigation following complaints sparked by a video showing some flying on a private jet.

A private jet that had former US president George W. Bush on board made an emergency landing last night.

An Australian woman who now speaks with a French-sounding accent after a head injury eight years ago has revealed the experience has left her feeling frustrated and reclusive.

A teenage girl beheaded her father with a bush knife after he raped her at their home in Papua New Guinea, a report said, with community leaders protecting her, saying the man deserved to die.

Russian president Vladimir Putin questioned yesterday why the West would want to arm Syrian rebels who he said ate human organs.

Disgraced veteran broadcaster Stuart Hall abused his celebrity status to indecently assault 13 young girls, according to a judge who jailed him for 15 months.

Photographs which appear to show Charles Saatchi grabbing his wife Nigella Lawson's throat were the result of a "playful tiff", he said.

A double murder investigation is expected to be launched in Killorglin, Co Kerry today, following the grim discovery of the bodies of a young mother and her daughter in a house in the town on Sunday night.

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.

Pregnant women who were exposed to high levels of air pollution were twice as likely to have a child with autism as women who lived in low pollution areas, a US study shows.

Accused Boston mobster James "Whitey" Bulger and one of his associates shot dead a bar owner in a phone booth for bragging about helping the "Winter Hill Gang" with another killing, an ex-convict and confessed murderer has testified.

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

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 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 noises coming from the Cork camp immediately after Sunday's Munster SFC semi-final win were of the usual kind.

Let him explain why... "I had a bad dose of pneumonia over the last couple of weeks and I only got out of hospital last week so unfortunately the Clare game has come too soon for me.

Cork will be captained by Bride Rovers' Brian Murphy in Sunday's Munster SHC clash 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.

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 BILL that stigmatises gay people and bans giving children any information about homosexuality won overwhelming approval last week in Russia's lower house of parliament.

SPECTATORS of the live dance-art show, Witches, will have to wake early or stay up late to watch it.

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.

Hundreds of children were left vulnerable to abuse because of inadequate services in parts of Cork City and county, it has emerged.