Two recent court verdicts have highlighted, often through conflicting interpretations, our national fascination with the law, and our passion for justice.

A German chef found himself unexpectedly thrust into centre stage at the Michaela McAreavey trial when a controversial CCTV image was produced as evidence.

It was one of the few times spaces appeared on the usually packed wooden benches at the back of Courtroom 5.

From the outset, it was clear the police witness was not going to be backward in coming forward.

In a dramatic development in the Michaela McAreavey murder trial today, a defence lawyer for one of the two accused said he was withdrawing from the case.