The 89% conviction rate for sexual offences in the country's circuit courts compares with 100% for fatal offences, 98% for offences against property such as burglary and theft, and 93% for road traffic offences.

Bank of Scotland accounted for a quarter of all repossession orders granted in the Circuit Courts last year.

THE row over claims by the Master of the High Courts that repossession threats led to suicides among struggling mortgage holders deepened yesterday after bankers dismissed the remarks as inflammatory and emotive.

PRISON bosses said there are plans to set up a methadone service in Cork Prison — but are not certain when it will begin operating.