The justice minister is reviewing a system that costs €50m a year and that unquestioningly finances repeat offenders, but public defenders would not be cheaper and may involve a conflict of interest, writes Caroline O’Doherty

WILLIAM “Billy” O’Brien spent 10 years grooming young girls and sexually abusing them in his house.

AN ORGANISATION that has helped 2,000 victims of crime in the past two years says it urgently needs volunteers in the Limerick and Clare areas to keep up with demand.

AN ORGANISATION that has helped 2,000 victims of crime in the past two years says it urgently needs volunteers in the Limerick and Clare areas to keep up with demand.

A PIONEERING support group offering counselling and practical advice for victims of crime was launched in Cork city last night.