THERE has been a 50% jump in serious assaults involving knives over the past six years, according to new crime figures.

ALMOST 90,000 crimes including 43 homicides and 68 sexual offences have been committed by suspects out on bail since 2004, figures have revealed.

THE Rape Crisis Network will highlight the need for specialist Garda training on sexual violence when it meets Justice Minister Dermot Ahern today.

VICTIMS of serious crime must continue to be allowed to reveal in court how they have been affected by their ordeal, campaigners said yesterday.