A large quantity of beef was contaminated with faeces and other dirt in a Kerry abattoir before it was shipped out to a customer, a judge ruled yesterday.

A 52-year-old security manager, who claimed he was falsely accused of stealing a mop, has lost a €75,000 damages claim for defamation in the Circuit Civil Court.

Three women who were injured in what was described at Limerick Circuit Court as “an incredible” road accident when their SUV was rear-ended by a rented van yesterday received substantial damages. A fourth person who was also in the SUV settled her case.