A man who “assassinated a Garda sergeant by shooting him in cold blood” has been refused temporary release and entry to a pre-release programme because of the nature of his crime, the High Court has heard.

Two anti-water protesters are seeking legal aid to fight their High Court cases.

A retired teacher who denies allegations that he sexually abused pupils at the primary school where he worked has secured the permission go the High Court to bring a legal challenge aimed at preventing his criminal prosecution.