The British government finally took charge of Lloyds Banking Group today after agreeing to underwrite £260bn (€290bn) in “toxic” assets.

A GOALKEEPER who blackmailed a English Premier League footballer over a sex video was jailed for 20 months.

BILLY WALSH admitted yesterday that he was irked by the suggestion from Belfast opponent James Gorman that he only had temporary custody of the All-Ireland welterweight championship belt.

UK gym club chain Esporta today appointed investment bank Lazard to carry out a strategic review which could lead to a sale of the business.

MICHAEL FOUHY faces the biggest assignment of his boxing career when he represents Ireland at heavyweight at the multi-nations tournament in Ballybunion this week.

THE parents of a seven-year-old girl whose tonsils were taken out live on the internet yesterday said they were delighted with the operation.

Plans for the world’s largest offshore wind farm moved a step closer today when 15 new sites around the UK coastline were announced.

LIMERICK’S Andy Lee is on course to become the star of this season’s national senior boxing championships with just Eamonn O’Kane blocking his route to the 75kg (middleweight) title at the National Stadium tomorrow night.

A woman who bought a Harry Potter book for £10.99 today sold it for £13,000 (€20,000) at auction.

BRITAIN’S most reviled woman, “Moors Murderer” Myra Hindley who died last week, was cremated under cover of darkness last night in a ceremony barred to the public.