THE debate on whether the country’s uniformed gardaí should be armed split on an urban/rural divide yesterday.

A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of a 16-year-old girl, who was a passenger in a stolen car that twice rammed gardaí during a high speed chase.

A Kildare care assistant has had her sentence for stealing €4,760 from an elderly woman adjourned by Judge Katherine Delahunt who said she was trying to blackmail the court by not making arrangements for her sons.