A court heard that the body of a pensioner covered in scratches was found by gardaí with what was believed to be the murder weapon lying nearby.

A 17-year-old boy with 50 criminal convictions who became addicted to "tablets he got on the streets" was today sentenced to six months detention for a handbag snatch.

A 16-year-old boy, who was unable to resist the temptation to re-offend, was today detained for eight months on his 50th criminal conviction.

A 16-year-old boy has been remanded in custody at his own request on his 47th conviction.