Parental irresponsibility condemned at Belfast funeral

A priest has strongly condemned parental irresponsibility during a funeral homily for Belfast man Harry Holland, who was stabbed to death with a screwdriver last week.

Mr Holland, a well-known greengrocer in west Belfast, was attacked near his home while trying to stop a gang from stealing his delivery van.

A 16-year-old youth has appeared in court in connection with the murder, while two other teenagers have also been charged with related offences.

The Government was also represented at today's funeral, which was attended by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Jim Rodgers.

In his homily, Monsignor Tom Toner said the community needed an effective way of sanctioning parents who refused to take responsibility for their children.