Cousins convicted of 'barbaric' attack with stilettos

Two Balbriggan cousins who launched a violent attack on their uncle and his partner in front of the couple’s young children have been sentenced to three years in jail, with 18 months suspended.

Philomena (aged 22) and Ethel (aged 27) Whitehouse attacked Paula Hoey with their stilettos, slashing her upper lip and ripping her top and bra off, while she and her partner, Shane Whitehouse, were walking in Balbriggan with their five- and three-year-old boys one Sunday afternoon.