Irish suicide teen 'targeted because of relationship with popular boy'

Nine teenagers at a US High School who allegedly bullied an Irish classmate who since committed suicide apparently targeted her because of a brief relationship with a popular boy.

The students are now facing criminal charges that include statutory rape, assault and stalking, in what prosecutor Elizabeth Scheibel described as "unrelenting bullying".

Fifteen-year-old Phoebe Prince - who had moved to Massachusetts from Co Clare just last year - took her own life in January.

The tragic death of Phoebe Prince has made national news in America, turning the spotlight on the issue of bullying.

The 15-year-old from Fanore in Co Clare was subject to insults and threats almost from her first day at South Hadley High school.

Prince's family has now asked for the US judicial system to be given an opportunity to provide a measure of justice for the girl.