Sisters sexually abused by step-father want their mother prosecuted
Two sisters who were sexually abused by their stepfather over a 10 year period say they would like to see charges brought against their mother for not reporting the crime.
55-year-old John Joe Patterson from Tipperary was yesterday jailed for six and a half years for sexually abusing his step-daughters when they were both aged nine.
Vanessa and Emma Witherow say they feel 'overwhelmed and relieved' after the sentence was handed down.
Despite his admissions of guilt to gardaí, and his subsequent conviction at Nenagh Circuit Court, John Joe Patterson's wife Francis - who is also the girls' mother - has stood by her husband.
"There will never be closure there, she's still sticking by him", Emma told the Pat Kenny Show here on Newstalk.
"My heart is breaking" - Dublin mother faces 55% rent increase
A Dublin mother, who is facing a 55% increase in her rent, has described how "her heart is breaking" as she and her children could be homeless before Christmas.
*Sinéad (*not her real name) received a letter from her landlord at the start of the month stating that the rent on her home which "was at €900 would be increased to €1400" and that she had 28 days to pay up or move out.
Under new rent control plans which will be considered by the Cabinet this morning, landlords will only be allowed to increase rent every two years.
These despondent 'puppies' are being spotted across Dublin this morning...
WATCH: Government announce measures to help ease the housing crisis
Housing and homeless charities have given a broad welcome to the government's package of reforms for the rental sector.
Among the measures is a two year rent freeze for tenants whose rent rose in 2015.
Developers who build affordable homes in Dublin and Cork will have their Council reimbursed.
And landlords will get tax incentives to rent to those on social housing supports.
However, the Residential Landlords Association has criticised the package, describing it as "a bureaucratic nightmare".
Wayne Rooney was the star of a WWE show last night in Manchester
Manchester United and England captain Wayne Rooney was the star of the show last night at a WWE event in Manchester.
The American company's "RAW" television show was broadcasting from England and Rooney had a front row seat for all the action along with former Manchester United team mate Darren Fletcher.
During one of the night's matches Irish born wrestler Sheamus and England's King Barrett confronted the English striker at ringside. Barrett was slapped to the ground by Rooney much to the delight of the local crowd.
