Man sentenced to life in prison for murdering wife
A bubbly, happy woman, who was a role-model and best friend to her children, was murdered by her husband in what a judge has described as another in the conveyor belt of "tragic cases which spring from domestic violence".
Alan Ward was found guilty of stabbing his wife, Catherine Doyle, to death at their Dublin home in 2019.
Passing the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment on Monday, Mr Justice Tony Hunt called on people who find themselves rising to anger to "step back rather than engage in the kind of behaviour seen in this case".
Detective Sergeant Sean Cosgrove, speaking outside the court, urged those in abusive or violent relationships to seek help from Gardaí, the courts or other agencies.
Return to work guidance issued
The Government is urging employers to adopt a cautious approach to return to workplaces, stressing a gradual process.
The new guidelines advise consultation with worker representatives, permanent hybrid working arrangements and supports for employees nervous about the returning to the office.
As The Irish Times reports, new advice issued on Monday says employers may wish to keep some Covid rules in place for now.
They are not obliged to retain contact details of all office visitors, but employers may need to provide attendance information to health officials in the event of a Covid outbreak in the workplace, the protocol states.
Dublin hit-and-run
Gardaí have identified two suspects in connection with a fatal hit-and-run in Dublin last week.
Ian McDonnell was knocked down while trying to stop his car from being stolen in Clondalkin.
Mr McDonnell was discovered shortly after 6pm last Sunday and was taken by ambulance to Tallaght University Hospital where he died on Friday evening.
Officers have interviewed witnesses and conducted door-to-door enquiries, as well as collecting CCTV images.
Russian naval exercises
A Co Cork fishing community has said it is a major victory that Russian military exercises have been moved.
Locals met with the Russian ambassador to Ireland to share their concerns about planned exercises off the Irish coast.
The military exercises have now been relocated to take place outside of Ireland's exclusive economic zone.
Increased parking penalties
Higher penalties for drivers who park on footpaths, cycle tracks and in bus lanes will come into effect from Tuesday, February 1st.
The increases, announced at the beginning of the year by Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, will see the fines jump from €40 to €80 from tomorrow.
Speaking at the time of the announcement, Mr Ryan said it is hoped the higher penalties will encourage a "more considerate" use of road space.
Commuters have been urged to take public transport where possible.
