Latest news with #90
Barnama
4 days ago
- General
- Barnama
SJKT Sangeetha Sabah Aims To Become Model Tamil School In Perak
IPOH, July 19 (Bernama) -- A reunion gathering of former students and teachers of Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SJKT) Perak Sangeetha Sabah held here today is seen as a positive step toward positioning the school as a model Tamil school in Perak. Organising chairman P. Chithirakala Vasu said the initiative will be led by alumni and former educators in an effort to strengthen the school's standing ahead of its 100th anniversary celebration. 'So far, we have reached out to more than 500 former students, and we are committed to seeing SJKT Sangeetha Sabah thrive and excel. As we know, the school was established in 1934. 'Many of the alumni now hold prominent positions and can contribute ideas and support to help enhance the school's performance,' she said at the Celebrating 90 Years of Memories reunion event, which was attended by about 50 alumni. Also present was MIC Vice President Tan Sri M. Ramasamy. Meanwhile, Ramasamy described Sangeetha Sabah as more than just a school—calling it an institution and a symbol of dedication to learning, heritage, and the values that unite the community. 'This reunion is not merely a return to the past. It is a reaffirmation of identity, a recognition of the bonds that unite us across generations, and a tribute to the teachers and mentors who gave so selflessly. 'It also reflects something greater: the strength of community and the enduring importance of education as a force for progress and unity,' he said. Founded in 1934 by the late Saravanamuthu as a small music class for the children of Malayan Railways workers, the school has since grown into a cherished educational institution within the local Indian community.
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Kneecap in the clear as British police drop Glastonbury Festival ‘riot' probe
The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings A criminal investigation into the performance of Belfast rap trio Kneecap at Glastonbury Festival has been dropped by police. Avon and Somerset Police said it will be taking 'no further action' on the grounds that there is 'insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence'. The investigation was announced in June after officers reviewed video footage and audio recordings from the sets of Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan at the Somerset festival. Yesterday, the group, comprised of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin, and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, posted a screenshot to social media from an email that appeared to be from a senior investigating officer. One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over It said: 'Following a review of the evidence, I have determined there will be no further action.' In the caption of their post, Kneecap said: 'One element of the political policing intimidation attempt is over. 'We played a historic set at Glastonbury. Whole area closed an hour before due to crowds. A celebration of love and solidarity. A sea of good people at the world's most famous festival.' Mo Chara, DJ Provaí and Móglaí Bap of Kneecap performs on the West Holts Stage during during day four of Glastonbury Festival. Avon and Somerset Police said: 'An investigation has been carried out into comments about a forthcoming court case made during Kneecap's performance at Glastonbury Festival on Saturday, June 28. Kneecap at Glastonbury. Photo: PA Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 19th 'Detectives sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service during their enquiries and after that advice, we have made the decision to take no further action on the grounds there is insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction for any offence. 'Kneecap was informed of that decision earlier today [Friday July 18]. 'Inquiries continue to be carried out in relation to separate comments made on stage during Bob Vylan's performance.' Bob Vylan performing on the West Holts Stage during the Glastonbury Festival (Yui Mok/PA) During Bob Vylan's performance, rapper Bobby Vylan chanted 'Death, death to the IDF [Israel Defence Forces]', while a member of Kneecap suggested fans 'start a riot' outside his bandmate's upcoming court appearance, before clarifying: 'No riots, just love and support.' Conservative shadow home secretary Chris Philp said the outcome of the investigation is 'another example of two-tier justice', and added that the 'start a riot' comment was 'clearly inciting violence'. Kneecap have been in the headlines after Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence relating to allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah. In May, the Metropolitan Police said the group were being investigated by counter-terrorism police after videos emerged allegedly showing them shouting 'Up Hamas, up Hezbollah' and 'Kill your local MP'. The group apologised to the families of murdered MPs and said they have 'never supported' Hamas or Hezbollah, which are banned in the UK. Kneecap are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise as well as their championing of the Irish language and pro-Palestinian stance. Earlier in the week. they announced new tour dates to play their 'biggest run of shows ever' across Scotland, Wales and England.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Driver caught texting behind the wheel was serving a 12-year driving ban
The driver was arrested and brought to Naas Garda Station where they were charged. The driver had already been disqualified from driving for 12 years. Photo: An Garda Síochána A van driver caught texting while driving in Co Kildare was already disqualified from driving for over decade. As part of a national day of action focused on the offence of driving without insurance, gardaí across Kildare conducted targeted patrols and enforcement activities to catch culprits. While on patrol on the N7, the Naas roads policing unit observed a van driver texting while driving. The driver had already been disqualified from driving for 12 years. Photo: An Garda Síochána Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 18th Gardaí subsequently stopped the vehicle and following checks using the garda mobility device, they discovered that the driver was disqualified from driving for 12 years and had no driving licence or insurance. The driver was arrested and brought to Naas Garda Station where they were charged. They are due to appear before the courts in due course. The van was also seized under the Road Traffic Act. "An Garda Síochána reminds all motorists of the serious consequences of driving without insurance or a valid licence,' said a garda spokesperson.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Face of man who sexually abused his three-year-old cousin as he's jailed
UNMASKED | The court heard that Dowling was Mr Murphy's older cousin and would babysit him and his brother. Darren Dowling pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin. Photo: Paddy Cummins Darren Dowling (48) of Palace Flats, Palace Close, St Saviour, Jersey, UK, was found guilty of eight counts of oral rape and three counts of indecent assault that took place at a Clondalkin address between 1990 and 1993 against his cousin Alan Murphy following a Central Criminal Court trial in July 2024. Mr Murphy has waived his anonymity to have Dowling named. Dowling has three previous convictions, all from Jersey in the UK. The court heard that one of the convictions involved him engaging in messages with an undercover police officer in which he sent a picture of himself holding a 10-month-old child on his knee, and referring to how excited he was and that there was a bulge in his pants. He was sentenced to 9 months for this offence. At a previous hearing, Justice Paul Burns said the crimes had an adverse effect on Mr Murphy, leading to him having behavioural problems and abusing alcohol and drugs as a teenager to block out the memory of the abuse. The birth of his own children helped him to come to terms with his addictions. Darren Dowling pictured at the Criminal Courts of Justice (CCJ) on Parkgate Street in Dublin. Photo: Paddy Cummins Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 18th 'He is rightly proud of himself for seeing it (the trial process) through, and the court hopes that with further intervention and support from his loving family, he will continue to recover,' Mr Justice Burns said. He set a headline sentence of 13 years for the oral rapes and eight years for the sexual assault, given that the victim was a very young boy at the time of the offending, and his cousin had been placed in a position of trust. He also acknowledged that the abuse had happened in the victim's home, a place which 'ought to have been a place of safety', Mr Justice Burns said. He reduced the headline sentences to six and a half years and four years respectively, given that Dowling was a juvenile at the time of the offending. Read more Mr Justice Burns then imposed concurrent sentences of five years and three years before he suspended the final 12 months of the five-year term on strict conditions, including that Dowling engage with the Probation Supervision upon his release. The case was adjourned for mention to allow for the hearing of a case in the Supreme Court in relation to the naming of juvenile accused persons when they reach adulthood, and therefore could not be reported until now. At the previous hearing, Detective Garda Sharon Duncan told Grainne O'Neill, BL, prosecuting, that on July 12 of this year, a jury found Dowling guilty of 11 counts. The court heard that Dowling was Mr Murphy's older cousin and would babysit him and his brother. The court heard that while Dowling was babysitting, he would bring Mr Murphy upstairs to the bathroom and place his penis into Mr Murphy's mouth and move his head back and forward. Mr Murphy stated in his evidence that the door would be closed and the offending would last between 10 and 15 minutes. Mr Murphy's brother was outside the bathroom or on the stairs while this was happening. The court heard that the abuse would take place 'on each and every occasion' that Dowling would babysit. Mr Murphy described how he would scream and hold onto his mother's leg when she was going out. Mr Murphy was aged between three and six at the time of the offending, and Dowling was aged between 13 and 16. Mr Murphy's mother gave evidence during the trial, in which she said that Dowling had begun babysitting her sons around the time of Italia 1990. She said that her son disclosed the abuse to her when he was 15 years old. Mr Murphy's brother gave evidence that Dowling would bring his brother to the bathroom. He said the door was closed and possibly locked, as he had tried to enter the bathroom once but could not. He said that when his brother came out of the bathroom, he would be upset and crying. The Director of Public Prosecutions placed the offences in the 10-15 year band. The court was told that the maximum sentence available for section 4 rape is life in prison and 10 years for each of the indecent assault counts. Detective Garda Duncan read Mr Murphy's victim impact statement to the court, which said: 'I never understood the effect the abuse had on me until I gave up drinking and drugs. I was always acting up and misbehaving. I turned to drink and drugs as an early teen to block out the abuse. No one knew why I was so moody.' He said I was so embarrassed and ashamed of people finding out. 'I was just a little boy; why would he do that to me? It makes me feel sick. I want my boys to know never to be afraid to tell the truth.' He concluded by saying: 'I am so grateful for the results of the trial.' Det Gda Duncan agreed with Hugh Hartnett, SC, defending, that his client met with gardai in Jersey on a voluntary basis and did not contest this extradition from Jersey. Mr Hartnett said his client was a child at the time of the offending. He said it is 34 years since these offences took place, and his client had set up a life for himself in Jersey. Counsel said Dowling was first told that no prosecution would take place, and then that decision was reversed. He said that there was one 'blemish' on his client's record for which he received a nine-month sentence. Mr Hartnett handed letters of testimonial into the court, which described Dowling as a helpful and kind person to his friends. He asked the court to take into account the very serious factors that distinguished this case from others; he outlined that his client was a child at the time of the offending. He said there was no use of violence except for the act itself, and no threat was made.
Sunday World
5 days ago
- Sunday World
Teen who claims garda assaulted him attacked and robbed person at ATM days later, court told
LATEST | Lorcan Murphy (22) of Pearse Street Garda Station has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm. Stock image Lorcan Murphy (22) of Pearse Street Garda Station has pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault causing harm under section 3 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, 1997. The assaults on the then 17-year-old are alleged to have taken place on Essex Street, Dublin 2 and Pearse Street Garda Station on June 1, 2021. During cross-examination, Justin McQuade BL, defending, put it to the complainant that he said he has no recollection of the incident. He asked if this was due to a head injury, to which the complainant agreed. Mr McQuade then asked him if there was anything else that might have contributed to his lack of memory, and the complainant said alcohol and cannabis. Stock image Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 18th Defence counsel asked the witness if he was someone who would obstruct the gardaí, and he said that 'sometimes if they came to me Ma's house'. He was then asked how he would obstruct the gardaí, and he said, 'just resist arrest, but I wasn't resisting arrest this time'. It was put to the witness that he was interviewed by GSOC two months after this incident, and they took a statement from him, which he agreed with. He disagreed with the defence counsel that he had lied in his GSOC interview. Mr McQuade asked if he had lied about alcohol in his statement to GSOC. The witness said, 'I had no recollection of it, I didn't really drink'. Mr McQuaid put it to the witness that 'you knew full well that you had drank and that you had drink on you and that your statement was misleading and a lie', once again, the alleged injured party said he had no recollection. Counsel then said, 'But you remember smoking 4-5 joints?' to which he replied, 'Ya'. The jury heard that the complainant in this case has 44 previous convictions, and ten days after the alleged assault by Mr Murphy, this alleged injured party kicked and beat a person after they had withdrawn money from an ATM on O'Connell Street, he then went through their pockets. A further two weeks later, the complainant carried out another assault on a member of staff who was standing outside a premises. The witness said, 'I'm not going to incriminate myself'. Mr McQuade asked the witness if he was a person who was respectful to other members of society, to which he said he was. He also asked him if he engaged in anti-social behaviour, and he said, 'not since I was 15'. It was then put to him that beating people up and robbing them in public is not respectful, to which he said, 'I'm paying for my mistakes'. After a breakdown of the previous convictions was read to the court, the witness stated that he 'had a difficult upbringing and was easily led'. Read more The jury heard that the complainant was first brought to the Mater Hospital from Pearse Street Garda Station, where he went on to discharge himself. He returned the following day as a result of headaches. He was then transferred to Beaumont Hospital. It was put to him that he was described as being 'aggressive, combative and exposed staff to potential violence', he said 'staff would not let me out for a smoke' and that 'I didn't use one bit of violence'. Mr McQuade told the witness that he was obliged to put his client's statement that he gave to GSOC to him. When reciting the statement, the complainant said he had no recollection of these events as they were been read out. Mr John Caird, a consultant neurosurgeon who works in both Beaumont and Temple Street Hospitals, gave evidence of his treatment of the complainant in this case. He said the complainant had a fracture to the skull and a contusion to the brain. Fluid was also seen coming from the ear of the complainant. He said he had a good level of consciousness and that his pupils were equal and reactive. He outlined that the complainant has made an excellent recovery. Defence counsel asked Mr Caird if the complainant had left the hospital against medical advice, to which he said yes, once from the Mater Hospital and once from Beaumont Hospital, but returned 20 minutes later. Mr Caird agreed that the complainant refused to answer questions relating to alcohol and drug consumption. A second doctor, Dr Haroon Khan, who is a GP and works closely with the gardaí, was called to Pearse Street Garda Station on the night in question. He noted that the complainant was intoxicated, and he was unable to wake him. He noted a laceration on his temple region and abrasions to both knees. Dr Khan had the complainant transferred to hospital. Under cross-examination, Dr Khan said he had tried to 'rouse' the complainant. Dr Khan stated that he did not speak with the man and confirmed that he appeared to be intoxicated. The trial continues before Judge Pauline Codd.
