Partner guilty of abusing girls

A MAN has been convicted of sexually abusing his partner's young daughters over a 10-year period.

The 52-year-old man had pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to 60 counts of sexual assaults on six sisters between 1995 and 2005, in their family home.

The jury of five women and six men returned their verdict on day 18 of the trial following eight hours and 15 minutes' deliberation.

The accused was found guilty by majority verdict of 10 to one on all 60 counts.

The victims are now aged between 18 and 27 years old.

Colombia talks take a break

Negotiators for Colombia's government and the country's main rebel group have agreed to a short break in their talks in Havana aimed at ending a half century of conflict.

The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and the government say they will resume negotiations next Wednesday. They announced the recess after wrapping up a session yesterday.

Both sides say the break will allow them to consult with their leaderships.

Law chief quits in sex scandal

South Korea's chief prosecutor has stepped down over sex and bribery scandals involving his subordinates.

Prosecutor General Han Sang-dae's resignation follows an investigation into a junior prosecutor accused of having sex with a suspect under questioning.

A senior prosecutor was also arrested on charges he took bribes from businessmen.

Though he was not directly linked to the two cases, Mr Han apologises for the scandals. in a speech today.

Student wipes

the slate clean

A New Mexico college graduate, apparently feeling guilty over a student prank years ago, has sent a box of toilet paper to repay for loot taken from a dormitory.

Eastern New Mexico University says it received the yuletide gift box this week along with a Christmas card and written apology.

The box contained five packages of 16 rolls of two-ply, septic-safe tissue for a total of 80 rolls. The anonymous writer apologised for stealing bathroom tissue years ago.