Teen denies drugs charge

A DUBLIN teenager who was allegedly found in possession of a stash of tranquilliser tablets has pleaded not guilty to a drug dealing charge.

The 17-year-old boy denied the charge when he appeared at Dublin Children's Court yesterday. Judge Ann Ryan ordered that the teen's trial will take place next month.

Garda Andrew Sheerin had told Judge Ryan earlier that it would be alleged that several diazepam tablets, was found "on the defendant's clothing".

The teenager has been charged with possessing the tablets with intent to supply to another contrary to the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Rock band guitarist dies

MARK Abrahamian, the lead guitarist for the rock group Starship, died of a heart attack after a concert in Nebraska on Sunday, his road manager said. He was 46.

Road manager Scott Harrison said Abrahamian was talking to his fiancee on the phone when he collapsed. He was pronounced dead later in hospital.

"It's a shock to everyone," Mr Harrison said.

Rustlers killed by villagers

MADAGASCAR'S police chief said villagers attacked by cattle rustlers killed 67 of them.

General Bruno Razafindrakoto said that about 100 cattle thieves attacked three villages near Fort-Daphuin on the south side of the island.

He said villagers armed with axes, spears and machetes "defended their belongings" and killed at least 67 of the attackers.

Gen Razafindrakoto said that he has opened an investigation.

World record for 10ft burger

A US casino has cooked up a world-record bacon cheeseburger that is 10ft in diameter and weighs more than a ton.

The behemoth burger was served up at the Black Bear Casino Resort near Carlton in Minnesota. It tipped the scales at 2,014lb (914kg).

Guinness Records representative Philip Robertson verified the record for biggest burger.

A Duluth News Tribune report said the previous record was only a mere 881lb (400kg).