Vitamins in pregnancy are usually discussed in terms of a baby’s health at birth. But could the amount of vitamin D taken during pregnancy also influence how a child’s brain works many years later?

A recent Danish study suggests that it might. Children whose mothers received a higher dose of vitamin D during late pregnancy performed slightly better on tests of verbal and visual memory at age ten than children whose mothers received the standard dose.

The findings are intriguing, but they need to be kept in perspective. The differences were small, and the higher dose was not linked to better intelligence, attention, thinking speed, planning or working memory. The researchers also did not examine whether the memory differences affected schoolwork or daily life.

The study followed children whose mothers had taken part in a randomised trial originally designed to determine whether high-dose vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy reduced the risk of persistent wheeze and asthma in offspring. From the 24th week of pregnancy until one week after birth, one group received 2,800 international units (IU), or 70 micrograms, of vitamin D each day. The other received the standard Danish dose of 400 IU, or 10 micrograms.

Of the 623 children in the original trial, 498 returned for cognitive testing at around ten years old. After accounting for factors that might have influenced the results, the researchers found that children in the higher-dose group performed slightly better at recalling words and objects and remembering where visual patterns had appeared.

They also initially appeared better at switching between different rules or ways of solving a problem. However, that result could no longer be distinguished confidently from chance once the researchers accounted for the number of tests they had carried out.

Why the findings need caution

An important strength of the study is that the mothers were randomly assigned to receive either the higher or standard dose. This makes it less likely that differences in income, diet, health or lifestyle explain the results.

However, the original trial was designed to investigate childhood wheeze and asthma. Cognition was analysed later and was not one of the study’s original outcomes.

Researchers call this a “post-hoc secondary analysis”. Testing many possible outcomes increases the chance that some apparent differences will arise by coincidence. The two memory findings survived the researchers’ statistical checks, but the improvements were modest and need to be confirmed in trials designed specifically to study cognitive development.

The number of children who returned for testing also needs to be considered. If those who returned differed from those who did not, the findings may be less representative of the original group.

The children were tested only once, at age ten. The research cannot show when the differences appeared, whether they will continue into adolescence or whether a higher dose earlier in pregnancy would have the same effect.

A child’s vitamin D level after birth is influenced by sunlight, food and supplementation, as well as maternal factors such as breastfeeding, and maternal vitamin D status. The researchers measured blood levels at six months and six years, but two tests cannot show a child’s vitamin D exposure throughout the first decade of life. The study therefore cannot establish precisely when vitamin D might have influenced development. For example, it is unclear whether the effects were caused by vitamin D exposure during pregnancy, after birth, or by vitamin D supplements taken during childhood up to the age of ten.

Most of the mothers did not have low vitamin D levels when the trial began. Only 15% had levels below 20 nanograms per millilitre, although definitions of deficiency vary. The findings tell us more about giving extra vitamin D to women whose levels were already relatively high than about treating a clear deficiency.

The researchers found no convincing evidence that the higher dose worked differently according to the mother’s starting vitamin D level. However, the unplanned analysis, small improvements and study population mean that this study alone is unlikely to justify changing UK guidance.

Around 96% of the children who completed the follow-up were white. This limits how confidently the findings can be applied to more diverse populations or groups at greater risk of low vitamin D.

This is particularly relevant in the UK because people with darker skin generally produce less vitamin D in response to sunlight. Future trials should include participants from a wider range of ethnic backgrounds and more women with low vitamin D levels.

Should pregnant women take a higher dose?

Current NHS guidance recommends that pregnant women take 10 micrograms, equivalent to 400 IU, of vitamin D each day from early October to late March.

People who spend little time outdoors or usually cover most of their skin should take this amount throughout the year. People with black or brown skin should also consider taking vitamin D all year. A doctor may recommend a different dose when blood tests show a deficiency or there is another medical reason.

The dose used in the Danish trial was seven times the routine NHS recommendation, although it remained below the adult upper limit of 100 micrograms a day. That does not show that the higher dose offers extra benefits or suits every pregnancy.

Taking too much vitamin D over time can cause calcium to build up in the body, potentially damaging the kidneys and heart. Pregnant women should not increase their dose in the hope of improving their child’s memory without first speaking to a midwife, GP or another healthcare professional. They should also check whether vitamin D is included in more than one of the supplement they are taking.

The study offers tentative evidence that taking more vitamin D during late pregnancy may have a small effect on verbal and visual memory at age ten. Further trials should make cognition a planned outcome, test children at several ages and include a more diverse group of participants.

Until stronger evidence is available, pregnant women should follow current guidance and seek individual medical advice when deficiency is suspected.

Five fire crews were called to the blaze in Duggleby, near Malton, at about 7.50pm on Saturday (August 8).

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said the fire measured around 150m x 100m and was to a stubble and standing crop field.

The field fire in Duggleby, near Malton, on Saturday night (August 8) (Image: North Yorkshire Weather Updates)

Farm machinery was used to cut fire breaks around the blaze.

Crews used hose reel jets and sprayers to extinguish the fire.

In a statement, the fire service said: “Farm machinery was used to cut fire breaks around the fire and crews used hose reel jets, knapsack sprayers and beaters to extinguish the fire and put a wet line in to prevent re-ignition of the fire.”

Firefighters extinguished the blaze in Bishopthorpe Road at about 4.20am on Sunday (August 9).

North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said it understood that the fire was started deliberately and informed police about the incident.

In a statement, the fire service said: “A crew from York responded to a tree that was on fire. 

“Crews extinguished the fire using two knapsack sprayers. 

“Police were informed due to the cause of the fire was believed deliberate.”

Temporary cordons in the Huntley Road area, Banbridge, have now been lifted

Cordons have been lifted after an incident in Co Down sparked a security alert.

Police were contacted on Saturday afternoon, August 8, with a report of a concern for the welfare of an individual in the Huntley Road area of Banbridge.

Officers and Ammunition Technical Officers attended and examined items found while the road was closed, with diversions in place at the Glassestown Road and Ballykeel Road.

On Saturday evening, police released a statement and said nothing suspicious was found and the individual concerned was “receiving appropriate support and treatment at this time”.

A PSNI spokeswoman said: “Police received a report of concern for the welfare of an individual in the area of Huntley Road Banbridge earlier today at approximately 12.30pm, Saturday 8th August.

“Officers together with Ammunition Technical Officers (ATO) examined items found and located nothing suspicious.

“Other unrelated items were removed by police for further examination. The individual concerned is receiving appropriate support and treatment at this time.

“Temporary cordons in the area have now been lifted and we would like to thank members of the public for their patience.”

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Donald Trump appeared taken aback when an interviewer delivered a quick-witted response to the brag that he’s considered ‘one of the greatest Presidents ever.’

The Commander-in-Chief spoke to Punchbowl News and was asked about how he might deal with a Democrat-controlled Congress in 2027. 

Reporter Jake Sherman asked: ‘If Democrats do take over the House, it’s just going to be investigation mania. They’re going to do oversight. They could impeach you again. Do you think they will?’

‘Well, a lot of people are saying I’m one of the greatest presidents ever,’ Trump replied.

‘They’re not saying that though,’ Sherman said with a chuckle, referring to the Democrats. 

‘Yeah, but they know. They see the results,’ Trump responded, before rolling off a list of his accomplishments.

He cited ‘more money being invested in the United States than at any time in history,’ as well as construction of factories, investment in AI and companies leaving countries like Mexico, Canada, Germany, Japan and coming to the US.’

Trump, however, seems unsure whether the coalition that won him an electoral college landslide will come out for the Republican Party without him on the ballot in November.

The Commander-in-Chief spoke to Punchbowl News earlier this week and was asked about how he might deal with a Democrat-controlled Congress in 2027. Pictured: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (pictured right) and Democrat Senator Patty Murray (pictured left)

‘If I don’t run, will those people go out and vote, and that’s the one thing I can’t tell,’ Trump told Punchbowl News in an interview released Friday.

Then the President revealed his greatest open question about the coming elections and conservative voters: ‘Will they vote?’ 

‘A lot of them are very angry at Republicans, to be honest with you … they are not angry with me, but they are angry with Republicans.’

Republicans’ odds of keeping control of both chambers of Congress are glum, at least according to prediction markets. 

As it stands, Republicans have less than a 20 percent chance of maintaining control of the House, per Kalshi data. In the Senate, Republicans’ odds of staying in power are much more favorable at 54 percent.

But the President has a trick up his sleeve to help Republicans – he has a massive political war chest that he can deploy to help his party members campaign against their Democratic opponents.

‘I could spend it on pretty much anything I want,’ Trump noted in the interview, adding, ‘I’m going to help Republicans.’

The President’s political action committee, MAGA Inc., has $400 million in cash on hand, according to the latest Federal Election Commission filings in late June. 

Trump has noted repeatedly his close relationship with House Speaker Mike Johnson, who he has called a ‘fantastic person’ but has wondered if Republicans will show up in the midterm elections

Advertisement

Trump said that voters are angry with Republicans, but ‘they are not angry with me’

The fate of Trump’s remaining two years in power hinges largely on whether conservatives maintain control of Congress.

Should he lose just one chamber, either the House or the Senate, any legislation the President wants passed would need at least some Democratic support. 

The thing is, Democrats have been outspoken for years about their ardent opposition to the President and his agenda, and it is hard to see them finding common ground to push through bipartisan legislation. 

During the interview with the Congress-focused outlet, the President also spoke about his relationships with Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Republican Leader John Thune, or lack thereof. 

Johnson, Trump said, is a ‘fantastic person.’ The two have worked closely together on the President’s legislation in the House, and the Speaker has largely been able to deliver votes on must-pass bills for the President. 

The same cannot be said of the Senate.

When pressed on whether he would back Thune to lead the Senate Republicans again next year, the President did not offer the leader, whom he has clashed with at times, his support. 

‘I don’t want to get into that,’ Trump answered. 

Though Trump did note that there was no ‘disconnect’ between him and Thune, adding, ‘I think we have a good relationship.’ 

Trump has repeatedly requested that the Senate pass voter ID laws, which were already approved by the House. He sees the legislation as imperative for Republicans ahead of the midterm elections given his claims that elections have been ‘rigged.’ 

Thune has worked to get his Republican conference on board, but the legislation has stalled out, and the Senate Republican Leader has repeatedly told the President he does not have the votes to get it passed. 

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Sometimes the fastest way to feel clean is with an effective body scrub, massaged all over damp skin and rinsed off to reveal smoother, glowing limbs. 

Especially in the summer, when we’re ditching the long trousers and sleeves, and dull skin or dry patches become more visible. 

Not forgetting, of course, it’s an essential step if you’re a self-tanner, as unbuffed skin can cause tanning products to cling to drier areas. 

It’s especially a good time to invest in a manual body scrub when heatwaves hit, as the constant sweating can leave your skin feeling sticky and clammy. Buffing away dead skin cells, suncream, and deodorant can be the quick fix your complexion needs. 

Fortunately, there are loads of body scrubs to shop for, made with finely milled salts, enzyme powders and botanical scents to leave your skin glowing. 

As a beauty journalist who is obsessed with silky smooth skin, I use a body scrub religiously twice a week, so I know exactly what works and what’s not worth your time. 

To help you find the right one for your shower routine, I’ve handpicked the all-time greats, from budget-friendly high street picks to luxurious body treatments that are worth the splurge. 
 
Consider this your warm-weather skin reset, and the start of your smoothest summer yet.

Naturium KP Scrub & Mask

There’s no body product as transformative as this. It’s an abrasive scrub that’s in a thick paste (make sure to give the tube a good squeeze when you’re pouring it into your hand) that’s made to be spread all over, left for a few minutes, then rinsed off.

Advertisement

Nothing, and I mean nothing, will leave your skin smoother or softer as fast. It’s made with jojoba esters, pumice, and AHA, BHA, and PHA chemical exfoliants, and is fragrance-free.

One use of this and you’ll feel like a totally new person.

Buy Now for £21

Q+A AHA Exfoliator Body Scrub

Affordable beauty brand Q+A has plenty of gems in its line-up, but this gentle body exfoliator is one of my favourites.

It has a delicious coconut, amber, and vanilla scent that smells like a luxurious perfume and has enough abrasiveness to give your limbs a good polish, but isn’t scratchy, harsh, or hard to clean off the sides of your shower.

Advertisement

The blend of AHAs, lactic acid, glycolic acid, and upcycled corn is formulated in a creamy base that makes spreading it all over your body a simple task, and easy to rinse off in a matter of seconds.

Buy Now for £8

Alpha-H Smoothing AHA Face and Body Scrub

This dual-purpose scrub can be used on your face and body, and is the gentlest of them all.

It contains very fine bamboo stem particles, alongside glycolic acid, caffeine and macadamia seed oil, which lightly slough off dead skin cells without leaving you wincing.

It’s a great everyday one that isn’t overly abrasive and suits my sensitive, eczema-prone skin, too.

Advertisement

I can’t get enough of the refreshing peppermint scent either.

Rinse off and slather on your favourite body lotion for glowing skin, head to toe.

Buy Now for £31.99

Joonbyrd Violet Haze Body Scrub

If you love a sticky-sweet, gourmand scent in your body care, this is the scrub for you.

Made by consultant dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite, you’re in good hands with this formula.

Advertisement

The main exfoliant is sugar and chia seeds, in a base of plant-derived butters and oils, so it has a thick, rich, creamy texture that lathers nicely and doesn’t leave you feeling itchy.

It gets bonus points for the creamy, chocolatey, floral fragrance – it’s so good I could eat it. 

Buy Now for £45

Clarins Exfoliating Body Scrub

This has been around for years, but it remains a regular part of my shower routine for its creamy, skin-smoothing texture, fresh scent, and speedy way to exfoliate dead skin cells.

It comes in a convenient tube, so you don’t need to try to open a tub with wet hands or make a mess scooping it out.

Advertisement

One use is all you’ll need to see a difference in skin texture.

Buy Now for £36

Grown Alchemist Smoothing Body Exfoliant

While this black gel may look alarming, it’s one of the best body scrubs for my sensitive skin, and it doesn’t stain the sides of my shower.

The ‘scrub’ is made from volcanic pumice particles, along with peppermint, bergamot, and kalin clay, which not only buffs skin to a smooth, silk-soft finish but also absorbs excess oil and hydrates skin in need of some TLC.

Buy Now for £27

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Struggling with ageing skin? This personalised skincare plan is now 75% off

MORE: I tried the zodiac-inspired skincare collection that wants you to slow down

MORE: Struggling with hot flushes on your face? This skincare stick cools on contact

Rory McIlroy has been playing a reduced schedule this season, but caddie Harry Diamond has still earned a huge sum

Advertisement

Rory McIlroy has been operating on a lighter schedule this season, yet he has still accumulated a considerable sum in prize money — a healthy portion of which has been passed down to caddie Harry Diamond.

Diamond, McIlroy’s close friend and long-standing bagman, has earned more in 2026 alone than many players will pocket across an entire season. Estimates place his earnings for the year somewhere between $750,000 and $850,000 (£557,240 and £631,540).

These figures are calculated on the standard caddie pay structure. Typically, caddies receive a 10 per cent cut following a victory, five per cent for a top-10 finish, and five per cent whenever their player makes the cut.

Diamond’s biggest payday of the year came at the Masters, where McIlroy successfully defended his title at Augusta National, pocketing a record $4.5 million (£3.3m) winner’s cheque — leaving Diamond with a $450,000 (£334,000) share for his 10 per cent cut.

That single payout alone put Diamond ahead of a significant number of PGA Tour professionals for the year. McIlroy then added a further $840,000 (£631,000) from the PGA Championship, U.S. Open and The Open, including $637,050 (£473,300) from a T7 finish at the former as Aaron Rai claimed the title.

McIlroy’s 2026 campaign also included a T2 at the Genesis Invitational, a T12 at the Memorial, and a T7 at the Genesis Scottish Open, though he will not feature in the upcoming FedEx St. Jude Championship. Even his T46 finish at The Players, T32 at the U.S. Open, and T40 at The Open all contributed to the overall earnings.

A level-par performance at The Players brought in $72,000 (£53,000), while a T40 at The Open generated $69,000 (£51,000) – his most modest payday of the season.

McIlroy’s showing at Aronimink secured Diamond another substantial sum in bonus payments. McIlroy himself has amassed $8.5m (£6.3m) in official prize money this season and stands a chance of hitting the $10m mark once again, having achieved it in 2025.

Consequently, several tour professionals’ earnings for 2026 place them behind Diamond, never mind McIlroy. Haotong Li stands at $741,536, with Keita Nakajima on $740,571, Stefano Mazzoli at $720,000, and Rico Hoey at $718,607.

Advertisement

Diamond isn’t topping the caddy earnings chart, however. World No.1 Scottie Scheffler has banked $16.9m (£12.5m) in prize money this campaign, with bagman Ted Scott estimated to have pocketed close to $1.4m (£1m) as a consequence.

The Northern Irishman’s background beyond golf is understood to be in the hospitality sector. His family has connections to pubs, hotels and eateries around Bangor and Belfast, and maintained links with the Marine Hotel and Dukes Hotel.

Today, however, it’s Diamond’s partnership with McIlroy that has earned him the substantial income. Despite a lighter schedule, the Masters champion is not expected to face any PGA sanctions for falling below the minimum tournament requirement.

Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.

Shanghai’s two airports canceled more than 1,300 flights and authorities relocated some 300,000 people in surrounding regions as China prepared for Typhoon Dolphin, after the storm brought heavy rains to northern Taiwan.

The outer bands of the storm on Saturday hit northern Taiwan, including the capital Taipei, bringing rain.

Some Taiwanese airlines also canceled their flights to China on Sunday.

The storm’s maximum sustained winds were estimated at about 162kmph (101mph) as of Sunday morning. It is bringing heavy rains, creating a risk of severe flooding as well as landslides and is expected to hit Zhejiang province and northern parts of neighbouring Fujian province late on Sunday.

That is equal to a Category 2 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, a storm capable of producing extensive damage to homes, trees and infrastructure.

Forecasters in China predicted that areas could see 200-400mm (7.9–15.7in) of rainfall over the next few days.

Authorities are warning of severe landslide risks in Zhejiang.

Shanghai’s Hongqiao and Pudong airports respectively also canceled about 60 per cent of Sunday’s expected flights, according to the Paper, Shanghai’s state media.

On Saturday evening, authorities in Zhejiang evacuated some 390,000 people in the city of Taizhou.

Authorities in Shanghai evacuated some 30,000 plus from riskier areas. Zhejiang authorities also suspended all water-based activities, including ferries and cruises.

Typhoon Dolphin has already swept through Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture, injuring six people and cutting power to more than 50,000 buildings.

Before its landfall in China, authorities moved offshore workers to safety, ordered vessels back to port and increased checks at reservoirs, mountain streams, landslide-prone areas, construction sites and tourist locations.

Torrential rai After landfall, Dolphin is forecast to track westward before slowing over central and southwestern China and gradually losing strength, Wang Haiping, chief forecaster at the National Meteorological Centre, told state ⁠broadcaster CCTV.

Shanghai’s Yangshan port cleared ships from ‌its berths and moved more than 500 ​small and medium-sized vessels to shelter ahead of Dolphin, the city’s maritime safety administration said.

That could prolong heavy rain and raise the risk of flooding and landslides, especially in mountainous areas and along smaller rivers.

(Additional reporting from Reuters)

Here is your round-up of the key cases that were heard before Northern Ireland courts during the week of August 3-7

Cases heard at courts across Northern Ireland this week included a notorious sex offender with “literally hundreds of convictions” going back 20 years, who has been charged with exposure and indecent behaviour.

Elsewhere, the High Court heard how a Co Down-based barber allegedly threatened to kill his family in a car crash as part of a worsening campaign of child cruelty.

Meanwhile, Hadi Alodid, the man accused of a knife attack which sparked rioting in Northern Ireland, has been urged by a judge to seek legal representation.

Here is your round-up of the key cases that were heard before Northern Ireland courts during the week of August 3-7.

Notorious sex offender with ‘prodigious record’ charged with exposure and indecent behaviour

A notorious sex offender with “literally hundreds of convictions” going back 20 years has been charged with exposure and indecent behaviour.

Richard McFarland appeared at Belfast Magistrates Court by video link from prison, where he was charged with two offences alleged to have been committed on July 29 this year.

McFarland, listed as from no fixed abode, Belfast, is accused of exploit in that he allegedly “intentionally exposed your genitals intending that unnamed persons would see them and be caused alarm or distress.”

Count two accuses the defendant of engaging in indecent behaviour on Royal Avenue in Belfast.

The alleged background was not opened in court, but a prosecution lawyer confirmed the PPS “cannot accept a plea” until a senior prosecutor has looked at the file.

Defence counsel Michael Boyd conceded that McFarland, “does have a prodigious record…. Literally hundreds of convictions,” so he had no objections to the case being adjourned.

Remanding McFarland in custody, Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor adjourned the case to August 21.

Click here to read the full story

Man with addiction issues granted bail to attend residential rehabilitation centre

An Armagh man with addiction issues has been granted bail today to allow him to attend a residential rehabilitation centre in Newry.

Despite objections from the Crown, the application to vary Anthony Lee Reilly’s bail was granted on Tuesday by Judge Catherine Chasemore at Belfast Crown Court.

The 27-year old, from Cathedral Road, attended the hearing via a videolink with HMP Maghaberry.

He has been charged with, and denies, wounding a man with intent to do him grievous bodily harm and possessing a knife with intent to commit wounding on January 27, 2022.

Click here to read the full story

Belfast knife attack accused urged to seek legal representation

A man accused of a knife attack which sparked rioting in Northern Ireland has been urged by a judge to seek legal representation.

Hadi Alodid, 30, of Duncairn Avenue in Belfast, appeared before Belfast Magistrates’ Court by videolink on Wednesday.

He was told that a preliminary inquiry would be held in his case next month.

Alodid is charged with the attempted murder of Stephen Ogilvie on June 8, who the court previously heard lost his left eye and received deep cuts to his head, face and back.

Click here to read the full story

Man detained in Belfast allegedly convicted of rape in Dublin under different name

A man detained in Belfast following an international police hunt was allegedly convicted of rape in Dublin under a different name, the High Court heard.

Prosecutors claimed Teklemariam Lijam, 42, used separate identities in a bid to mislead the authorities about his criminal past.

The Eritrean national, of no fixed abode, faces new charges of failing to register as a sex offender, providing false information to police, and perverting the course of justice.

Refusing bail, Lady Chief Justice Dame Siobhan Keegan ruled there were no conditions under which he could be safely released.

Click here to read the full story

Woman left with “regular flashbacks” after husband’s uncle sexually assaulted her as she slept

A 63-year old man who sexually assaulted his nephew’s wife as she lay sleeping beside her child and husband was handed a 30-month sentence on Thursday.

The term was divided equally between prison and supervised licence and was imposed at Belfast Crown Court.

The abuser, who can’t be named to protect the identity of his victim, appeared via a videolink with HMP Maghaberry and was told he will spend the rest of his life on the Sex Offenders Register.

He stood trial and was convicted by a jury last November of two counts of sexual assault which occurred in the early hours of July 15, 2023.

Click here to read the full story

Co Down barber threatened to ‘kill his family in a car crash in cruelty campaign’, court told

A Co Down-based barber allegedly threatened to kill his family in a car crash as part of a worsening campaign of child cruelty, the High Court heard on Friday.

Prosecutors claimed he also beat at least two of his daughters so severely they thought he would not stop until they were dead.

The 49-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified, is accused of subjecting his wife and their children to violence and manipulation stretching back over a number of years.

Details emerged after a judge refused his bail application amid fears he could try to contact them again.

The man faces multiple charges of threats to kill, common assault, child cruelty and a further domestic abuse offence.

Click here to read the full story

Child sex offender jailed for probation breaches after “coming off rails”

A pensioner who breached a Probation Order which was imposed for a sexual offence against a child was jailed on Friday.

As a result of the breaches, Kevin Cornelius O’Connor was re-sentenced at Belfast Crown Court for the sexual offence and was handed a 12-month sentence divided equally between prison and licence.

The 76-year old, with an address on the court papers as Drumard Park in Derry, was made the subject of a three-year Probation Order in October 2023.

The order was imposed by Judge Neil Rafferty KC at Londonderry Crown Court in October 2023 for an offence involving a nine-year old girl that occurred in August 2022.

In addition, a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) was also imposed.

Click here to read the full story.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.

Tanya Reynolds

Faye Marsay

Abbie Hern

Jude Mack

Rex Hayes

Aisling Sharkey

Grant Feely