7 is the magic number. Catch up on all of today’s top news every night at 7pm on TheLiberal.ie
#1 Thailand murders: Two Burmese workers charged with the murders of British backpackers David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23.
The pair were arrested after DNA samples taken from them matched those obtained from Ms. Witheridge’s body.
Thai police paraded the two murder accused in front of media and hundreds of onlookers, and forced them to recreate the murders in front of everyone.
This bizarre ritual has raised eyebrows internationally, however, and it is believed that it may prevent the two suspects from getting a fair trial.
‘The two Myanmar nationals are charged with murder (of both tourists), gang rape (of Witheridge), and stealing,’ the police chief said.
#2: Dublin raid: A female worker in a north inner city hostel was last night threatened and tied up in an opportunistic raid carried out by two masked raiders.
The woman, believed to be in her 30s, was closing the premises at around 2am last night when she was approached by two masked males. They demanded the keys, which she handed over, forced her inside, and tied her up while they ransacked the establishment. They escaped with an undetermined amount of cash.
The woman managed to free herself and then alerted Gardai.
#3 Drugs bust: Cannabis growhouse raided in Longford.
Cannabis plants worth over 100,000 were seized when Gardai swooped in on a property in Longford last night.
A 19-year-old was arrested at the premises and is due to appear before Athlone District Court in connection with the incident.
#4 Weather: Yellow weather warning issued, as more than 40mm is forecast to fall on the country over the next few hours.
Met Eireann has issued the warning and advised caution, as heavy rain and gale force winds are expected in 7 counties.
Mist and fog are also expected in places, making driving conditions hazardous. It will be quite cold, with lowest temperatures of 3C to 7C.
#5 Hong Kong clashes: Hundreds of pro-democracy and pro-Chinese supporters clash in one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping districts.
There were chaotic scenes in downtown Hong Kong, with water bottles being thrown, people spitting at each other, and physical scuffles between both sides.
Hong Kong has been gripped by social unrest and turmoil in recent weeks amidst protests against the goverment’s own stance on democracy, to which millions are opposed.
#6 Water issues: Up to thirty companies in the Limerick area are facing having their water supply cutoff, after alleged non-payment of bills for “years”, according to City and County Council officials.
The local authority says it is chasing up individual debts of between €2,277 and €67,885, some dating back as far as 2008, they say.
Overall, it is alleged that €6.5m is owed to the council in unpaid water rates.
#7 Speeding: Over 35,000 drivers have been caught speeding in the Dublin area so far this year.
Also, the death of a motorcyclist in Drimnagh yesterday brings to 18 the number of people who have lost their lives on the capital’s roads since January.