BALLYMENA: A 43-year-old Cullybackey man pleaded guilty to stealing £2,900 from a vulnerable person he had been acting as a quasi-carer for, with the case adjourned to June 11 for a pre-sentence report. A second charge relating to stolen goods was withdrawn by prosecutors, and the defendant's barrister indicated he intends to repay the money.

BELFAST: Two healthcare workers have denied a charge of ill-treatment, with the case proceeding before the court.