A bid to halt the prosecution of a former British solider charged in connection with the fatal shooting of an unarmed man with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland has been rejected.

The funeral of Alfie Evans, who died after his life support treatment was withdrawn after a long-running legal battle, will be held on Monday.

A decision on the case of veteran republican Ivor Bell and his “fitness to plead” on the charges he faces in relation to the disappearance of Belfast mother of ten Jean McConville was postponed on Thursday.

Honda Racing’s Ian Hutchinson has spoken of his relief after recovering sufficiently to compete in the opening international road race of the season at the North West 200 next week.

Ian Hutchinson will compete at the Vauxhall International North West 200 next week as the Yorkshire rider makes his road racing comeback.

Oran Kearney has strengthened his backroom team at Coleraine with the addition of Paul Owens.