A defendant has a right to seek credit for previous good deeds

Ireland rugby captain Rory Best was unfairly vilified when it emerged that he was named as a character witness

Iain Henderson and Rory Best pictured entering court in Belfast: Best was listed as a character witness Pic: Pacemaker

Retired Ireland and Ulster rugby player David Fitzpatrick told the court that he had never witnessed Paddy Jackson being violent.

He said Paddy Jackson was someone who kept his head down, worked hard, and that while he blended into the background he was always grounded.

Paddy Jackson had attended his stag party and wedding. Fitzpatrick described him as a “sociable guy” who “enjoyed the craic”.

Dr Katie Donaldson, a registrar in emergency care, ...