Man accused of murdering Nicola Furlong has taken the stand at his trial in Tokyo

19 year old Richard Hinds from Memphis in Tennessee has admitted strangling the 21 year old but denies killing her intentionally.

He's been giving a graphic account of the events on the night she died.

Mr Hinds will be cross examined by the prosecution tomorrow.

Revenue Commissioner begins distributing property tax  letters to 1.8 million homeowners today

But homeowners could be surprised by the valuation put on their homes when they receive their letters from Revenue this week.

As authorities prepare to collect the new property tax, Revenue's to begin distributing tax forms to 1.8 million householders nationwide.

Yesterday, Revenue published its online guide to property values - based on the average price in the area and the age of the house. Property owners can check what property values are in their area on www.revenue.ie.

Many observers say some of the guide's estimates are actually below market value.

Motorists urges to take extra care on roads after sub zero temperatures overnight

Met Eireann has issued a weather warning for 12 counties across the country - as more snow and icy conditions are forecast for the next 24 hours. 

Between 3 and 8 centimetres of snow is expected to fall in counties Dublin, Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Louth, Wexford, Wicklow, Meath, Donegal, Mayo, Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and Waterford.

Snow will lie at lower levels as well as on high ground and amounts will be highest in coastal counties of Leinster. 

Met Eireann has also warned that it'll be very windy - making for blizzard conditions in places during snow showers. 

Man to be sentenced today for having sex with a 13-year-old girl he befriended on Bebo 

The 24 year old pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of defilement of a child at his home on April 29th, 2011.

The man who is from Dublin used a false name and claimed to be 19 when he requested a friendship with the teenage girl on Bebo.

They swapped phone numbers and sent each other texts before meeting up.

He brought the 13 year old girl back to his parents home and had sex with her twice in his bedroom.

Clinincal psychologist Dr Patrick Randall told the court the 24 year old does not have paedophiliac tendencies but his emotional immaturity means he's drawn to younger children.

The 24 year old is in custody – his sentencing has been put back on a couple of occasions to allow the Probation Service time to assess him.

Taoiseach to meet David Cameron at No 10 Downing Street today 

Their meeting is to discuss the current situation in Northern Ireland and the priorities of Ireland's EU presidency

The meeting between Enda Kenny and David Cameron comes 15 years after the signing of the good friday agreement.

With the 15th anniversary of the signing of the good friday agreement approaching - David Cameron and Enda Kenny meet today to review the situation in Northern Ireland.

They'll discuss the recent violence following the flag demonstrations in Belfast plus other issues on their agenda.