This week’s Manx Independent, we report on a harrowing case concerning a paedophile cricket coach.

One victim came forward only after reading the offender’s name in an earlier court report in one of our papers.

We report more and details of his punishment in the paper.

The lead story on page one is about an MHK’s call for a cut in National Insurance for poorer people. The Treasury Minister doesn’t like that idea. He tells us why.

Also this week:

There’s drama off stage at the Gaiety Theatre as an amateur dramatics group complains about the situation there.

We hear a call from Chris Robertshaw MHK for the island to think about legalising brothels.

On a lighter note, we report on a nativity play acted out by dogs.

A new plantation of 85,000 trees is set to be created near the Meary Veg sewage treatment site in Santon.

The talents of a former St Ninian’s High School pupil have been recognised in front of global fashion icons, including Donatella Versace and Rihanna.

Bespoke pieces of jewellery made by a young Peel artist have been catching the eyes of many across the island, our business pages look at what she’s done.

Two sisters braved the clippers to show their support towards a sibling who is currently going through breast cancer treatment. They show us their shorter hairstyles.

Online gaming company Celton Manx is inviting applications for Recognition 2020, its sponsorship programme offering support to local charities and not-for-profit organisations, with limited resources for promoting and developing their services.

There is a ’real shortage’ of accountants in the island so a new initiative has been launched in a bid to attract more here.

A 24-year-old from Anagh Coar has admitted grabbing his wife by the throat twice and smashing a mirror during a row.

This year’s Primestock Show, organised jointly by the Southern District and Royal Manx Agricultural Societies was pronounced one of the best ever. Julie Blackburn reports in her Food and Farming pages.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture is stepping up patrols at its Christmas tree plots following an incident of vandalism and theft.

Our 16-page Island Life section previews comedian Josh Widdecombe’s show at the weekend.

Another big name coming to the island soon is Ben Elton. A chat with him is on the cover page of our leisure and entertainment section.

Two very different folk dance groups will join together for a concert this weekend. The traditional folk dance groups Rhythm of Bulgaria and the Manx group Perree Bane will perform together on Sunday. More details in Island Life.

The centre pages spread features more than 120 young performers from the Acro Dance Studios in a stunning show packed with both acrobatic and graceful routines.

In sport, Bruce Anstey doesn’t know whether he’ll be able to come to the island for the TT next year.

The last cross-country to be held at the stunning Nunnery Estate took place on Sunday.

There are a total of 12 packed pages of sport.

The Independent also includes your letters, the Isle of Man’s What’s On guide, a page of puzzles, a page of pictures from the past, readers’ photos, a seven-day television guide and lots of community news.

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