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Outrage after shirtless man knocks out 92-year-old woman

<p>In a horrifying broad daylight attack that has shaken the Williamstown community southwest of Melbourne, CCTV footage has captured the moment a shirtless man allegedly knocked a 92-year-old woman unconscious outside a busy shopping centre.</p> <p>The unprovoked incident occurred just after midday, as the elderly woman was walking along Douglas Parade in Williamstown. According to Victoria Police, a shirtless man approached her and suddenly swung his arm, striking her in the head. The blow sent the woman crashing to the pavement, rendering her unconscious.</p> <p>Disturbing CCTV vision shows the man calmly walking away from the scene as the elderly victim lies motionless on the ground. Witnesses can be seen rushing to her aid moments later, with some members of the public reportedly restraining the man until police arrived.</p> <p>Ambulance Victoria confirmed the woman was transported to hospital in a stable condition. Miraculously, her injuries are not considered life-threatening.</p> <p>In a statement later released from her hospital bed, the woman expressed deep gratitude to those who came to her aid.</p> <p>"I wish to thank all those who have been so caring of me," she said. "I remember nothing of the actual incident, but when I woke up, I was surrounded by the police and ambulance and caring onlookers. I wish to thank everyone for their concern. I'm pleased to go home as I have a loving family and supportive friends."</p> <p>The alleged attacker, a 39-year-old man with no fixed address, was arrested on the scene and has since been charged with intentionally causing injury.</p> <p>Police are continuing their investigation and are urging anyone who witnessed the attack or has further footage to come forward.</p> <p><em>Images: Victoria Police</em></p>

Caring

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Jeep plunges into Swan River after wild Perth standoff

<p>A tense morning in Perth's western suburbs exploded into high drama as a police standoff ended with a man deliberately driving a Jeep off Claremont Jetty and into the Swan River, following hours of chaos, confrontation and confusion.</p> <p>The ordeal began around 9am local time (11am AEST), when a black Jeep was seen mounting the Claremont Jetty, its driver erratic and agitated. Within minutes, police had mobilised in force, positioning a squad car to block the only exit and deploying a full-scale response – including Tactical Response Group officers, police negotiators, the canine unit and a hovering police helicopter.</p> <p>Witnesses described a surreal and frightening scene as the driver shouted at police and bystanders, repeatedly revved the engine, and exited the vehicle several times to yell defiantly.</p> <p>“He was revving the car lots, shouting out at the police – I didn’t know what he was going to do,” said witness Cathy Greatrex. “Pretty scary, really.”</p> <p>The man’s mother arrived on the jetty and was seen pleading with her son from behind the police cordon, while officers attempted to de-escalate the situation. Behind the scenes, police had laid down a stinger device and reinforced their blockade with tactical vehicles.</p> <p>Tensions escalated just before midday when the Jeep suddenly lurched forward, ramming the parked police car and pushing it backwards, crumpling the front of the vehicle in a violent display of defiance.</p> <p>Minutes later, the vehicle's rear wheel slipped off the jetty’s edge as the driver reversed. Seizing the moment, he accelerated again – this time with no turning back. In front of stunned onlookers and dozens of officers, the Jeep launched off the end of the jetty and plunged into the Swan River.</p> <p>Within moments, officers rushed to the edge as the vehicle bobbed in the water, partially submerged. The man climbed onto the overturned Jeep before diving back into the water. Police with guns and Tasers drawn quickly surrounded the area.</p> <p>The Tactical Response Group moved in swiftly, pulling the man from the water and carrying him to a waiting ambulance. He was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital under police guard. Authorities confirmed that while his injuries were not believed to be serious, he remains under observation.</p> <p>The motive for the dramatic standoff remains unclear. However, new CCTV footage from nearby Walter Street may offer some clues. Earlier that morning, the same Jeep was captured careening through a residential area.</p> <p>“He literally just came right up, ramped up, knocked my green bin again and missed me – went down this concrete path,” resident Carina Robert said. “I just stood here with my jaw hanging on the ground, and then he turned the corner and there were almighty screeches tearing down the road.”</p> <p>As night fell, questions lingered about what drove the man to such a reckless and dangerous act. No charges have been laid, and police continue to investigate the full circumstances leading up to the event.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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"Repeat offenders": New cameras rake in $30 million in just six months

<p>South Australia’s mobile phone detection cameras have netted more than $30 million in fines in just six months, revealing a staggering level of distracted driving despite a prior grace period.</p> <p>Since the cameras were officially activated on September 19, 2024, police have issued 46,476 fines to motorists caught using their phones behind the wheel. That’s an average of 200 people a day being caught – a drop from the 350 daily detected during the initial warning phase.</p> <p>During the three-month trial period following their mid-2024 introduction, the high-tech cameras sent out 64,454 warning letters. But once enforcement began, authorities wasted no time. In the first three months alone, 28,120 expiation notices were issued. The number dipped slightly in the next quarter, with just over 18,000 further infringements recorded.</p> <p>Superintendent Shane Johnson said while the declining numbers were a positive sign, the prevalence of repeat offenders remained troubling. “The number of repeat offenders has been disappointing, and police continue to investigate these offences,” he said. “Some registered owners have been issued with over 20. That is absolutely a serious concern for us.”</p> <p>Among the most alarming cases was one registered driver who racked up an astonishing 41 fines. In total, 308 drivers received four or more fines during the six-month period.</p> <p>South Australia's Police Minister Stephen Mullighan described the level of mobile phone use among drivers as “unacceptably high” but said the figures highlight the effectiveness of the detection technology.</p> <p>Motorists caught by the cameras face a $556 penalty, a $102 Victims of Crime Levy, and three demerit points. And while South Australia is pushing ahead – with two more detection cameras soon to be deployed – authorities have yet to reveal their locations.</p> <p>However, officials also cautioned that collecting the fines is another challenge altogether. In Queensland, for example, $160 million in seatbelt and mobile phone fines remains unpaid.</p> <p>SA Police used the release of the new data to remind drivers just how dangerous it is to take their eyes off the road – even briefly. “Being distracted by a mobile for two seconds at 60 kilometres an hour means a driver travels 33 metres without their eyes on the road,” a police spokesperson said. “At 100 kilometres an hour, that distance increases to 55 metres.”</p> <p>With enforcement ramping up and new cameras on the way, authorities hope the downward trend continues – and that more drivers will finally put the phone down.</p> <p><em>Images: SA Police</em></p>

Legal

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Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

<p>If you're like me – and most Aussie drivers – I do my best to avoid being pulled over. I check my mirrors, stick to the speed limit (mostly), and keep my rego up to date. But for some "people" out there, the road rules are more of a vague suggestion than a requirement. Enter the sovereign citizen number plate fiasco – because what better way to invite the attention of the cops than slapping an illegal plate on your car?</p> <p>In Adelaide this week, one particularly bold Toyota driver decided to test the limits of both the law and common sense by cruising around with a number plate that simply read "PRIVATE". If that wasn’t enough to get the attention of South Australia Police, the plate also featured the cryptic phrase "Special Trust Security" below that in tiny letter. Because nothing says "totally legitimate vehicle" like an official-looking but entirely made-up title.</p> <p>A sharp-eyed local spotted this masterpiece of vehicular rebellion and did what any responsible citizen would do: posted it online for all of Australia to mock. "What the F are these? Surely not legal?" they asked, unknowingly triggering a flood of gleeful internet ridicule.</p> <p>"They're plates which will guarantee SAPOL will pull them over at their first opportunity," one commenter noted. Others speculated that the driver might be part of the ever-growing "sovereign citizen" movement – a loose collection of legal theorists whose main belief is that laws are just an optional lifestyle choice.</p> <p>SAPOL wasted no time <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-bizarre-number-plate-prompts-933-fine-warning-not-legal-010747837.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirming that these plates were, in fact, highly illegal</a>. Not just "a slap on the wrist" illegal – more like "here's a $933 fine before you even get to say 'but my rights!'" illegal. "These plates appear fake and are not plates that have been issued by SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. Translation: They might as well have written their rego number on a napkin.</p> <p>The online reaction was ruthless. "It’s the best way to show off your dreadful understanding of the law to an already disinterested police officer," one person quipped. Another called it "a sovereign citizen in the wild", while a third dubbed them "please pull me over plates". The internet, as always, did not disappoint.</p> <p>But this isn't a one-off. In 2023, a photo surfaced of a Holden in Queensland sporting an even more outlandish plate. This one featured the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", and even claimed that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine. Extra points for creativity, but again, zero points for legal accuracy. Even more baffling, the plate included a real registration number – in absurdly tiny print. Presumably for that tiny sliver of plausible deniability.</p> <p>While most of us are content to pay our rego and drive without incident, these rogue motorists seem determined to treat traffic laws like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Unfortunately for them, SAPOL isn't in the habit of playing along. So next time you see someone cruising around with an official-looking but entirely nonsensical number plate, just remember – they’re not just driving, they’re providing free entertainment for the rest of us.</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p>

Legal

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Police investigating after pet cavoodle held for ransom

<p>A Sydney family are in shock after being forced to pay a ransom for the return of their beloved cavoodle, Benji, after he was snatched from the street and held for cash in an appalling case of dognapping.</p> <p>Benji, a 10-year-old cavoodle, escaped from his home on Flinders Crescent in Hinchinbrook around 45 minutes west of hte CBD when a tradesman accidentally left a gate open. His desperate owner, Paulina Tran, searched tirelessly, knocking on doors in her neighbourhood and posting urgent appeals on social media.</p> <p>“Our whole family is quite distraught,” Tran <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/missing-cavoodle-snatched-by-stranger-in-sydneys-southwest-reunited-with-owner-after-50-ransom-c-18144581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7NEWS</a>. “My kids have been crying non-stop because we’ve had this dog for 10 years.”</p> <p>A breakthrough came when a neighbour provided CCTV footage showing a man in a dark blue T-shirt and light blue shorts taking Benji off the street several hundred metres from Tran’s home. “He was very distraught. You can hear him on the footage crying,” Tran said of Benji.</p> <p>Another neighbour, who was working from home, witnessed the incident and recalled the man whistling to Benji – a suspicious action since owners typically call their dogs by name. As the community rallied, more people came forward with information, eventually helping identify the man caught on CCTV.</p> <p>Determined to bring Benji home, Tran and her husband confronted the man at his residence, only to be met with a ransom demand.</p> <p>“We approached him and he refused to give us our dog back, saying that we needed to give him money,” Tran recounted. The situation then escalated when the man became aggressive and issued a disturbing threat: “I will skin your dog alive” if they refused to pay.</p> <p>Fearful for Benji’s safety, Tran and her husband reluctantly agreed to hand over a small sum. The man took the money before retrieving Benji, who was returned with a rope tightly secured around his neck.</p> <p>Despite their ordeal, Tran and her husband chose not to take further action after seeing children at the man’s home.</p> <p>“It doesn’t take two bad people to make things right. Just because someone’s bad doesn’t mean you have to be bad to them,” Tran said.</p> <p>In response to inquiries by 7NEWS, NSW Police have confirmed they will be investigating the incident.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook / 7NEWS</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Police warn against idiotic cyclone behaviour

<p>As Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashes powerful storm surges and massive waves along Australia’s coastline, videos have emerged on social media showing people risking their lives for the perfect shot - despite repeated warnings from authorities to stay away from dangerous coastal areas.</p> <p>Footage circulating online captures individuals walking along the shoreline, snapping pictures, and even getting knocked over by monstrous waves. Some videos have amassed hundreds of thousands of views, sparking widespread criticism.</p> <p>One alarming incident occurred at Elephant Rock in Currumbin, where a group of people became trapped at a lookout after massive swells wiped out the road connecting them to the mainland. Viewers of the viral video condemned their reckless actions, with many questioning why they were out sightseeing during such treacherous conditions.</p> <p>Authorities have also reported a missing jet skier on the Gold Coast, heightening concerns about public safety during the storm. Gold Coast Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles expressed his frustration over the situation.</p> <p>“We all need to be a bit more smart about this and ensure that we don’t have any unneeded rescues or potentially worse where we’re looking at fatalities,” he said. “This isn’t a sunset where you can take a nice picture. You’re dealing with Mother Nature at her wildest.”</p> <p>Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates has threatened fines of up to $16,100 for those ignoring safety warnings and engaging in reckless behaviour along the coast. “For all those people that are going down to the beach and standing on the rock walls or on the sand, please stay away,” Gates pleaded on Thursday afternoon.</p> <p>“We’ve been in touch with police today. There’s been some really foolish behaviour, and it’s so important that people stay away from the beach.</p> <p>“We have been declared a disaster zone, which enables police to take action, and anyone performing a reckless action can actually be fined up to $16,100.”</p> <p>She went on to stress the importance of spreading the message widely, hoping to deter further risky actions: “It’s really in an effort to keep people who are a bit stupid, safe. We need to tell them over and over again, stay out of the water. It’s dangerous.”</p> <p>Her concerns were echoed by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, who urged residents to avoid becoming “environmental tourists” during the storm.</p> <p>“Don’t put others in danger because you want to become an environmental tourist or take some of these selfies and put yourself in harm’s way,” he said in a press conference alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns. “Heed the warnings, stay at home and protect your loved ones, and please stay safe.”</p> <p><em>Image: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Flight attendant's act after touchdown divides social media users

<p>A United Airlines flight attendant has copped some flak online for playing the violin after touching down in California. </p> <p>The unnamed crew member welcomed travellers to the Bay Area by playing a cheery tune as people got up to disembark from the flight, and while his performance was met with a round of applause from passengers, others weren't quite as pleased. </p> <p>“It was a definite pleasant surprise and welcome change compared to all the news we hear from airlines these days,” the Redditor captioned the clip of the performance shared online. </p> <p>While some viewers agreed it was “lovely” and “awesome,” others found the behaviour “unsettling,” calling the flight attendant “self-indulgent”.</p> <p>“What a sly move,” one wrote. “He has everyone sitting, captivated by his music, while he slowly walks down the aisle with anyone in his way and exiting the plane first.”</p> <p>“Just because I’m trapped and sitting doesn’t mean I have any desire to be serenaded,” another commented. </p> <p>“This would be annoying as hell,” wrote a third. “Can’t imagine breaking out into song on any instrument on a flight."</p> <p>“Honestly I’d struggle not to tell him to sit down and shut the f**k up,” commented another. </p> <p>However, others jumped to the flight attendant's defence, saying: “Of course super mean people as usual telling him to sit down and shut up." </p> <p>“My guess is he actually likes the passengers and is very friendly and kind,” another added, praising the crew member for trying to "entertain passengers." </p> <p>“Not like he’s making much with working at one of the lowest paying mainlines. Yet he has a good attitude despite it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Reddit</em></p> <p> </p>

Travel Trouble

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Faithful dog's heartbreaking act after owner's death

<p>Heartbreaking images have captured the moment a faithful dog refusing to leave its owner's side after he drowned on a beach in Brazil. </p> <p>The unidentified 40-year-old victim's body was found by residents around 8am on Saturday in Balneário Camboriú. The man was homeless and known for collecting recyclables in the area. </p> <p>Photos from the police investigation showed the pup lying next to his owner's body on the beach, despite it being covered. </p> <p>The footage went viral and captured the hearts of  Allan Tatsch and his wife Lauriane Garghetti, who decided to adopt the pup and named him Scooby. </p> <p>"Welcoming Scooby with open arms," Tatsch wrote on Instagram alongside a picture of the couple and the pup. </p> <p>"He is just a survivor in this world, being faithful to his guardian until his last moments."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgSPKYOf_K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DGgSPKYOf_K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by O Município (@omunicipiobrusque)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple already had two dogs of their own at home, and live in Brusque, just 45 km away from Balneário Camboriú.</p> <p>In an interview with local news outlet, <em>G1 </em>the couple revealed that Scooby had settled into his new home without any issues.</p> <p>"He already seemed to know the place. He was very well received by the other two dogs I have, who are also from shelters that we adopted," Tatsch said. </p> <p>"And he didn't want to leave my wife and I at any time," he added.</p> <p>"He stayed inside the house, snuggled on the couch and spent the night."</p> <p>The couple even set up an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/skoobofiel/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> account for Scooby, sharing updates including Scooby learning new tricks, getting pets and exploring his new neighbourhood. </p> <p>"They are the ones who teach us so much about humanity… more than humans themselves," Garghetti captioned one of the videos. </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

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Man charged with murder one day after police offer $500,000 reward

<p>Coffs Harbour police have charged a 66-year-old man with the murder of Duncan Campbell, one day after announcing a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction.</p> <p>Campbell’s body was discovered just over a year ago on February 12, 2024, in bushland near his campsite on John Champion Way. Initially, authorities did not consider his death suspicious. However, a medical review later revealed that the 58-year-old had been brutally assaulted, prompting a homicide investigation.</p> <p>Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty explained that humid and wet weather conditions had significantly decomposed the body, leading to the initial incorrect assessment of the cause of death. This misjudgment resulted in delays to the murder inquiry.</p> <p>On Tuesday, police issued a public reward of $500,000 for information on the case. Less than 24 hours later, strike force detectives arrested the suspect in Coffs Harbour. The man has been charged with murder and is accused of bludgeoning Campbell to death with a steel pole. He was refused bail and is set to appear in court.</p> <p>Campbell, a father of four and grandfather, had been living in a campsite with other rough sleepers near City Hill before his disappearance. Detective Superintendent Doherty noted that Campbell was well-regarded by those who knew him.</p> <p>"He was a loving father and grandfather," Doherty said. "[He] fell on hard times in recent years that led to him sleeping rough. He was a decent man; there was no criminality from Duncan."</p> <p>Campbell was reported missing by his family after they lost contact with him. Police discovered his body a week later in nearby bushland.</p> <p>Campbell’s murder comes amid a troubling rise in homicide cases in the Coffs Harbour-Grafton region. According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the area recorded five murders in the year ending September 2024 – the highest annual total in the past decade.</p> <p><em>Image: NSW Police</em></p>

Legal

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"RIP brother": Deceased officer found in police station identified

<p>The NSW police officer who was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/officer-found-dead-at-police-station" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead at a Sydney police station early on Monday morning</a> has been identified as Senior Constable Mark Hobson, 52. His body was discovered at Sydney Police Centre on Goulburn Street in Surry Hills.</p> <p>Authorities have revealed that they are now treating his death as a suicide, and a critical investigation is currently underway.</p> <p>Senior Constable Hobson began his policing journey in 1996 when he started training at Goulburn Police Academy at the age of 24. Three years later, he officially joined the force as a probationary constable. Over the course of his career, he spent time working in the State Technical Investigations Branch.</p> <p>His father, Ian, is a retired sergeant, and it is understood that another male relative also served in the police force.</p> <p>NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the station and expressed her condolences.</p> <p>“It was a very sad day for the NSW Police Force,” she said. “Our hearts go out to the officer’s family. Every support will be made available for staff and family affected by this tragedy.”</p> <p>Tributes have since poured in online from colleagues and friends. One former officer who worked alongside Hobson described him as a “nice young man”.</p> <p>“(He was) always helpful (and) assisted operations with major jobs,” he wrote. “RIP brother.”</p> <p>Another tribute expressed deep sorrow: “So, so awful. I just wish he could have seen through the mist.”</p> <p>“It does get better, I promise.”</p> <p>A report will be prepared for the coroner.</p> <p><strong>If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.</strong></p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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How to spot an unmarked police car

<p>Unmarked police cars have been utilised for decades on Aussie roads to patrol people speeding and breaking the rules. </p> <p>Many motorists have been caught red-handed by unmarked police cars, copping fines when they least suspect it. </p> <p>Thankfully, <a href="https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/how-to-spot-an-unmarked-australian-police-car/?utm_source=Nine-Front-Page&utm_medium=Referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drive.com.au</a> has shared some helpful tips to spot an unmarked cop car amongst a sea of other vehicles. </p> <p>Unmarked police cars differ from 'undercover' police vehicles, in that they are often equipped with more traffic enforcement equipment such as number plate scanners, speed detection, large antennas for communication, and more lights.</p> <p>Australian Highway Patrol has long used these vehicles, with a spokesperson for the NSW Police Force telling <em>Drive</em> it's part of its "anytime, anywhere" campaign.</p> <div> <p>"The NSW Police Force continues to place a huge focus on road safety and has a number of strategies in place to ensure the roads of NSW are safer for the community. NSWPF utilises both marked and unmarked vehicles to maintain an anytime, anywhere approach to policing activities," said the NSWPF spokesperson.</p> </div> <div> <p>This approach has garnered mixed reactions online, with many people believing that the presence of a police car can prompt people to obey the road rules. </p> <p>"The thing is, I don't believe unmarked cop cars do anything to increase road safety. Whereas a marked police car on the road definitely does," said one Reddit user.</p> <p>Unmarked police cars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are a few key differences that make them stand out.</p> <p>The main thing to look out for is the type of car used, as Highway Patrol vehicles need to be capable of engaging in a pursuit and handling well. For this reason, state police services will often opt for performance-based vehicles.</p> <p>The most common vehicles found in and around cities are the Chrysler 300 SRT, BMW 5 Series (wagon and sedan), BMW X5 M Sport, Kia Stinger, BMW M3 and, in some cases, Subaru WRX.</p> <p>Licence plates can also be a dead giveaway for unmarked cars, as they will use standard-issue plates rather than slim-line or special-edition sets.</p> <p>Another way to spot unmarked police cars is where they have extra lights placed in their vehicles. </p> <div> <p>If you have particularly good eyesight, you will be able to see the small rectangles in the vehicle's grille; these are the emergency lights.</p> </div> <p> </p> <div> <p>Victorian police are known to place the emergency lights on either side of the rear licence plate.</p> <p>Most other states will also have emergency lights placed in the front and rear windows.</p> <div> <p>Antennas are another obvious giveaway for police vehicles, as Highway Patrol vehicles need to be constantly connected to the network, even in low/no service zones to access the registry and police database.</p> </div> <p> </p> <div> <p>You will frequently see one or more large antennas either on the front or the rear of the vehicles.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> </div> </div> </div>

Legal

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Ed Sheeran scolded by police over "illegal" busking

<p>Ed Sheeran has been awkwardly scolded by police in India who demanded he shut down a free street performance. </p> <p>While on tour in India, the British singer-songwriter set up on the side of a road to perform stripped-back versions of his biggest hits, attracting a crowd in the city of Bengaluru. </p> <p>It was initially alleged that the singer didn't get permission to stage a public show and was collared by Cubbon Park Police.</p> <p>With the awkward moment captured on video, Sheeran was approached by police while he was singing his hit song <em>Shape of You</em>.</p> <p>The officer then proceeded to unplug his microphone, much to the dismay of fans watching on. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF162nnybeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF162nnybeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Binge Me (@bingemetv)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Sheeran later took to Instagram to explain the situation, saying he was allowed to be busking in the city.</p> <p>He said, “We had permission to busk btw, hence us playing in that exact spot. (It) was planned out before, it wasn’t just us randomly turning up.”</p> <p>Fans of the star took to social media to lash out at police, with one remarking, “We live in an uncleocracy. And there’s nothing uncles love more than to stop young people from having fun."</p> <p>The incident even reached the country’s politicians, with PC Mohan, a local MP from the ruling BJP party, saying on social media that “even global stars must follow local rules – no permit, no performance!”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

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"People need answers": Police issue statement on anniversary of Samantha Murphy's disappearance

<p>Friends and family of Samantha Murphy have gathered to mark the one year anniversary of her disappearance. </p> <p>The 51-year old mother from Ballarat was last seen on February 4th 2024 when she left her home at 7am to go for a run. </p> <p>When she failed to return home for an event, an investigation into her disappearance was launched.</p> <p>One month after her disappearance, a now 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with one count of murder.</p> <p>Ballarat man Patrick Orren Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder over the disappearance of Murphy, electing to fast-track his trial.</p> <p>"I think people need answers," Councillor Samantha McIntosh told <em>9News</em>. "The family need answers. Sam's friends need answers."</p> <p>On Monday, detectives reaffirmed their vow to find Murphy's body following a year of exhaustive searches.</p> <p>Police said the investigation into the location of Murphy's body is still ongoing, with Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan saying the search this year will now widen to the Ballarat area, including new areas tipped off from sources.</p> <p>"Since Samantha's disappearance, police have worked tirelessly to locate her. While nothing can erase their grief and loss, being able to return Samantha to her family has always been incredibly important to us," Detective Dunstan said.</p> <p>"We also know that Samantha's death has had an enormous impact on the Ballarat community, as well as the wider Victorian community."</p> <p>"I want to reaffirm to the community that the Missing Persons Squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha – while a year has passed, we still believe we can locate her."</p> <p>"We also ask people who may be using these areas, particularly in the Enfield State Forest, to be aware of their surroundings and if they believe they may have come across Samantha's remains to contact police immediately," he added.</p> <p>"There is nothing we want more than to return Samantha to her family and we remain committed to doing this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

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RSPCA investigates Perth man over "distressing" act

<p>Wildlife experts are outraged after a Perth man allegedly attacked a swan by lifting it from the water and over his head during Australia Day. </p> <p>In the video posted to Instagram, the man appears to jump from a boat to the swan and lifts the bird by its legs up and out of the water while his friends cheer. </p> <p>WA Seabird Rescue, a not-for-profit rescue group, was informed of the video and have since passed it onto the RSPCA. </p> <p>“Here in the Mandurah estuary, we do have a large population of black swans, and they are very humanised, so unfortunately, people feed them, which means they often come up to the boat,” rescue volunteer Rachel Olsen said. </p> <p>"Two swans had approached the boat, and one of the blokes jumped from the boat onto the swan," she added. </p> <p>“We invest a lot of time and energy to try and do what we can for our native wildlife, and it is distressing that we do see huge increases in these types of behaviours over school holidays and public holidays,” the rescue volunteer continued. </p> <p>She said that these types of incidents unnecessarily added to an already busy time for the wildlife group. </p> <p>“We had four black swans that were hooked and entangled in one week over Christmas,” she said. </p> <p>The RSPCA have since released a statement saying that they are investigating the report. </p> <p>“RSPCA WA had received a report about an alleged incident involving a swan on the Mandurah estuary and is investigating,” a spokesman said.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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TikTok influencer arrested after sick act to boost followers

<p>A Queensland TikTok influencer has been arrested after being accused of poisoning a one-year-old girl for her own benefit. </p> <p>The 34-year-old Sunshine Coast woman allegedly gave several unauthorised prescription and pharmacy medicines to the young girl, resulting in her falling ill. </p> <p>"While the child was being subject to immense distress and pain, it is alleged the woman filmed and posted videos of the child," police said in a statement.</p> <p>"It is alleged the content produced exploited the child and was used to entice monetary donations and online followers."</p> <p>Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the little girl was already in hospital with a genuine illness, when medical staff suspected that something was wrong. </p> <p>On January 7, they tested her for unauthorised medicines, and found that the result was positive. </p> <p>Police allege the medicines were given to the one-year-old girl between August 6 and October 15 last year. </p> <p>"There are no words to describe just how repulsive offences of this nature are," Dalton said.</p> <p>"There is no excuse for hurting a child, particularly one so young."</p> <p>The woman is accused of raising around $60,000 through GoFundMe, with Dalton confirming that they are working towards returning the money to those who have donated. </p> <p>"We've been dealing with GoFundMe, I understand through my investigators that they are making attempts to repay that money to the people through the kindness of their heart who have donated that money," Dalton said.</p> <p>"We will be seeking that money back in restitution should she be convicted at a later date," Dalton said.</p> <p>He also confirmed that the young girl and her siblings are "safe"  and "the child's going well" but did not reveal who was caring for them. </p> <p>The woman has been charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material and fraud.</p> <p>She remains in custody and has been denied bail. </p> <p><em>Image: Queensland Police</em></p> <p> </p>

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Karl Stefanovic's missing daughter sparks major police search

<p>Karl Stefanovic's four-year-old daughter has been found after she went missing for one stressful hour from his Sunshine Beach home. </p> <p>On Wednesday afternoon, Stefanovic was spotted chatting with police officers outside his Noosa residence, after young Harper was nowhere to be seen. </p> <p>She was missing for over an hour with all family members frantically looking in the surrounding beach and bushland, with local Surf Life Savers also assisting in the search.</p> <p>According to the <em>Daily Mail</em>, Stefanovic even got on his Vespa scooter and darted around town searching for Harper and asking locals if they had seen her. </p> <p>“Harper went missing for a short time and we feared the absolute worst because no one could find her,” Stefanovic told The <em><a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/police-helicopter-called-in-after-karl-stefanovics-daughter-vanishes/news-story/c57007a819e9fadc15bb8e121b46ea41" target="_self" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="c57007a819e9fadc15bb8e121b46ea41" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev">Daily Telegraph</a></em>.</p> <p>“I called the police because she couldn’t be found inside or around the house and our priority is her safety.”</p> <p>However Harper was found inside Stefanovic’s house, “curled up asleep underneath a chair where no one could possibly have hidden,” he said.</p> <p>Stefanovic thanked Noosa Heads police and the local community for their swift efforts in locating Harper.</p> <p>“We are so grateful for the support we received from Noosa Heads police department and the community around us. They all handled our distress and the outcome incredibly professionally.”</p> <p>While the situation “resolved itself quickly”, Stefanovic told the publication it had been his “worst nightmare”.</p> <p>As for the four year-old, whose only worry was if she would be in trouble with Santa just seven sleeps from Christmas Day, Stefanovic said, “(We’ve) have promised Harper Santa won’t find out. But somehow I think he knows.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

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Disgraced former cop launches legal action against NSW Police

<p>The disgraced former cop who was found guilty of manslaughter over the fatal tasering of a 95-year-old has launched an appeal to get his job back with the NSW Police. </p> <p>Former constable Kristian White faced an eight-day trial in November over the death of Clare Nowland, who White tasered in a nursing home last May. </p> <p>The deliberations lasted four days before the jury found Mr White guilty of unlawfully killing Mrs Nowland either by way of criminal negligence or a dangerous or criminal act.</p> <p>Just days after the guilty verdict, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb dismissed White from the police force. </p> <p>“Today I have determined that I do not have confidence in the officer’s suitability to continue as a police officer,” Commissioner Webb said in a statement at the time.</p> <p>“Accordingly, I have removed him from the NSW Police Force and he has been advised via his legal counsel.”</p> <p>On Monday, it was revealed Mr White had launched legal action against Commissioner Webb with the state’s Industrial Relations Commission, with the intention of having his job with the NSW Police reinstated. </p> <p>“NSW Police have been advised a former officer who was attached to Monaro PD, has filed in the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales an application for review under s 181E of the Police Act 1990,” NSW police said in a statement on Monday. </p> <p>“Given the matter is before the IRC no further comment can be made.”</p> <p>Mr White’s hearing, with the case name Kristian James Samuel White v Commissioner of Police, is listed for December 19th. </p> <p><em>Image credits: ABC News South East NSW: Floss Adams/ news.com.au</em></p> <p> </p>

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