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Police share major update on woman's lawnmower death

The death of Frances Crawford is now being treated as suspicious, more than two months after she tragically <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-officially-declare-woman-s-lawnmower-death-suspicious" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a>. The 49-year-old was found dead on an Upper Lockyer property in Queensland shortly before 4am on July 30th, with paramedics initially reporting the incident as a "mower rollover". However, as the investigation into her death continues, police have now alleged that she was murdered. “Investigations are underway by the Crime and Intelligence Command Homicide Group and Gatton Criminal Investigation Branch into the circumstances that lead to her death,” Regional Crime Coordinator Detective Superintendent George Marchesini said. Superintendent Marchesini said several lines of inquiry were being pursued by homicide detectives, while forensic testing and analysis of how Ms Crawford ended up in that location remain under investigation. One of the lines of inquiry being pursued involve the alleged relationship Frances' husband Robert had with “multiple women”. “We believe there were women who were involved in relationships with Mr Crawford who may have information about Mrs Crawford that will assist with this investigation,” Superintendent Marchesini said. “Mr Crawford may have met these women on dating applications, and through his personal and professional life.” nvestigators revealed Mr Crawford had connected with women in Italy, United States of America, Papua New Guinea, Guam, Afghanistan, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand and every state in Australia bar South Australia and Tasmania. “We are particularly interested in speaking with people who knew of Frances or Robert Crawford and their personal circumstances, including their marriage,” Superintendent Marchesini continued. According to police, Mr Crawford was at the property on the night his wife died and has been assisting police since her death, and has not been charged. Superintendent Marchesini said a number of people had provided information since the last public appeal. “The past few months have been extremely challenging for Frances’s family and her children, who are desperate for answers, and it’s time for those with information, no matter how small, to come forward,” Superintendent Marchesini said. Anyone with information that can assist with investigations and who had connections with the address or Mrs Frances Crawford or Mr Robert Crawford, as a couple or outside of the marriage, is encouraged to come forward and contact police. Image credits: Crawford Family / 7News

Legal

Police commissioner faces his son's killer in court

The South Australian police commissioner has faced the young man accused of killing his son in a hit and run in an Adelaide court, sharing an emotional statement about his family's grief. Randhawa, 19, was behind the wheel when he struck Charlie Stevens, 18, who was out celebrating schoolies with his friends. Randhawa has pleaded guilty to aggravated driving without due care and leaving an accident scene after causing death, as Charlie died from his irreversible brain injuries following the crash. “Not a single day goes by when we don’t talk about Charlie, when we don’t talk about him together, there is not a day when we don’t shed a tear thinking about our son and how much we miss him,” Commissioner Grant Stevens said. “Charlie would have been 19 on the 28th of April this year, but instead of celebrating it, it took all our efforts just to get through the day. And we know that that grief is with us for the rest of our lives.” Mr Stevens then addressed Randhawa directly as he said, “We acknowledge you have taken responsibility for what you have done and we are sure this has been difficult for you.” “But you get to move on and the people close to you still have you in their lives. We don’t have Charlie and we want you to remember that.” Charlie’s sister Sophie Tregloan also addressed Randhawa, saying, “Do I hate you? Yes, I absolutely do – but what I hate most is what you’ve taken from myself and my family.” “You have taken so much from us in a split second dumb decision. It’s Charlie’s heart I will miss the most. He was kind, inclusive of all, a pillar of strength.” Randhawa then delivered an emotional apology to the Stevens’ family, saying, “You’re always on my mind and so is Charlie and you will be forever.” “There’s so much I’d like to say but mostly I want to say I’m sorry, and I’m sorry Charlie.” Judge Joanne Tracey is still considering an appropriate sentence for Randhawa, who is out on bail. Image credits: SA Police / Facebook

Family & Pets

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

Police have revealed the body of a Queensland grandmother has been found 800km from home in bushland near a main tourist area. Wendy Hansen, 63, was last seen at an ATM in her hometown Monto - about 170km west of Bundaberg, Queensland - on February 29 this year. She was reported missing when she didn't return home, with police finding CCTV footage of her driving 400km south on Queensland's main highway on February 29. Queensland Police continued their public push for information in the months that followed, but on Thursday, NSW police revealed that they found her body half buried in bushland near Jordan Esplanade in Coffs Harbour on June 18. NSW homicide detectives are now looking for her vehicle, a silver 2007 two-door Mitsubishi Pajero with Queensland registration plates 645TCZ. In a statement on Thursday, NSW detectives appealed to the public for help with finding her car. "As investigations continue detectives are appealing to the public for any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," they said. "Detectives are specifically interested in the location of Wendy’s car which has not yet been located and are urging anyone with dashcam vision of the car to contact police immediately." Images: NSW Police

Caring

Police issue AVO to protect Larry Emdur

Larry Emdur has had an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) taken out to protect him, days after he won the Gold Logie. The order has been taken out by NSW police on behalf of the TV host against a Victorian man, who allegedly attempted to gain access to the Channel Seven office on Central Ave, Eveleigh on Thursday August 22 at around 11.15am. According to the Daily Telegraph, the man "allegedly walked into the Central Ave building, past a security desk and got into a lift before demanding to see the much loved TV host." The publication also reported that police issued the AVO as they were concerned for Emdur's safety. “Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command attended and spoke with a 52-year-old man who had been escorted from the building by security,” NSW Police said in a statement. The man was arrested and taken to hospital for assessment before he was then taken to Surry Hills Police Station. He was charged with trespass and possession of a prohibited drug. The man faced Downing Centre Local Court where he was granted conditional bail and is due to reappear on September 5. His conditions include not entering Central Ave, the suburb of Haymarket, or within 200m of the Channel 7 office. The 52-year-old has also been ordered to report to Redfern Police Station daily. Court records show the AVO protecting Emdur is set to be mentioned in court on September 16. The arrest came just days after Emdur took the top award at the 2024 Logies on August 18. Images: Larry Emdur/Instagram

Legal

Who let the wrong dog out? Dad's hilarious doggy daycare blunder

Leigh Terrell entrusted her dad to pick her dog up from daycare. Little did she know that the pup he had with him was not hers, and now the moment she realised her dog had been left behind at the daycare has gone viral. "This is what happens when you let a man pick up your dog from daycare," she captioned the post shared on <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@leigh.terrell/photo/7403459903190289695" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a>. She shared a series of text messages between her and her dad, after he sent her a picture of the dog he collected, to which she replied: "Let me see his face haha that doesn't look like him." She then jokingly sent a follow up text saying: "make sure you got the right dog," with no idea that he actually collected the wrong dog. Her dad then sent another photo of the dog, now facing him, and wrote: "His collar [is] on," and that was the moment it clicked for Terrell. "That's not my dog dad. That is not Archie, you need to go back and switch him out," she replied. It appeared that both dad and the daycare had mixed up the two dogs who looked pretty similar. The father then replied with a photo of Archie, to which Terrell replied: "Alright that's my dog thanks." The video has racked up over 4 million views, and many were amused at the dad's blunder. "The way the first dog is looking out the window for his real dad, too," one user wrote. Another joked: "I'm imagining the first dog thinking 'my name is NOT Archie' as your dad tries to get his attention for a pic lmao." "The way your dad didn't reply, I bet he was panicking and thinking he did not just dognap someone's baby," another wrote. "That dog knew he wasn't supposed to be there" another joked. Images: TikTok

Family & Pets

Police officially declare woman's lawnmower death "suspicious"

Frances Crawford, 49, was found dead on an Upper Lockyer property in Queensland shortly before 4am on Tuesday, with paramedics initially reporting the incident as a "mower rollover". But on Thursday Queensland police provided an update on the investigation, and are now treating her death as suspicious – with Frances' husband the focus of the investigation. “A 49-year-old woman was located with critical injuries and passed away at the scene,” police said. “Further investigations have led police to deem the death as suspicious and investigations are underway into the circumstances.” Police are still waiting on the results of forensics testing. Crawford was a dedicated psychologist at Quality Life Psychology Services in the Toowoomba suburb of Kearneys Spring. Her colleagues have expressed their shock over her untimely death and paid tribute to their team member. “We remember Frances Crawford as a very skilled psychologist and valued and respected team member in the Quality Life Psychology Services family,” the clinic said in a statement. “Frances was a true professional and was highly regarded by her clients and colleagues. “At this time, we are all still stunned and coming to terms at the news of her untimely demise, and we extend to her immediate and church families our most sincere condolences. “Frances will be sorely missed by all.” Her grieving family also paid tribute in a statement shared on Thursday afternoon. “Frances had a loving heart and she always saw the best in others,” they wrote. “She cared deeply about the people around her and put their needs before her own.” Her family said her “gentle grace and compassionate nature” will be missed by all who knew her, especially her church and work families. “God was at the centre of Frances’ life,” they wrote. “She loved Jesus, and it is a great comfort to her family and friends that she is now at peace in heaven.” “A wonderful wife and mother to three fantastic children, a treasured daughter, sister and niece, a loyal and valued friend, and a professional psychologist whose caring nature and years of training allowed her to look after so many others during their time of need,” they said. “Frances gave fully and freely of herself, a beautiful soul inside and out. “She was a truly special person whose passing is a tragedy and the ripples of which are only just beginning to be felt.” Images: Crawford Family/ 7NEWS

Caring

Police officer charged after allegedly punching 70-year-old woman

A Victorian police officer has been stood down from duty after he allegedly punched a 70-year-old woman while in hospital. Sylvia Villani was being treated at the Northern Hospital in April when the alleged assault took place, and she said it came out of nowhere. "I threw a bit of bread on the ground. I had my leg in a plaster," Villani told 9News. "I was in a wheelchair and he punched me," she claimed. After the alleged attack, she sustained a broken eye socket. "I can't walk, I can't sit, I'm buggered," she said. "I don't know why he did it. "I did call him some nasty names, I wasn't happy, (but) I didn't deserve it." Villani's son, Rick, told 9News that he was only alerted about the incident after receiving a call from doctors who told him that three police officers went to the hospital for a separate incident before his mother was allegedly assaulted. He claimed that his family has been left in the dark. "I know my mum's got mental health, and she's not perfect," he said. "They've treated me, my wife and my mother with no respect." Victoria Police have stood down the 26-year-old male officer who was on duty when the incident occurred, after an internal investigation. The officer has been charged with one count of recklessly causing injury and will appear before court on September 9. Images: Nine

Caring

Why do dogs have different coats? Experts explain – and give grooming tips for different types

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-hazel-402495">Susan Hazel</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Dog hair comes in many varieties, from shaggy to short, curly to straight. If you live with a dog, you live with their hair – on your couch, in your clothes, it’s everywhere! Beyond colour, have you ever wondered what’s behind the differences in coat type? We actually know quite a lot about why dogs have different coats, and it comes down to their genes. <h2>What are the main coat types in dogs?</h2> The three main features of dog coats are how long the hairs are, whether they are curly or straight, and whether they have extra flourishes. The flourishes are called “furnishings”, and can include a hairy moustache and shaggy eyebrows. Combinations of these three features result in seven different coat types in dogs: short, wire, wire and curly, long, long with furnishings, curly, and curly with furnishings. We know from a <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1177808">study of more than 1,000 dogs with varying coats</a> that differences in only three genes are responsible for this variety. The gene responsible for long hair (called FGF5) is <a href="https://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/basics/patterns">recessive</a>, meaning dogs must have two copies of the mutated gene to have long hair. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1402862111">In humans</a>, the same gene has been identified in families with excessively long eyelashes. Curly coats in dogs are related to a gene called <a href="https://www.pawprintgenetics.com/products/tests/details/173/">KRT71</a>, which affects keratin, a protein involved in hair formation. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2974189/">Mutations in this gene</a> in cats result in hairless (Sphynx) or curly-haired (Devon Rex) breeds. The gene responsible for furnishings (<a href="https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/rspo2/">RSPO2</a>) is involved in establishing hair follicles. <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-follicle">Hair follicles</a> are small pockets in the skin that grow hair. Variations in these three genes could explain the coat type in most (but not all!) of the dogs tested. For example, the long coat of the Afghan hound is not explained by these three genes. Further study is needed to identify less common mutations and genes controlling the coat in these dogs. The earliest dog breeds would have been short-haired, as a result of the “wild-type” genes. Later changes would have arisen through mutation and deliberate selection <a href="https://theconversation.com/managing-mutations-of-a-species-the-evolution-of-dog-breeding-96635">through modern breeding practices</a>. If all three mutations are present, the dog has a long, curly coat with furnishings. An example is the Bichon Frisé. <h2>What else varies in dog coats?</h2> Dog coat types can also be single or double. In a double-coated breed such as a Labrador, there is a longer coarse layer of hairs and a softer and shorter undercoat. Wolves and ancestral dogs are single-coated, and the double coat is a result of a <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4425/10/5/323">mutation in chromosome 28</a>. In the Labrador, the mutation was probably selected for as they were bred to <a href="https://www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2023/exec/0525n07/">retrieve fishing nets in Canada</a>. The double coat is a great insulator and helps them to stay warm, even in icy water. <h2>Why does it matter what kind of coat a dog has?</h2> We know with climate change our world is going to get hotter. Dogs with a double coat are less able to tolerate heat stress, as their hair prevents heat loss. In a study of dogs <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/avj.13296">suffering heat-related illness</a>, most of the 15 breeds at higher risk had double coats. The death rate in these dogs was 23%. We can only imagine how it must feel going out on a 40 degree day wearing a thick fur coat. Dogs with a double coat shed more hair than dogs with a single coat. This means even short-haired breeds, like the Labrador retriever, can shed an astonishing amount of hair. If you can’t tolerate dog hair, then a dog with a double-coat may not suit you. When we think of wool we think of sheep, but in the past <a href="https://www.si.edu/stories/woolly-dog-mystery-unlocked">woolly dogs were kept for their wool</a> that was <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adi6549">woven by Indigenous groups</a> and used to make blankets. A dog’s coat also affects how much time and effort is needed for grooming. Dogs with long or curly hair with furnishings are likely to need more time invested in their care, or visits to a professional groomer. Designer dogs (cross-bred dogs often crossed with a poodle, such as groodles), are likely to be curly with furnishings. In a US study, people with designer dogs reported meeting their dogs’ maintenance and grooming requirements was <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/12/23/3247">much harder than they expected</a>. It’s not just bank balances and the time needed that can suffer. If people are unable to cope with the demands of grooming long-haired dogs, lack of grooming can cause welfare problems. A study of animal cruelty cases in New York found <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2022.827348/full">13% involved hair matting</a>, with some hair mats causing strangulation wounds and 93% of affected dogs having long hair. <h2>How can you prevent problems?</h2> If you have a curly- or long-haired breed of dog, it will help to train them to like being brushed from an early age. You can do this by counter-conditioning so they have a positive emotional response to being groomed, rather than feeling anxious. First show the brush or lightly brush them, then give them a treat. They learn to associate being brushed with something positive. If you take your dog to the groomer, it’s very important their first experience is positive. A scary or painful incident will make it much more difficult for future grooming. Is your dog difficult to groom or hard to get out of the car at the groomers? It’s likely grooming is scary for them. Consulting a dog trainer or animal behaviourist who focuses on positive training methods can help a lot. Keeping your dog well groomed, no matter their hair type, will keep them comfortable. More important than looking great, feeling good is an essential part of dogs living their best lives with us.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/232480/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/susan-hazel-402495">Susan Hazel</a>, Associate Professor, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mia-cobb-15211">Mia Cobb</a>, Research Fellow, Animal Welfare Science Centre, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-melbourne-722">The University of Melbourne</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-dogs-have-different-coats-experts-explain-and-give-grooming-tips-for-different-types-232480">original article</a>. </div>

Family & Pets

Police Commissioner opens up about his son's tragic death

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and his wife Emma have opened up on their heart-breaking loss, sharing how they are still grieving the loss of their son eight months after his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/police-commissioner-s-son-killed-during-schoolies-week" target="_blank" rel="noopener">tragic passing</a>. Charlie Stevens was celebrating schoolies when he was killed in a hit-and-run accident, causing a brain injury that he wouldn't wake up from. He died a day after the accident on November 17th 2023 and was just 18 years old. Now, his distraught parents have spoken candidly about their last moments with their son. "It was good to spend time with him, but the hardest thing was leaving for the last time," Grant told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/charlie-stevens-south-australias-police-commissioner-opens-up-about-young-sons-tragic-death/c1ceaf2c-c2a4-492d-998e-1cc5e32ed29b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>. Through tears, Emma shared her last words to her youngest born. "I just said, 'I love you. You're my baby, and you always will be'," she said. "You know, that's just ... it's devastating," Grant added. <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/C9I8g22yZfs/?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/C9I8g22yZfs/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by 60 Minutes Australia (@60minutes9)</a> </div> </blockquote> The commissioner and his wife shared that it was not difficult to forgive the young man who caused the death of their son, as the driver, Dhirren Randhawa, was only 18 years old as well. "I think being a parent, being a mum of an 18-year-old, they're not that smart. They're 18," Emma said. "And I look at it and I think it also could have been Charlie." Randhawa, who had no alcohol or drugs in his system at the time of the crash, was initially charged with causing death by dangerous driving, aggravated driving without due care, leaving the scene of a crash after death and failing to truly answer questions but, in reaching a plea deal, has admitted to a charge of aggravated driving without due care and leaving the scene of a crash. His admission of guilt to those two lesser charges has avoided the pain of going to trial, and instead faces court again next month for sentencing. Randhawa wrote a letter to the Stevens' apologising for his actions that caused the loss of their son, as Emma said, "And he’s written it, and that it’s words from an 18-year-old. I don’t think he’s been sat down and told what to write." “I think it’s him. In fact, I’m not so sure Charlie would be able to write something quite as good as that.” Grant added, "We're grateful that Dhirren has pleaded guilty. It gives us some understanding of his acceptance of his responsibility." "We appreciate it, we appreciate the fact that he's given us that apology." After Charlie's death, Grant and Emma asked mourners to channel their grief into donations for Operation Flinders, an outback adventure therapy program that has helped 10,000 at-risk teenagers. The response to Grant and Emma's request has been overwhelming, with close to $220,000 so far raised in Charlie's name. "He had an impact on so many, so many people but this is a way that he will continue to have a really positive impact on kids who will never even know about him," Grant proudly said. Image credits: 60 Minutes

Family & Pets

Woman dies after police fail to respond to 000 call in time

A delayed police response is under investigation after a woman in her 40s died when police officers took almost an hour to respond to a 000 call. Sarah Miles, a mother-of-three from Byron Bay, died after she was allegedly beaten by her boyfriend in her home on Saturday morning. A triple-0 call was made at 1:30am after neighbours reportedly heard screams coming from the house, but NSW Police didn’t acknowledge the call until 2:25am. By the time they arrived on the scene, they found Miles fighting for life in her final moments. She was unconscious but breathing, with “obvious injuries” to her head caused by a physical assault, NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said. “Police assisted her and called for an ambulance immediately (which) arrived very shortly after, but unfortunately, her condition deteriorated, and she died at the scene,” McKenna said. “The delay in the timing of police acknowledging that call and attending the scene has given me enough concern that I’ve asked for an independent review of this investigation as to what that delay was and if it was justified." “We want to see what happened from the time that call was made, how the radio operator dispatched that call, the circumstances around the timings until it was acknowledged and until police attended.” The NSW Police Homicide Squad is working separately with local officers to investigate Miles’ death. McKenna said the force takes domestic violence very seriously and the issue is at the “top of our priority list”. “It is one of the most serious crimes there is, and we will do everything we can to take this as seriously as we can and make sure people are held to account and put before the courts,” he said. Miles's partner, Dwayne John Creighton, 31, was arrested at the scene and taken to Lismore Police Station, where he was charged with one count of murder. Image credits: 7News

Legal

Winner of the World's Ugliest Dog Contest announced

The annual World's Ugliest Dog contest has unearthed some true diamonds in the ruff, with one long-tongued frizz-ball being honoured with the title of the ugliest dog in the world. At the Sonoma-Marin Fair in Petaluma, California, an eight-year-old Pekingese called Wild Thang was crowned the winner and collected the $5,000 cash prize, after failing to take home the prize five years in a row. "He was a fan favorite … he's kind of like the bridesmaid and never the bride," judge Fiona Ma told the Associated Press. "He really tugged at our heart strings and deserved to win." Wild Thang's strange looks stem from a virus he contracted as a puppy that almost killed him, but instead left him with permanent damage. As a result, his teeth never developed, so his tongue flops out, and his right front leg paddles all the time. "He's never had a hair cut so that is the way he is and [his owner] shaves his stomach and he likes to sleep on ice packs," Ma added. "He is just a sweet dog – I was just holding him and he loves to be held and cuddled. That's part of it, these rescue dogs, they just need forever homes, so please adopt, don't shop." Organisers stressed that the contest is not about making fun of the unusual looking dogs, "but having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!" Image credits: JOHN G MABANGLO/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Family & Pets

Alleged killer cop files lawsuit against NSW Police

The former police officer accused of murder has now filed a lawsuit against the NSW Police for bullying and harassment. Former NSW Police senior constable Beau Lamarre-Condon is accused of shooting Jesse Baird, 26, and his partner Luke Davies, 29, at Baird’s Paddington house in February and disposing of the bodies on a rural property near Goulburn. While still awaiting trial over the alleged murders, the suit against the police force has been filed, with Sunrise newsreader Edwina Bartholomew sharing the updates. “The defence lawyer for accused killer cop Beau Lamarre-Condon says his client is continuing with a lawsuit against the NSW Police Force for bullying and harassment while he was a constable,” Bartholomew said. Lamarre-Condon's lawyer John Walford confirmed the move to <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/subscribe/news/1/?sourceCode=DTWEB_WRE170_a_TCA&dest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.dailytelegraph.com.au%2Ftruecrimeaustralia%2Fpolice-courts-nsw%2Fchilling-unseen-photos-of-beau-lamarrecondon-cosying-up-with-exlover-he-allegedly-killed%2Fnews-story%2F4fdbac4f0dac6d7ea38b3094e808e3ab&memtype=anonymous&mode=premium&v21=LOW-Segment-1-SCORE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph</a>, saying, “Yes, action against police is continuing … it’s huge.” The former officer has been in protective custody at the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater in Sydney's west for the past four months and sources close to the 28-year-old say his mental state is deteriorating. "He's not doing real well at the moment," a source told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13471215/Beau-Lamarre-Condon-Chilling-pictures-accused-killer-Jesse-Baird-Luke-Davies.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a> in April. "Obviously it's set in now - what's happened and the allegations and where he is. I think the rot's set in mentally-wise. He's at a low point at the moment. He's very down. He's hit the lows." Lamarre-Condon is expected to front court again on June 18th. Image credits: 7News / Shutterstock

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"Repeatedly ignored": Daughter of Perth gunman breaks her silence

The daughter of the Perth man who has been accused of murdering a 59-year-old woman and her 18-year-old daughter has broken her silence. Mark Bombara <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/the-most-gorgeous-family-tributes-flow-for-slain-mother-and-daughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">shot and killed</a> Jennifer Petelczyc and her youngest daughter Gretl at their home in Floreat, Western Australia, on Friday afternoon while searching for his ex-wife before taking his own life. Now, his daughter Ariel has released a powerful statement sharing how she repeatedly warned police of the danger he posed as a licensed firearms holder, admitting that her and her mother had feared for their lives. "We were ignored by five different male officers across three occasions of reporting," Ms Bombara said. "By that point we felt completely helpless and I had to focus on getting mum to safety." "I did everything I could to protect my mother, and when my father couldn't find us he murdered her best friend and her best friend's daughter." Ms Bombara explained that her and her mother fled their family home on March 28th, "in fear of our lives and to remove ourselves from an abusive situation", and over the span of four days, contacted police three times to notify them about her father's gun collection. "I felt there was a real and imminent threat to our lives," she said. "I specifically mentioned that there was a Glock handgun which was unaccounted for," Ms Bombara said. "My understanding is this ultimately would be one of the weapons my father used take the lives of two innocent women." She was adamant that the deaths of Jennifer and Gretl Petelczyc were "an act of domestic violence". "My mother and I made clear that lives were at risk, and we were repeatedly ignored. Repeatedly failed. Those failures have cost the lives of two incredible women." "My father should always be considered accountable for his actions. They were his and his alone, however, there are authorities who should have helped us stop him, and they failed." "I want answers." Following the deaths of Ms Petelczyc and her daughter, WA Police did not classify them as domestic violence-related. A police spokesperson said in a statement, "Police have always accepted that the motivation for these crimes were family and domestic violence (FDV) related, however the crimes committed were murder, and ultimately the contributing factors will be a matter for the coroner to consider." Image credits: ABC News / 9News

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Police appeal for help in solving discovery of mystery body

Last July, a farmer was clearing bushland on a property between Clifton Beach and Goats Beach in Tasmania, when he made a grisly discovery. He found skeletal remains along with a number of personal items believed to belong to the deceased. “Police attended and recovered the remains, which showed no signs of physical injuries,” Sergeant Lee Taylor said. The remains had been in the area between five and 50 years, according to police. “A forensic examination at the scene located several items with the remains, including a pair of black dress shoes with several store-bought orthotics in the heel, a short sleeve top and unreadable identification paperwork, and an old campsite nearby which may be related,” Taylor said. Forensic analysis of the remains found that they belonged to a Caucasian male , but no DNA matches were made, with police having to use facial reconstruction and releasing the image to the public, in hopes that someone could identify him. “With DNA taken from the remains not matching to any DNA comparisons, state or nationally, Australian Federal Police have provided a craniofacial reconstruction of the man’s potential appearance,” Taylor said. Anybody with information or who can identify the man is asked to contact the police. Images: 7News

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"SHEER INSANITY": Dog owner slammed over bizarre request

A cat owner was left purr-plexed after receiving a bizarre note from her neighbour about her cats. She took to Facebook to share the "unhinged" letter, racking up over 15,000 comments from other people who were furious on her behalf. "Hey neighbour! Can you please keep your cats out of the window?" the letter read. "They are causing my dog to sit in the window and bark all day long." The anonymous letter ended abruptly with: "I work from home so this is very difficult, thanks, K." The cat owner said that she has three cats and two new kittens in her house, and although they occasionally sit on the window when it's a nice outside, they "do nothing but sleep." "We keep the windows open because we don’t have aircon yet," she added. The dog owner had barked up the wrong tree, as many commenters slammed them for their "entitled" behaviour. "Tell them to train the dog," one said, echoing the thoughts of many. "LMAO, you cannot stop a cat from sitting in a window. Cats will find a way, but you can absolutely do a number of things to stop a dog from barking at a window," another added. "This can’t be real. What a crazy neighbour," a third wrote. "I’m totally a dog person, but trying to make your neighbour discipline their cat for sitting in a window because you won’t discipline your dog for nuisance barking is SHEER INSANITY. I mean, what the hell?" a fellow dog owner added. "Train your cat not to chill in a window because training a dog not to disturb the s*** out of everyone is too hard? I can’t believe this neighbour had the nerve." "Imagine being so entitled that you think it’s someone else’s responsibility to control your pet’s behaviour," another wrote. Another person pointed out: "If ‘your dog’ is barking when they look out the window, then cover 'your window'." Image: Facebook

Family & Pets

Hundreds arrested in domestic violence crackdown

More than 550 people in NSW have been arrested in a state-wide crackdown on domestic and family violence. Operation Amarok VI ran from last Wednesday to Saturday, and in that time police arrested 554 people and made a total of 1070 charges. Of those arrests, 226 were wanted by police for alleged serious domestic violence offences, according to a NSW police spokesman. "Anyone who commits this heinous crime can expect a knock at their door," Police Minister Yasmin Catley said. "Operation Amarok is just one part of the police response. Last year, almost 150,000 calls for assistance were made to the NSWPF for domestic violence-related matters. "This shows the severity of the situation, the huge amount of police time and resources that go into addressing this epidemic and how important it is for prevention, early intervention and crisis support services to work together." Some of most significant arrests include a a 53-year-old man who allegedly threatened a woman with an imitation gun in Kempsey. Officers searched the home and seized the weapon and some cannabis. A 23-year-old woman was also arrested in the state's west after allegedly stabbing a relative around 2:30 am on May 17. The older relative received multiple stab wounds to the abdomen, head, and back and was taken to a local hospital where police were called. She was later flown to the Royal Adelaide Hospital in a critical condition. The 23-year-old was charged with wound person intend cause grievous bodily harm and was refused bail to appear in Dubbo Local Court on May 18. NSW Police Executive Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence, Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said that the operation allowed police to conduct a targeted blitz of those who have been flagged as the worst domestic violence offenders. “We demonstrated last week that we will target and arrest the offenders no matter where they are located. We saw significant arrest numbers in our regional communities, and we also saw arrests for offences that occurred allegedly while the offender was in jail," he said. "These Amarok VI results send a powerful message to offenders, and the community at large, that we do not tolerate domestic and family violence in any form, and our efforts will continue." Images: NSW Police

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“Never seen anything like it”: Man runs into inferno to save pet dogs

A Perth man has faced danger head on after running back into his burning house to save his pet dogs. He and his mum escaped from the fire at their Winthrop home about 5.30pm on Tuesday. When they realised their two beloved dogs were still inside, the man ran back towards danger and emerged not long after with a dog in each arm. The fire started in the garage and spread throughout the whole house within minutes. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, it went up so quickly,” Winthrop resident Phoebe told 7NEWS. “Everybody was very sombre because it was very sad.” Now, the family has lost a lifetime of memories on top of an accident the mother faced just four months ago after she was run over by a car. “She’s a really lovely lady and she just came out of hospital,” neighbour Grace said. “She just wanted to come back, relax in her house and start her life again and then this happened.” Firefighters had managed to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring homes, although the cause is yet to be determined. “Due to the ferocity of the fire the houses on either side were at risk so the firefighters did a fantastic job to contain it,” fire investigator Stuart Parks said. Image: 7NEWS

Family & Pets

Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

A 16-year-old boy has been shot dead by police after he stabbed a man in the carpark of a Bunnings Warehouse on Saturday night. WA Police were called to the hardware store in south Perth, which was closed at the time of the incident, after they received a call from the teen saying he was going to commit acts of violence. A second emergency call was then made a short time later after the teenager stabbed a man in the carpark, in what appears to be a random attack. Police Commissioner Col Blanch said when they arrived on the scene, they found a 16-year-old armed with a large kitchen knife. Commissioner Blanch said the boy lunged at officers with the knife and was shot, and died a short time later in hospital. The man who was stabbed, who is in his 30s, is recovering in hospital and is believed to be in a serious but stable condition. The police commissioner and WA Premier Roger Cook held a press conference on Sunday morning and described the incident as "extremely confronting". They said the boy was "running around a car park, armed with a knife" when police arrived. "They [WA police] exited their vehicle and were confronted with a male alone with a large kitchen knife," Commissioner Blanch said. "Two officers drew their tasers and one of the officers drew his firearm. They challenged the male to put down the knife, which he did not." Mr Cook said there were indications the boy had been radicalised online, saying at the press conference, "I want to reassure the community at this stage it appears that he acted solely and alone." "Members of the WA Muslim community, who were concerned by his behaviour, contacted police prior to the incident and I thank them for their help." It was also said the boy's family was cooperating with police. Commissioner Blanch said the incident was not being labelled as a terrorist attack at this stage. "It certainly has the hallmarks of one [but] the reason why I would declare it as a terrorist act going forward — it's about timing," Commissioner Blanch said. "That's something that we can work towards as we find out more information from the motivations behind this." Image credits: ABC / Shutterstock

Legal

“Such a cowardly thing”: Police hunt after e-scooter hit-and-run on 81-year-old woman

Victoria Police have released an image of a man wanted in connection to an alleged attack on at 81-year-old outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground after an AFL game last Friday. Jessie Hatch, 81, was walking towards Jolimont Railway Station around 11pm when she was confronted by a man on an e-scooter, who told her to “move off the footpath”. Hatch then "explained that the footpath is not for vehicles and walked around him”, prompting the man to ride off, but he quickly turned around before allegedly hitting her from behind, causing her to fall to the ground and lose consciousness. According to Victoria Police, the rider allegedly did not stop to assist Hatch, and was unsuccessfully chased by a passerby. He was last seen heading west from the Swan Street Bridge. “She walked between 7-10m away and this guy’s doubled back and then smashed her from behind,” Jessie's son Ken told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/mans-words-to-elderly-collingwood-fan-jessie-hatch-before-allegedly-hitting-her-with-e-scooter-in-mcg-hit-and-run-c-14571902" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a>. “Apparently she stopped breathing for 20 seconds or so, that’s what we heard.” Jessie is still in hospital recovering with five stitches in her hand and undergoing more tests on her spine to see if there is permanent damage. “Such a cowardly thing, I don’t know what would have gone into his head to do that,” Jessie told 7News from her hospital bed. “Why would somebody do that? He should be ashamed of himself.” Police are investigating the incident, with Ken calling on the alleged perpetrator to come forward. “You made a mistake, you did something wrong, come forward,” he added. The man allegedly involved in the incident was of average height and had fair skin and a stocky build, with straight blonde/brown hair and grey/blue eyes. <div> </div> He was wearing thick-lensed glasses and a red jacket made of a shiny, waterproof material. Jessie’s story quickly gained attention around the AFL world, and Collingwood legend Peter Daicos was among those to offer his support. “I wanted to reach out, I heard about the incident after the game,” he said. “I hope you’re feeling better and I’m really looking forward to hearing that you’re back at the Collingwood games. “All the best from not just myself, but the boys and importantly the Collingwood Football Club. All our love, get well soon.” Image credits: 7News <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </div>

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“Is that Snoop Dog?!”: Man caught with fake passenger in carpool lane

A US motorist has been handed a traffic infringement after police found him using a dummy to drive in the carpool lane. Not only did his hilarious attempt to bypass morning traffic with the fake passenger whose goatee was "just a little too sharp" get him fined, he helped authorities answer the common question: “If I have a mannequin in the passenger seat, does that count as a second occupant in the vehicle? "The answer is simple… NO." According to an Instagram post shared by the California Highway Patrol Santa Fe Spring, authorities stopped the unnamed driver for crossing a double line when they noticed the plastic passenger. "Officer Kaplan made an enforcement stop on this vehicle for crossing solid double lines only to realise the driver was the only occupant in the vehicle with their plastic friend," they wrote. The mannequin in question had a human-like mask, sported a hoodie and sunglasses, and was seated upright with his seatbelt buckled in just like any other passenger. And he would've gotten away with it too if it weren't for the fake facial hair. "The goatee was sharp … just a little too sharp," they shared. "We've gotta give it to them, the appearance is next-level modelling but at the end of the day ... plastic is plastic." <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-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C6K7Thkr2CO/?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/C6K7Thkr2CO/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by CHP Santa Fe Springs (@chp_santa_fe_springs)</a> </div> </blockquote> The driver was issued with a number of citations for carpool violations, but many online commenters shared their amusement at the light-hearted nature of the traffic violation. "Is that snoop dog?!" wrote one commenter. "Leave Stevie wonder alone," joked another. "I really don’t see a problem here because most people are fake and have lots of plastic on them anyways," quipped a third. Image: Instagram

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Police fatally shoot armed 16-year-old after Bunnings carpark stabbing

“Such a cowardly thing”: Police hunt after e-scooter hit-and-run on 81-year-old woman

“Is that Snoop Dog?!”: Man caught with fake passenger in carpool lane

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