Search

Supermarkets accused of pushing "confusing" promo labels

Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have all been accused of saturating their stores with "confusing" promotional labels that offer little to no discount. Research by consumer advocacy group Choice suggests one-in-four shoppers feel "misled" by discount stickers, finding it difficult to discern the promo price from the original price. More than 1,000 customers across the country took part in the <a title="www.choice.com.au" href="https://www.choice.com.au/unclearsupermarketspecials" target="_blank" rel="noopener">research</a>, which surveyed price tags regularly used by Woolworths, Coles and Aldi that featured phrases such as “down down”, “member price” and “prices dropped”. According to the report, which has been passed on to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Supermarkets Inquiry, it was Coles that caused the most confusion, with their "while stocks last" stickers proving to be unclear to the average shopper. Coles told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/news-life/woolworths-coles-and-aldi-accused-of-confusing-promotional-labels/news-story/c2a350bd62dd0a0ba9c4fad04fa69435" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> its “while stocks last” tickets offer customers the chance to buy items which are only available at Coles for a limited time, and which are unlikely to be restocked once the products are sold out. But according to Choice, one-third of shoppers surveyed believed products tagged with the bright yellow tag were discounted, while another third were unsure of its meaning. Woolworths’ “member price” was also found to cause “considerable confusion”, according to the consumer watchdog. Meanwhile Aldi’s “super savers” label were also found to leave many Aussies confused, with a third of those surveyed unsure if it was a discount, according to the research. “Consumers look for products that are the best value for money but it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to decipher the promotional tags being used by the supermarkets,” Choice said. “Consumers are drawn to promotional tags that make it look like one product is potentially better value or a good deal, compared to other products." However, the labels are “confusing and potentially misleading” and without contextual information or historical pricing data, “consumers have no way of knowing if they are getting a good deal or not." Coles, Woolworths and Aldi have all responded to the report, with Coles saying in a statement, “Customer feedback is important to us. Our goal is to always be as clear as possible and we are taking steps to update this ticket over the coming months.” Choice has called for “transparent pricing” from supermarkets in the report “to ensure that people are able to effectively compare products, recognise genuine discounts and make informed decisions” when buying their groceries. Choice is also calling for strong enforcement action from the ACCC to “send a clear message to the supermarkets that misleading pricing is unacceptable”. Image credits: Choice

Money & Banking

Old woman targeted and accused of shoplifting

The photo of an elderly woman has sparked widespread outrage, as the older woman was targeted by police officers who accused her of shoplifting. A bystander snapped a photo of an old lady standing outside a Coles supermarket, as she was set upon by two police officer who began sifting through her shopping to check if she had stolen anything. Posting the photo to X, the bystander explained how the situation unfolded. "I just saw this poor old lady get arrested by police for shoplifting food," the post read. "I told them that I'll pay for her food and let her go and then I got threatened with being arrested for obstructing police. Boycott Coles and Woolworths." The pictures show the woman talking with police in the Melbourne CBD as a number of items from her shopping are placed on the ground. Commenters online quickly jumped to fury over the situation, defending the woman and calling for empathy for older people who are struggling financially. "This is so messed up. If people are forced to steal food, we need a better alternative," one said. "The elderly do not have enough to live on, pension rises are not covering food and utility price rises and the government couldn't care less," another said. "In my neck of the woods, I see some elderly folk snacking on grapes in supermarkets. They are left alone to do so by staff," a third added. "Seems like some training in empathy and kindness is needed," added a fourth. Image credits: X (Twitter)

Legal

Inside the alleged hide out of Samantha Murphy's accused killer

The Scotsburn property where Samantha Murphy's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/everything-we-know-about-samantha-murphy-s-accused-killer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused killer</a> allegedly hid in is up for sale with a $1million-plus price tag. Patrick Orren Stephenson was staying at the property when he arrested on March 6, after police stormed in with a search warrant. The 5.46 hectare property is located about 18km away from central Ballarat, where Stephenson was believed to have been partying the night before he was accused of murdering Murphy. Stephenson is believed to have been living between this property and another one located less than 100m away on Yendon No 2 Road with his girlfriend prior to his arrest. The Daily Mail reported that a for sale sign was recently spotted at the property, which has four bedrooms and is advertised as featuring "a renovated galley-style kitchen, a generous lounge room with plenty of natural light, two living areas including a family/rumpus room for shared moments." "A school bus passing the front door adds to the convenience for families," the ad read. The property is also described as practically off-grid, with solar power and an underground bore water supply. It remains unknown how long Stephenson had lived at the home. Images: McGrath Ballarat/ InsideLook- Real Estate Media

Legal

Accused mushroom killer moved to protected unit over safety fears

Erin Patterson, accused of poisoning three elderly individuals and attempting to murder several others, finds herself secluded within the confines of a protected unit in a Victorian prison. The move, reportedly necessitated by safety concerns, places Patterson away from the general prison population, reflecting the gravity of the allegations against her. According to sources cited by <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/the-mushroom-ccok/accused-mushroom-murderer-in-jail-unit-with-pedophile-rapist/news-story/824c4f35c9d9b8f7553af2704836ea82" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the Herald Sun</a>, Patterson now resides in the protected wing of the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, a correctional facility in Victoria. The decision to relocate her stems from fears that she may face harm from fellow inmates due to the nature of her alleged crimes. The Herald's insider disclosed, "If Erin got out of protection, the girls would hurt her." Allegations of her involvement in the deaths of three elderly individuals have evidently rendered her a target among fellow inmates, necessitating stringent security measures. “She allegedly killed three elderly people," the source continued. “There’s a rule, you don’t touch the elderly and you don’t touch babies so because of that, you go into protection." Patterson stands accused of several crimes, including the murder of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, alongside Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson. Their deaths, following the consumption of a meal containing deadly mushrooms at Patterson's residence in Leongatha, shook the community. Furthermore, Patterson faces charges of attempted murder, notably targeting her ex-husband Simon and Heather Wilkinson's husband Ian, with the alleged attempts spanning over various dates. As Patterson awaits her court appearance scheduled for May, the case continues to captivate public attention. In the coming months, the court will delve deeper into the intricacies of the case, striving to uncover the truth behind the allegations. Image: News.com.au

Legal

Everything we know about Samantha Murphy's accused killer

The disappearance of Samantha Murphy, a beloved mother-of-three, sent shockwaves through the quiet community of Ballarat. As details emerged, the focus shifted towards Patrick Orren Stephenson, a young man <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-details-emerge-in-samantha-murphy-murder-charge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused of the crime</a>, whose life story offers a complex juxtaposition of privilege, athletic ambition and now, alleged tragedy. Patrick Stephenson, now 22 years old, grew up in the shadow of his father, <a href="https://www.afl.com.au/news/118551/orrens-family-affair" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orren Stephenson</a>, a prominent figure in the world of AFL. Orren's late-life draft into the AFL introduced Patrick to the glamorous world of professional sports at a young age. Patrick, often seen tagging along with his father, had a firsthand view of the prestige and camaraderie within the football clubs, an experience many boys would envy. The Stephenson family, well-regarded in the Ballarat community, seemed to exude an aura of positivity. However, perceptions of Patrick were mixed among locals. While a local newspaper once featured him advocating for road safety alongside his football friends, news of his arrest painted a different picture, depicting him as a troubled teenager. On a fateful Thursday, Patrick Stephenson was charged with the murder of Samantha Murphy, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/please-come-home-family-s-emotional-plea-to-missing-woman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">whose disappearance</a> had gripped the community since February 4. Despite initial suppression orders, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/new-details-emerge-in-samantha-murphy-murder-charge" target="_blank" rel="noopener">details about the accused</a> began to surface, shedding light on his upbringing and associations. Patrick's childhood was steeped in football culture, mirroring his father's passion for the sport. Orren Stephenson's stint in the AFL provided the family with unique opportunities, including access to elite football circles. Patrick, enamoured with the lifestyle his father's career afforded, embraced the world of football wholeheartedly. Neighbours recall a seemingly happy home life for the Stephensons, with Patrick attending private schools known for their conservative values and strong sporting traditions. However, in recent years, Patrick's involvement with the local football scene had waned, signalling a potential shift in his priorities. <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/man-arrested-in-search-for-samantha-murphy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The arrest of Patrick Stephenson</a> in Scotsburn, a rural hamlet near Ballarat, left the community in disbelief. Residents, unaware of any motive or connection to the accused, expressed shock at the unfolding events. Despite extensive searches and appeals for information from the police, the whereabouts of Samantha Murphy's body remains unknown, adding to the sense of unease gripping the region. As the Ballarat community grapples with the loss of Samantha Murphy, questions linger about the events leading to her tragic demise. Patrick Stephenson's life, once intertwined with the glamour of professional football, now stands at the centre of a harrowing investigation that in many was has only just begun. Images: Redan Football Club / Supplied.

Legal

New CCTV footage released of accused double murderer

Chilling CCTV footage of Beau Lamarre-Condon has emerged in the moments before and after he allegedly killed Jesse Baird and Luke Davies. The video, obtained by 9News, allegedly shows the senior constable entering and leaving a sports shop and buying surfboard bags on two separate occasions. Baird and Davies' <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/update-on-search-for-bodies-of-murdered-couple" target="_blank" rel="noopener">bodies were found</a> near Bungonia on Tuesday, where police allege that surfboard bags were used to transport the bodies. In the CCTV footage, the senior constable walked into a Miranda sports store with a friend, two days before the alleged double murder, and then walked out with a surfboard bag. In a second clip, about three hours after the alleged murder, Lamarre-Condon was filmed walking into the same store by himself and walking out with another surf bag. Another video showed a man in a black cap arriving in a black SUV on the morning the couple were allegedly killed, and got out of his vehicle parked just 25m from Baird’s home. The man then drives off at 9am - around 50 minutes before the pair were allegedly killed. Lamarre-Condon allegedly returned to he house the next day in a rented van reportedly used to move the bodies. The CCTV footage emerge just one day after police alleged that the senior constable used his <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/shocking-new-claims-on-alleged-double-murder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">police-issued gun at the couple</a>, and then replaced the bullets with ones stolen from a firing range. Lamarre-Condon handed himself into police last Friday and was later charged with two counts of murder. He is currently at Silverwater prison and is next due to face court on April 23. Images: 9NEWS

Legal

Papa Swift vs Paparazzi: Taylor Swift's dad accused of assault

In the midst of celebrations marking the conclusion of Taylor Swift's Eras tour in Sydney, an unexpected and troubling incident has emerged involving her father – Scott Swift. The 71-year-old has been accused of assaulting an Australian photographer, Ben McDonald, in the early hours of Tuesday morning at a Sydney wharf in Neutral Bay. According to reports confirmed by NSW Police, the alleged altercation occurred around 2:30am, following Taylor Swift's final performance in the city. It's said that Taylor and her father had been enjoying post-show festivities when the incident took place, tarnishing what should have been a joyous occasion. McDonald, who serves as the chief executive of Matrix Media Group, recounted the events to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13128721/Taylor-Swift-father-Scott-assault-photographer-Sydney-wharf.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>, shedding light on the confrontation. He stated that Taylor and Scott arrived at the wharf after travelling from Homebush on a luxury superyacht named Quantum. McDonald claims that after they disembarked, Scott allegedly 'charged' at him. McDonald originally thought that it was a security guard, and was surprised when he realised it was Taylor's dad. "In 23 years of taking pictures, I have never seen anything like it," he told the Daily Mail. "He probably decided he needed to defend his daughter, for some reason... She got off the boat, she walked towards security guards who were shoving umbrellas in our faces, and then he charged." Footage capturing the moments leading up to and following the alleged assault has surfaced, providing some insight into the incident. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13128721/Taylor-Swift-father-Scott-assault-photographer-Sydney-wharf.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The video</a> shows Taylor and her father walking up from the wharf, shielded by large umbrellas held by security guards. Amid the commotion, McDonald attempted to capture the scene, and was obstructed by the guards protecting Taylor and her companions, including Mr Swift. In the aftermath, McDonald reported the incident to authorities. He did not sustain serious injuries, though he described experiencing discomfort and soreness on the left side of his face. Images: YouTube

Legal

Coles shopper humiliated after being accused of shoplifting

A Coles shopper has been left feeling humiliated after they were forced to lift up their shirt to prove they weren’t shoplifting. Tony Jones, 39, was about to pay for his groceries at self-checkout on Saturday morning when he was confronted by the employee of the Brisbane Coles who made the accusation. “And what about what’s under your shirt?” Mr Jones said the staff member loudly asked him, causing the other customers to look around. Mr Jones has a stoma as a result of having his entire bowel removed from bowel cancer a few years ago, and later developed an “extremely obvious” hernia at the site which “sticks out about 15 centimetres from my stomach”. “My initial reaction was flat-out shock, because she didn’t say it in a way of asking me, she flat-out accused me,” he told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/retail/customer-with-obvious-hernia-humiliated-at-selfservice-checkout/news-story/56980cdcada75ba9ae0cca9cb90c75f0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>. “She seemed quite proud. Everybody in the self-checkout bay heard what she accused me of, and she walked over to me. I was just stunned, I guess I kind of shut down — I’ve never been accused of being a thief before — so I just lifted my shirt.” After revealing his condition, Jones was left feeling “violated” as the supermarket worker simply said, “Yeah, sorry, we’ve had a few of those lately,” apparently referring to shoplifting incidents. Coles has since apologised to Mr Jones, but that hasn’t made up for the trauma he endured in the supermarket. “I’ve lived here for 12 or 13 years, I’ve been at that Coles plenty,” he said. “Obviously I don’t expect retail staff to recognise everybody … I assume they’ve had some thefts lately, I’m not sure whether they’ve been given instructions to pull up more people because they don’t have a [security] gate yet.” Mr Jones took to Reddit to share the story of his encounter, asking those on the social media site, “Is Coles allowed to ask what’s under my shirt? When it’s just my hernia.” The post quickly went viral, attracting hundreds of comments. “Former loss prevention officer here — they cannot detain you in any way unless they have witnessed you select the goods and witnessed you not take advantage of a reasonable opportunity to pay,” one person wrote. Another woman said, “I have a permanent ileostomy and have had retail workers accuse me of stealing too. It’s annoying because most of the time I wear clothes where the top of it pokes out the top and it’s happened when I’ve worn clothes that completely covered it.” A third person commented, “Gentle reminder Coles turned a record profit in the midst of the Covid recession, then decided to install hard arse security detectors to catch thieves.” Mr Jones said the whole experience left him feeling rattled and upset, especially as he continues to undergo treatment for his condition and prepare for another surgery. “I’m not dealing with it great, if I’m truthful,” he said. “I’m seeing doctors weekly at the moment. Things add up, and getting called out on Saturday, it basically shut me down for the entire day, [left me] for lack of a better word feeling like s**t. I had all eyes on me. I’m not a social person so I just wanted to get out of there to be honest. I don’t think I’ll ever be going back to Coles.” Image credits: Getty Images

Body

Council accused of "endorsing criminals" after statue vandalised

The Yarra City Council has been accused of pandering to those who <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/captain-cook-memorial-vandalised-ahead-of-january-26th" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vandalised</a> a statue of Captain Cook in the days before Australia Day. In the early hours of the morning on January 25th, a statue of the British colonist was sawn off at the ankles, while "The colony will fall" was spray-painted on the stone column. Now, the Victorian city council will vote on whether to remove the statue for good, with one councillor claiming that replacing it would be a "waste of money". However, a spokesperson for local residents said "giving in" to vandals would only encourage such destructive behaviour. "If you're going to let vandals and criminals win, then you might as well give up altogether," Adam Promnitz, founder of the Yarra Residents Collective, told Melbourne radio station 3AW. While Mr Promnitz admitted there were changing conversations around Australia Day in the inner Melbourne are,a he said this was the wrong way to have a discussion about removing the 110-year-old statue. "This isn't the right way to do things," he said. "You don't just get your own way by being destructive and anti-social and causing criminal damage." "How can it be a good outcome for any body when it is basically a green light for vandals and criminals everywhere that we'll let you get away with what you want and you'll get what you want if you behave like this?" Councillor Stephen Jolly said the majority of the council didn't share this view, telling the Herald Sun that replacing the statue would come at a cost that would better spent elsewhere in the community. "Even people who love Captain Cook, who love Australia Day, will see that repairing a statue that costs thousands to fix isn't the most important thing to spend money on," Cr Jolly said. "Residents want better bin services, more childcare services, cheaper swimming pools." "All of these things are a better way of spending the money [than] on a statue that we know is absolutely certain is going to get ripped down again." Image credits: 9News

Legal

Shocking twist on teen accused of pushing elderly man off pier

Just hours after a 14-year-old boy was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/teenager-arrested-after-shoving-elderly-man-off-pier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested for allegedly shoving an elderly man </a>off the Mornington Peninsula pier, the teenager has been accused of previously assaulting a woman. Jamie Tilbrook, 35, was allegedly bashed by the same group of teens who pushed the 79-year-old off the pier. Shocking CCTV footage of the alleged attack showed two boys throwing a series of punches towards Ms Tilbrook's head in broad daylight, after she confronted them for vandalising a bus and tipping bins over. "I said, 'What the f--- are you doing?' They turn around and jump me," she said. "Two boys just come and started smashing me in the head. I was telling my girlfriend to get away, like, I didn't want her to get attacked." The 35-year-old had to be rushed to hospital after losing consciousness and spent a night at The Alfred, where doctors had to glue her wound shut. Ms Tilbrook told 9News that she no longer goes out and night and has to constantly watch her back after the alleged assault. The incident came just two months before the alleged attack of the elderly man, and the 14-year-old boy was on bail when he pushed the man off the pier. Ms Tilbrook revealed she was "disgusted" that the same boy who was charged after allegedly assaulting her, was now accused of pushing a fisherman off the pier. His friends had filmed the horrific incident before posting it online. <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-news-teen-who-allegedly-pushed-elderly-man-off-melbourne-pier-was-on-bail/db6c8d5e-7e49-4ccc-ab47-cb4738979dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a> revealed that the teenager has since been charged over the assault and allegedly breaching his bail conditions. He will reportedly face children's court at a later date. Images: 9News

Legal

Twist for cop accused of killing Clare Nowland

Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White, 33, who was accused of killing 95-year-old Clare Nowland <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-horrified-by-police-statement-on-tasering-of-clare-nowland" target="_blank" rel="noopener">with a taser</a> at an aged care home in Cooma, regional NSW has been deemed a “flight risk”. White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault over the alleged “excessive use of force”. It is alleged that Nowland was using a walker and holding a serrated steak knife at the time of the incident, when the 33-year-old said “stop, just … nah bugger it” before allegedly tasering her. The great-grandmother fell backwards and fractured her skull, causing an inoperable brain injury that unfortunately led to her death just days later. Just last week, White's charges were upgraded to include an additional charge of manslaughter on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions. White appeared in court on Wednesday, for the first time since his charges were upgraded, and received two new bail conditions. The Constable was required to surrender his passport and not leave the country due to the upgraded charges. However, prior to his bail conditions being approved, Magistrate Roger Clisdell criticised both Crown prosecutor Victoria Garrity, and White's defence lawyer Warwick Anderson for negotiating the new terms of bail without his input. “I make the decision,” he said. “I would have thought my last explosion would have caused you to be more sensitive to my position.” This comes after the prosecutors failed to tell the Magistrate that they had agreed to allow White to appear in court via video link in May, without the court's consent. The Crown prosecutor defended her actions by saying that she asked him to surrender his passport to mitigate the risk of flight. “With the more serious charge now being faced, there is a heightened risk that he would leave the jurisdiction and not face court,” she explained. “Those two new conditions are now appropriate.” While the police officer's defence lawyer added that “He has no intention of fleeing the jurisdiction," and agreed to the additional bail conditions “to facilitate the speedy resolution”. White will return to court in February next year. Nowland's family members released a statement via their lawyer after the proceedings on Wednesday. “The family does not wish to comment further on the criminal process at this time given the extremely serious nature of the charge against Mr White, who continues to be a sworn NSW police officer,” the statement read. NSW Police confirmed that White remained suspended from duty with pay. Images: ABC News South East NSW: Floss Adams/ News.com.au

Legal

Text messages reveal accused mushroom killer’s “horrible upbringing”

Texts that alleged triple murderer Erin Patterson sent to a friend have emerged revealing her "horrible upbringing". The texts were sent shortly after the death of Patterson's mum Heather Scutter in 2019, where she described her mother as "cold" and "weird". “My mum was ultra weird her whole life,” she wrote. “We had a horrible upbringing. Mum was essentially a cold robot. It was like being brought up in a Russian orphanage where they don’t touch babies. "That's what my psych reckons. She said she wishes she could have studied my mum lol." The messages, obtained by the Herald Sun, also revealed Patterson's lack of connection with her late father Eitan Scutter, who she called "a doormat." “Dad wanted to be warm and loving to us but mum wouldn’t let him because it would spoil us so he did as he was told,” she said. “She would shout at him if he did the wrong thing so he became very meek and compliant. “My sister and I would hide in our room most of the time so we couldn’t do anything wrong.” These texts have emerged after a former colleague of Patterson described her as “eccentric” and “abrasive”, during her time as an air traffic controller in the early 2000s. The former colleague also told the Herald Sun that Patterson was highly intelligent and capable as she was able to graduate from the challenging training course and work independently in the field. “She was rated in the field and was actually responsible for running airspace for a while,” the former colleague told the publication. “She’s very bright and much brighter than people might think. She managed to get guys wrapped around her little finger although she was very unkempt … and she was abrasive.” A spokesperson from Airservices Australia had also confirmed that Patterson was employed as an air traffic controller from 12 February 2001 until 28 November 2002. Patterson has been <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/erin-patterson-charged-with-eight-counts-of-murder-and-attempted-murder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged</a> with three counts of murder and four counts of attempted murder, after being accused of serving up a beef Wellington pie that contained death cap mushrooms which resulted in the tragic deaths of Heather Wilkinson, Gail Patterson and Don Patterson. The attempted murder charges relate to her estranged husband Simon Patterson, and Heather's husband and Baptist church pastor, Ian Wilkinson who miraculously survived but was hospitalised in critical conditions for nearly two months. Patterson's two children were also in attendance, but did not consume the same meal. Ian has since been released and attended his wife's memorial in October. Image: News.com.au <em style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; color: #323338; font-family: Figtree, Roboto, 'Noto Sans Hebrew', 'Noto Kufi Arabic', 'Noto Sans JP', sans-serif; background-color: #ffffff; outline: none !important;">/ A Current Affair

Legal

Accused mushroom killer puts home up for sale

Erin Patterson, the woman charged with <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/erin-patterson-charged-with-eight-counts-of-murder-and-attempted-murder" target="_blank" rel="noopener">eight counts of murder and attempted murder</a>, after allegedly lacing meals with death cap mushrooms, has put her Melbourne property up for sale. In a case that has gripped the nation, Patterson is facing these charges following the tragic incident that occurred on July 29, as well as historic incidents involving her former husband. The major incident involved a mushroom lunch hosted in Patterson's home in Leongatha, where her former parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, died shortly after allegedly consuming a beef wellington. Heather's husband and Baptist church pastor, Ian Wilkinson, who also had the meal, miraculously survived, but was hospitalised in critical condition for nearly two months before being released in September. Patterson is also charged with four counts of attempted murder of her former partner, Simon Patterson, in separate incidences between between November 2021 and September 2022 and on the day of the lunch. She has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Now, her $1 million townhouse in Melbourne's east at the suburb of Mount Waverley has hit the market. She first bought the three-bedroom, three-bathroom property in 2019, and has infrequently visited it. It is not the house where the fatal mushroom incident took place. The 249-square-metre townhouse, will go to auction at 11am on Saturday and is expected to sell for around $960,000 to $1,050,000. Real estate agency Ray White has pitched the home to downsizers and families that want to send their children to a good school. “Desired for its defined dimensions and convenient placement in the Mount Waverley Secondary Catchment (STSA), this easy-care townhouse is equally suited to those starting out or downsizing as it is for families and investors,’’ the agents said. They also provided a description of the townhouse, which read: “Quietly tucked at the rear of only two, the residence takes great care in providing a comfortable lifestyle with the lounge room enriched with large windows, while the dining zone is accompanied by a well-equipped kitchen complete with a Bosch dishwasher.” Images: Realestate.com.au / A Current Affair

Legal

Bruce Lehrmann revealed as "high-profile" figure accused of rape in Queensland

Former Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has been charged with two counts of rape, relating to an incident alleged to have occurred in Queensland in October 2021. What makes this case even more intriguing is the legal battle over the public identification of the accused. For the first time, the "high-profile man" accused of rape in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, can be named. This case has raised complex issues surrounding mental health, the administration of justice, and the changing legal landscape in Queensland. The legal saga surrounding Lehrmann's identity took a convoluted path through the Queensland legal system. The matter was first listed in the Toowoomba Magistrates Court in January 2023, but the accused's name remained under wraps. Lehrmann's legal team initially argued for an ongoing suppression order on his name, citing concerns about his mental health. They contended that the risk to his mental health was a fluid and ever-changing factor. However, the Queensland Supreme Court judge, Peter Applegarth, made a pivotal decision on October 26, 2023, rejecting Lehrmann's application for a continued suppression order. He concluded that there was insufficient evidence to establish the necessity of the non-publication order for the defendant's safety. Interestingly, the complainant in the case actively supported the public naming of Lehrmann, contradicting previous laws that prohibited the identification of the accused before committal. This shift allowed media outlets to finally disclose his name as of October 3, 2023. The decision to allow the media to name Lehrmann reflected a growing sentiment in favour of transparency in legal proceedings. Lehrmann's legal team had previously cited concerns about his mental health and submitted a letter from a psychologist mentioning suicidal ideation as part of the suppression order application. While these concerns played a significant role in the legal proceedings, it ultimately was not enough to sway the courts in favour of maintaining the suppression order. This case highlights the intricate interplay between mental health, public safety and the administration of justice. While the legal system must protect the rights of the accused, it also must balance those rights with the public's right to know and the interests of justice. Lehrmann has not yet entered a plea, and he has not been committed for trial, which will play out in the magistrates court. This legal battle will undoubtedly continue to garner attention as it moves forward, both in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion. Image: Getty Images

Legal

Cher accused of hiring abductors to kidnap her son

Cher has been accused of hiring professional kidnappers to abduct her son from a hotel in New York where he was staying with his wife. The allegations were contained in court documents filed by Elijah Blue Allman's wife, Marieangela King, according to reports by the BBC. The documents allege that four men "removed" him from a New York hotel room on their anniversary in November 2022. The allegations have recently come to light as part of the couple's divorce proceedings. King claimed that she and her then-husband had spent 12 days in the hotel room trying to "work out their marriage". Then, on the evening of November 30th 2022, which is also the couple's wedding anniversary, the four men charged into the room and "removed" Allman. "I was told by one of the four men who took him that they were hired by (Allman's) mother," she alleged. In the court files from last December, King said that Allman had been receiving treatment at a medical facility for months, and she was "very concerned and worried" about his wellbeing. She went on to claim she hadn't been told where he was, and was unable to contact him. Allman, 47, is the son of pop star Cher and her former husband, the late rock musician Gregg Allman. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Woman dies after being accused by doctors of faking symptoms

A woman from New Zealand has passed away from a debilitating illness after being told by a doctor that her illness was “all in her head”. Stephanie Aston, 33, died after a long and public battle with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissue, on September 1st. EDS, of which there are 13 different variants, is often referred to as an "invisible illness", as sufferers can often appear healthy despite experiencing excruciating symptoms, such as severe migraines, dislocating joints, easy bruising, abdominal pain, iron deficiency, fainting and an abnormally fast heart-rate. Aston said she was dismissed by a doctor in 2016, who dismissed her symptoms and told her that she was faking her disease. Despite being diagnosed with EDS by three different specialists, one doctor in Auckland, who Aston referred to as 'Doctor A', suggested she was not seriously unwell and indicated she was causing her illnesses, <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/stephanie-aston-death-eds-sufferers-call-for-change-after-doctors-accused-woman-of-faking-illness/VX4Q6CAWRVH25I6OCKGQ4KTW4M/">The NZ Herald</a> reports. Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes New Zealand founder Kelly McQuinlan said Stephanie's death has shocked the community, and said more needs to be done for those suffering with the debilitating condition. “A lot of people are feeling very lost,” she said. “I think most people in these rare positions or invisible illnesses, definitely experience setbacks and disbelieving because things can’t be seen but really the clinical symptoms are there that are being ignored.” Ms McQuinlan described Ms Aston as a “beacon” for those with the illness in a tribute to her on Facebook. “Most people in our community have experienced some form of sort of doctors not believing them or questioning their diagnosis which is extremely hard,” she wrote. “When they see someone in their community pass away, the first thing they think is ‘What if my care is not looked after? What’s going to happen to me?’.” “At the end of the day, if symptoms aren’t managed correctly, anyone can get sick enough that they will pass away.” Image credits: Facebook

Caring

Tourist accused of causing over $8,000 in damages to iconic Roman statue

A 22-year-old German tourist has been accused of causing around €5,000 (A$8,400) in damages to the 16th-century Fountain of Neptune in the Piazza della Signoria, Italy. Surveillance footage obtained by the police allegedly show the tourist - who has not been named - climbing over the protective barrier around the monument in the early hours of Monday morning as he posed for a photo on the statue. His two friends, who stood outside of the barrier, took the photos of him and they all fled the scene when the alarm went off, according to city authorities. "According to the investigators' reconstruction, after 1 o'clock this morning the tourist, in Piazza della Signoria with two other friends, climbed over the fence of the Neptune Fountain and climbed onto the edge of the pool," the statement read. "With a jump he then climbed onto the horse's leg, reaching the base of the carriage and, after having some photos taken by his friends, he climbed down," they added. "During the descent he placed his foot again on the hoof, damaging it. As soon as the alarm went off, however, the young man had already managed to escape with the two others." The tourist will be charged under the city penal code that prohibits the "destruction, dispersion, deterioration, disfigurement, soiling or illicit use of cultural or landscape assets." He has been detained in Florence and could be fined and banned from entering the city if convicted. Image: X (formerly Twitter)

Travel Trouble

The Block contestants accused of cheating one week in

Barely a week into the newest season of The Block and Sydney-based contestants Steph and Gian have been accused of breaking the rules. The couple had a difficult start to the competition after their builder consistently made costly mistakes. With one builder down and the time running out, Steph’s father Nick - a qualified builder - turned up at the site for a visit. Nick, who had travelled from interstate to visit them, was filmed helping the couple build their bathroom well into the late hours of the night. “It’s like the gods were aligned this week for my dad to be in town,” Steph said in the show. “This was a really hard week, and having someone that you trust there, that’s qualified also... he was just the perfect person.” This didn't sit well with Brisbane couple Leah and Ash, who had a few questions about Nick's involvement, including whether he received a site induction the night before. and if he would get paid for his work. If the answer was "no", then Steph and Gian would've broken the rules. Fellow contestant Kristy added fuel to the fire and noted that Nick was still working on-site after midnight - when even Steph had called it a night. “What set me off was the commentary, ‘Steph has had a big day so we’ve popped her to bed,’” she said. Turns out the other contestants had nothing to worry about, with Steph and Gian placing dead last in the bathroom judging with a score of 20.5 out of 30. The judges called out the “rustic” wooden beams in their bathroom ceiling which they said looked messy and needed to go. Image: The Block

Chris Dawson's twin brother accused of underage sex

Paul Dawson, the twin sibling of Chris Dawson, who is both a convicted murderer and a perpetrator of child sexual abuse, is now facing allegations from several women claiming he engaged in sexual activity with them when they were minors during their time as students – per <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/60-minutes/wife-killer-chris-dawsons-twin-accused-by-four-women-of-underage-sex/8b9b9345-e1d6-4f3d-9bcc-d3f3d4c06603" target="_blank" rel="noopener">60 Minutes</a>. One of Paul Dawson's former students at Forest High School, Shelley Oates-Wilding, shared her experience on a 60 Minutes interview, detailing her time during the early 1980s when she was a teenager. Multiple women who attended schools in Sydney's Northern Beaches, where Paul Dawson taught, have also come forward, asserting that the now 75-year-old engaged in sexual relations with them when they were underage. Prior to their teaching careers, both Paul and Chris Dawson were prominent figures in the world of rugby league and modelling. However, their roles as educators have recently come under intense scrutiny as law enforcement reopened investigations into the suspected murder of Lynette Dawson. Although the focus had been primarily on Chris Dawson until now, serious questions now arise about Paul Dawson's behaviour. Shelley's public disclosure unveils disturbing details about how Paul Dawson targeted her. In an exclusive interview with 60 Minutes, Shelley revealed that she and Paul spent considerable time socialising with Chris and his young mistress, forming two couples of teachers and students. Shelley alleges that Paul engaged in sexual activity with her at various locations across Sydney's Northern Beaches. The experiences she recalls were intimate and occurred within settings like fitness classes, store rooms, and pools. At the time, the Dawson twins, popular and attractive, garnered admiration from their students, making any attention they showed highly flattering. Shelley reflects on the naivety of youth, sharing that as a 15- and 16-year-old, she lacked the awareness to recognise the grooming that was occurring. She was also a babysitter for Paul's children, which sometimes led to overnight stays. Given the legal framework of the time, the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) deemed it illegal for a teacher to engage in sexual activity with a female student under the age of 17. Shelley vividly remembers an encounter with Paul shortly before the news of Lyn Dawson's disappearance emerged. Paul expressed distress, telling her that something terrible had occurred, and he could no longer maintain their connection. Shelley recalls pondering the severity of the situation at the time. As news circulated about Chris Dawson's missing wife, Shelley sensed a darker narrative than Lyn simply running away. Her personal experiences led her to believe that there was more to the story. "At the beginning of school, I vividly remember going to see him," she said on the program. "He said to me with this extremely pained look on his face that something terrible has happened and he can't see me anymore. I remember thinking, what could be that terrible?" Decades have passed since Shelley's time as Paul Dawson's student. She has since relocated to Hawaii, distancing herself from the Northern Beaches environment where she grew up. While the scars of her childhood experiences can be lasting, Shelley Oates-Wilding channels her journey into positive efforts. She founded Ikaika Hawaii, where she implements holistic programs to guide young individuals toward understanding right from wrong, cultivating perseverance, and embracing respect. She has found the confidence to speak out on Paul Dawson because she knows there are other victims who are in a worse situation than her. Shelley maintains that Paul Dawson likely remains oblivious to any wrongdoing. She perceives a tendency for the Dawson twins to deceive effortlessly, suggesting that their self-perception is intertwined with the narratives they've woven. Images: Nine / 60 Minutes

Legal

Zoo's upright bear accused of being just a guy in a suit

A Chinese zoo has had to be completely trans-bear-ant about its popular sun bear, following allegations that it was actually a human in disguise. The Hangzhou Zoo in China gained international recognition after video footage of their sun bear standing on its hind legs and waving at visitors caused many to paws and look twice. Many were bear-side themselves with excitement as theories that it was a human in disguise continued to spread. The local Hangzhou Daily first reported on the attention that the four-year-old sun bear named Angela was receiving. “Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are ‘humans in disguise’,” they wrote. As Angela gained popularity, experts were summoned and had to confirm that the bear was in fact fur-real. Ashleigh Marshall, an expert from Chester Zoo, told BBC News that the animal “is definitely a real bear,” and affirmed to doubtful visitors that sun bears do often “look a lot like people in costumes”. The animal expert also pointed out that the folds on the sun bear’s back weren’t because the costume was loose, but its actual function is to protect the bear from predators and allow them to “turn around” and fight back if attacked. Various representatives of the zoo have had to come out and release statements addressing the controversy. A spokesperson has reportedly said that the state-run facility would never intentionally deceive people, in an audio clip circulating on popular Chinese social media platform WeChat. “Some people think I stand like a person,” read another social media post, written from the point of view of the bear. “It seems you don't understand me very well.” Another spokesperson for the zoo has also denied the allegations and said that a human in a fur bear suit “would not last more than a few minutes before collapsing” in the 40°C summer temperatures. Images: Twitter / WeChat

International Travel

Our Partners

Over 60

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Supermarkets accused of pushing "confusing" promo labels

Old woman targeted and accused of shoplifting

Inside the alleged hide out of Samantha Murphy's accused killer

Accused mushroom killer moved to protected unit over safety fears

Everything we know about Samantha Murphy's accused killer

New CCTV footage released of accused double murderer

Papa Swift vs Paparazzi: Taylor Swift's dad accused of assault

Coles shopper humiliated after being accused of shoplifting

Council accused of "endorsing criminals" after statue vandalised

Shocking twist on teen accused of pushing elderly man off pier

Twist for cop accused of killing Clare Nowland

Text messages reveal accused mushroom killer’s “horrible upbringing”

Accused mushroom killer puts home up for sale

Bruce Lehrmann revealed as "high-profile" figure accused of rape in Queensland

Cher accused of hiring abductors to kidnap her son

Woman dies after being accused by doctors of faking symptoms

Tourist accused of causing over $8,000 in damages to iconic Roman statue

The Block contestants accused of cheating one week in

Chris Dawson's twin brother accused of underage sex

Zoo's upright bear accused of being just a guy in a suit

Our Partners

News

Shop

Catalogues

Newspaper

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Compare

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

Supermarkets accused of pushing "confusing" promo labels

Old woman targeted and accused of shoplifting

Inside the alleged hide out of Samantha Murphy's accused killer

Accused mushroom killer moved to protected unit over safety fears

Everything we know about Samantha Murphy's accused killer

New CCTV footage released of accused double murderer

Papa Swift vs Paparazzi: Taylor Swift's dad accused of assault

Coles shopper humiliated after being accused of shoplifting

Council accused of "endorsing criminals" after statue vandalised

Shocking twist on teen accused of pushing elderly man off pier

Twist for cop accused of killing Clare Nowland

Text messages reveal accused mushroom killer’s “horrible upbringing”

Accused mushroom killer puts home up for sale

Bruce Lehrmann revealed as "high-profile" figure accused of rape in Queensland

Cher accused of hiring abductors to kidnap her son

Woman dies after being accused by doctors of faking symptoms

Tourist accused of causing over $8,000 in damages to iconic Roman statue

The Block contestants accused of cheating one week in

Chris Dawson's twin brother accused of underage sex

Zoo's upright bear accused of being just a guy in a suit

Our Partners

Join Over60