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“Truly disgraceful”: Landlord cops backlash after posting photo of evicted tenant

<p>A landlord in Victoria has been slammed online after posting a photo of a former tenant who was evicted, and was forced to live in their car.</p> <p>The picture was originally posted to the private Landlords Victoria Facebook page, but was then leaked to X (formerly Twitter), and shows an old Nissan sedan with a tarp over the top, where a person was living after getting evicted from a rental.</p> <p>The landlord had described the tenant’s living situation as “karma” for the financial toll her eviction process had taken on him, claiming he dealt with years of legal battles.</p> <p>He claims he was left out of pocket to the tune of “thousands of dollars”.</p> <p>“Took me almost three years to get this person out of my rental,” he wrote in the post. “It seems she had trouble finding a new place to live."</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ALAB?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ALAB</a> <a href="https://t.co/2WEn1hyBnf">pic.twitter.com/2WEn1hyBnf</a></p> <p>— Purplepingers (@purplepingers) <a href="https://twitter.com/purplepingers/status/1790345077816279280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>“I am thousands of dollars out of pocket in legal fees and lost rent not to mention the stress and frustration with VCAT ... Looking at this karma must be real.”</p> <p>The landlord added that it “must be bloody freezing” and gloated that the woman was “not (in) an enviable position”.</p> <p>The landlord's post welcomed a wave of criticism, as many took aim at the landlord for broadcasting, and even taking pleasure in his former tenant's hardship. </p> <p>One social media comment accused the landlord of “publicly shaming and degrading her", while another said the post was “truly disgraceful”.</p> <p>While several people were disgusted by the landlord’s lack of empathy, others defended his rights as a property owner.</p> <p>“I wouldn’t want to see my tenant in that situation. But the fact is unless they pay the rent on time it won’t be me turning them out onto the street,” one person wrote. </p> <p><em>Image credits: X (Twitter)</em></p>

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Samantha Murphy's alleged killer faces fresh new charges

<p>The man accused of murdering Samantha Murphy has been hit with fresh charges over a drug and alcohol-fuelled bender.</p> <p>Patrick Orren Stephenson, 22, who has been charged with murdering Ms Murphy, has been slapped with several drink and drug driving charges after he allegedly crashed a motorbike into a tree on the night of October 1st. </p> <p>He has also been also charged with careless driving.</p> <p>A former friend of Stephenson told the <a href="https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/accused-samantha-murphy-killer-patrick-stephenson-charged-with-driving-offences/news-story/1ce6e68acdb7575b876f9e7f9100f285" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Herald Sun</em></a> the crash occurred following an AFL Grand Final gathering that kicked off in the afternoon and ran late into the night.</p> <p>Stephenson was first arrested in connection with the Ballarat mother's disappearance on March 7th, weeks after the 51-year-old was last seen alive. </p> <p>Samantha Murphy was last seen by her loved ones on the morning of February 4th when she went to go on her daily morning run in the Canadian State Forest. </p> <p>Stephenson has been charged with one count of murder, and is said to not be cooperating with police in efforts to find her body. </p> <p>The new charges come after police have continued their gruelling search for Ms Murphy, three months after she went missing. </p> <p>Despite numerous searches, Victoria Police detectives appear no closer to finding  her body despite having her alleged killer in custody. </p> <p>A Victoria Police spokesperson told <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/melbourne/article-13374863/Alleged-killer-Samantha-Murphy-fresh-charges-Victoria.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a> this week that the investigation remained "very much active and ongoing". </p> <p>"We are continuing to do all we can to locate her," the spokesperson said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine </em></p>

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"We are with you": Hero cop embraced at Bondi candlelight vigil

<p>The victims of the Bondi Junction stabbing attack have been honoured at a candlelight vigil, with police officer Amy Scott, who ended the terror by shooting Joel Cauchi, stepping out for the first time. </p> <p>Hundred of tearful mourners fathered at Bondi on Sunday night, where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, NSW Minister Chris Minns also joined in the sombre event to pay their respects to those who died in the Bondi Junction Westfield one week ago. </p> <p>The community gathered to farewell Ashlee Good, 38, Dawn Singleton, 25, Jade Young, 47, Pikria Darchia, 55, Yixuan Cheng, 27, and Faraz Tahir, 30, who were all fatally stabbed by 40-year-old Joel Cauchi. </p> <p>Cauchi was shot dead by police officer Amy Scott, who greeted and embraced emotional mourners at the vigil. </p> <p>Scott's actions were praised by the Prime Minister and the NSW Premier, who recognised her bravery in protecting the crowds of innocent people at the shopping centre.</p> <p>Speaking to the crowd, Mr Minns condemned Cauchi’s actions and the fear he instilled in the city’s residents. </p> <p>“Every Australian woman deserves to feel safe in her community. This is your state and your city,” he told the emotional crowd.</p> <p>“This is your home you have every right to live your life as you choose – free from fear and violence.”</p> <p>“We will not be a state where a woman is forced to change their behaviour because of the feelings or anger of other people.”</p> <p>The NSW Premier reminded mourners that millions of Australians shared their grief over the violent incident and were “in (their) corner” in the months to come. </p> <p>“Grief can be a terrible burden, but it doesn’t have to be a lonely one,” he said.</p> <p>Prime Minister Anthony Albanese reinforced that all of Australia was grieving for “all that has been stolen from us”, including “all the possibility and potential, all the kindness and humanity, all the love and laughter of the six lives snatched away” last Saturday.</p> <p>He said the vigil was being held for those killed in the attack and for everyone affected, including the dozen people injured and the “survivors carrying the invisible scars of trauma and of fear.”</p> <p>“We think of everyone still trying to come to terms with a hole in their life where a loved one should be,” Mr Albanese said.</p> <p>“Every Australian is thinking of you. We are with you. "</p> <p>"As a community, as a country today, tomorrow and always made those we have lost rest in eternal peace forever in our hearts.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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Student wrongly named as Bondi killer sues Seven Network

<p>A 20-year-old university student who was wrongly named as the Bondi Junction killer has made moves to sue the Seven Network for defamation. </p> <p>As the terrifying rampage at the eastern suburbs Westfield unfolded on Saturday which resulted in the deaths of six people, Ben Cohen was named by the Seven Network as the knife-wielding man. </p> <p>Mr Cohen’s name was wrongly linked to the attack by <em>Sunrise</em> co-host Matt Shirvington shortly after 6am on Sunday and again by journalist Lucy McLeod just 10 minutes later.</p> <p>It wasn't until hours later that Seven identified the right man, Joel Cauchi, as the killer as journalist Sarah Jane Bell issued an on-air apology to Mr Cohen during the evening news bulletin. </p> <p>“Earlier this morning, reports of the incident incorrectly named the perpetrator as 40-year-old Benjamin Cohen,” she said on air.</p> <p>“It was later confirmed that the name of the 40-year-old is Joel Cauchi from Queensland. Seven apologises for any distress caused by our earlier reports.”</p> <p>Mr Cohen is still reeling from the incident, saying he has been targeted by online trolls on social media ever since he was wrongly named by the network. </p> <p>His name was one of the most trending topics on X in Australia the day of the mass stabbing, with many people quick to point out Mr Cohen's Jewish identity, claiming the stabbings were an act of violence in support of the war in Israel against Palestine. </p> <p>The university student has taken the first steps in launching legal action against the network, engaging with two of Australia’s foremost defamation lawyers in Patrick George of Giles George as his solicitor, and Sue Chrysanthou SC as barrister.</p> <p>Mr George confirmed he had sent a concerns notice to Seven, the first step in defamation proceedings.</p> <p>“We await a response from Seven,” Mr George told NCA NewsWire.</p> <p>Mr Cohen told <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/nsw-act/courts-law/student-wrongly-named-as-westfield-bondi-junction-killer-moves-to-sue-seven/news-story/f4c67b123e19cbf3d5a6a6bf39708ea8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> earlier this week that he had been inundated with friend requests and messages on social media after being named by Seven, with the unwanted attention taking a toll on his mental health. </p> <p>“It’s just gone crazy, it’s like ‘look, you’ve got the wrong guy’,” Mr Cohen, a first year computer science student, told news.com.au.</p> <p>“People don’t really think too hard about what they’re posting and how it might affect someone. It’s very dangerous how people could just make stuff up and destroy people’s lives.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: news.com.au</em></p>

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"Just doing her job": Hero cop Amy Scott breaks silence after Bondi stabbing

<p>The hero police officer who shot Joel Cauchi after his killing spree has spoken out after the devastating incident. </p> <p>NSW Police Inspector Amy Scott was confronted by the knife-wielding 40-year-old after he had fatally stabbed six people and injured several others at Bondi Junction Westfield on Saturday afternoon. </p> <p>Witnesses of the incident recall hearing the officer shout for Cauchi to "put it down" before the knifeman charged at her, prompting her to fire her weapon and shoot him dead. </p> <p>“Amy is content with what she had to do," Police Association of NSW boss Kevin Morton said. </p> <p>“I spoke to her last night and again this morning and she said, ‘It was a night with not a lot of sleep’.”</p> <p>Mr Morton said the officer, who he has known personally for years, was playing down the praise she had received after being dubbed a "hero" for her actions. </p> <p>“She knows she has been tagged a hero but to her she was doing her job. I didn’t ask her about the exact incident, because she is yet to be formally interviewed,” he said.</p> <p>“Everyone will be keeping an eye on her obviously, there will be a lot of support from everyone,’’ he said</p> <p>She also drew praise from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and NSW Premier Chris Minns, as well as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb.</p> <p>“She showed enormous courage and bravery,” Ms Webb said.</p> <p>Witnesses backed up the officer's actions at the shopping centre, as Bondi man Jason Dixon witnessed Inspector Scott's response firsthand. </p> <p>“All she said was ‘Put it down’. Just once. Then she shot him in the chest and he went down,” Mr Dixon told <em>The Sunday Telegraph</em>. </p> <p>“Then when he fell on the ground she was giving him CPR,” Mr Dixon said.</p> <p>“She had to shoot him, because he just kept coming,” Mr Dixon said. “He had a knife and he wasn’t going to stop.</p> <p>“He was advancing at her and he was running, coming to get someone else,” Mr Dixon said.</p> <p>“She shot him once in the heart or the chest,” he said. “I’m glad she got him, because if she didn’t he would have stabbed her too.”</p> <p>Inspector Scott will be formally interviewed by police later this week as part of the major investigation into the stabbing. </p> <p><em>Image credits: news.com.au / X (Twitter)</em></p> <div class="media image side-by-side" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 1209.375px; max-width: 100%; font-family: Charter, Georgia, serif; font-size: 18px;"> </div>

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Family of Bondi killer break silence

<p>The devastating events that unfolded at Westfield Bondi Junction have left a community in shock and mourning, grappling with the aftermath of a senseless act of violence.</p> <p>Joel Cauchi's frenzied stabbing attack claimed the lives of six innocent people, leaving many others injured and traumatised. Now, amidst the grief and confusion, Cauchi's family has stepped forward to offer their perspective on the tragic incident.</p> <p>In a statement conveyed through Queensland police, Andrew and Michele Cauchi, parents of the assailant, expressed profound sorrow and disbelief at their son's actions, describing the events as "truly horrific".</p> <p>“We are absolutely devastated by the traumatic events that occurred in Sydney yesterday,” they said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims and those still undergoing treatment at this time.</p> <p>“Joel’s actions were truly horrific and we are still trying to comprehend what has happened. He has battled with mental health issues since he was a teenager.</p> <p>“We are in contact with both the NSW Police Force and Queensland Police Service and have no issues with the police officer who shot our son as she was only doing her job to protect others and we hope she is coping alright.”</p> <p>Assistant Commissioner Roger Lowe of the Queensland Police provided additional insights into Joel's circumstances leading up to the attack. He disclosed that Joel had been diagnosed with schizophrenia at the age of 17 and had received treatment for mental health issues in the past. However, in recent years, his condition had worsened, casting a shadow over his family's attempts to understand and support him.</p> <p>The revelation that Joel had been sleeping in a vehicle or at a backpacker hostel prior to the attack underscores the challenges faced by individuals grappling with mental illness and homelessness. Despite sporadic communication with his family, Joel's isolation and distress seemed to have deepened in the days preceding the tragic incident.</p> <p>In the wake of the attack, the Cauchi family exhibited a remarkable level of cooperation with law enforcement agencies, expressing concern for the welfare of Inspector Amy Scott, who was compelled to use lethal force against Joel Cauchi. Their willingness to engage with authorities and convey their condolences to the victims' families highlights their recognition of the gravity of the situation and their desire for understanding and healing amidst the tragedy as the community mourns this unbearable loss<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">.</span></p> <p>Cauchi' victims included Pikria Darchia, a 55-year-old artist and designer; osteopath Ashlee Good, 38; security guard Faraz Tahir, 30; Dawn Singleton, 25 – the daughter of Australian multi-millionaire advertising guru John Singleton; architect Jade Young, 47; and student Yixuan Cheng, 25. A dozen others – mostly women – were also injured, including Good’s infant child.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

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Surprising move after top cop busted for speeding

<p>Victoria Police found themselves facing embarrassment recently when one of their top-ranking officers, Glenn Weir, was caught speeding.</p> <p>Weir, who serves as Victoria’s Road Policing Assistant Commissioner, was captured by a hidden speed camera in an undercover police car on February 29, traveling at 58km/h in a 50km/h zone.</p> <p>What makes this incident particularly noteworthy is not just the fact that a high-ranking police officer was caught breaking the law, but also the response Weir himself has taken. Despite being eligible to have the charge downgraded to a warning due to his clean driving record, Weir has chosen to accept the consequences – a $337 fine and a single demerit point penalty.</p> <p>In a statement addressing the incident, Weir expressed remorse and took full responsibility for his actions. He acknowledged the severity of the mistake, especially given his position as an advocate for road safety throughout his career.</p> <p>"I take full responsibility for this error and am mortified it has occurred," Weir said. "I’ve spent my entire career advocating for road safety and this incident proves nobody is immune from making a mistake on the road."</p> <p>Weir’s willingness to own up to his mistake sets an important example for accountability, not just within the police force but for all members of society. Moreover, his case underscores the importance of adhering to speed limits, with Victoria Police having long advocated for the correlation between speeding and road accidents. According to their data, speed is one of the leading causes of car crashes in the state, with the rise in the state’s road toll by almost 12% February 2023 to February 2024 further highlighting the urgency of addressing speeding and other reckless driving behaviours.</p> <p>Weir’s decision to accept the consequences of his actions demonstrates integrity and a commitment to upholding the principles of road safety. </p> <p><em>Image: 7 News</em></p>

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

<p>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. </p> <p>Patrick Orren Stephenson was staying at the property when he arrested on March 6, after police stormed in with a search warrant. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p><em>The Daily Mail </em>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."</p> <p>"A school bus passing the front door adds to the convenience for families," the ad read. </p> <p>The property is also described as practically off-grid, with solar power and an underground bore water supply. </p> <p>It remains unknown how long Stephenson had lived at the home. </p> <p><em>Images: McGrath Ballarat/ InsideLook- Real Estate Media</em></p>

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Accused mushroom killer moved to protected unit over safety fears

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The <em>Herald's</em> insider disclosed, "If Erin got out of protection, the girls would hurt her."</p> <p>Allegations of her involvement in the deaths of three elderly individuals have evidently rendered her a target among fellow inmates, necessitating stringent security measures.</p> <p>“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."</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><em>Image: News.com.au</em></p>

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Young WA cop dies at his own engagement party

<p>A Western Australian police officer has tragically passed away following a freak accident at his own engagement party. </p> <p>Senior Constable Liam Trimmer, 29, and his fiancee had gathered with family and friends to celebrate their upcoming marriage, when Trimmer fell and cut a carotid artery in his neck, leading him to bleed out.</p> <p>While they did everything they could to save him and provide first aid, Trimmer tragically passed away before paramedics arrived. </p> <p>"Everything was done to try and save him but it wasn't to be and I know everyone that was involved are really, really hurting. I think they wish they could just wake up from this nightmare," Commissioner Col Blanch told <em>9News</em>. </p> <p>"This extraordinary officer loved helping the community and was a fine example of WA policing and it's just such a tragedy.</p> <p>"(He was) a very, very confident, capable young man with his whole life ahead of him, and that's how sad this is."</p> <p>The senior constable moved to Australia from the UK in 2013 and graduated from Joondalup Police Academy that same year. </p> <p>He then moved to Kalgoorlie in 2017 where he joined the Gang Crime Squad and the tactical response group.</p> <p>The police union have also paid tribute to the senior constable.</p> <p>"Every time a death occurs for a police officer, it doesn't matter how it really does rock the core of the Blue family," WA Police Union President Paul Gale said.</p> <p>The welfare and safety division will provide support to those impacted by this tragedy and police will prepare a report for the coroner. </p> <p><em>Images: 9News</em></p>

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Everything we know about Samantha Murphy's accused killer

<p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p><em>Images: Redan Football Club / Supplied.</em></p>

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Dad cops furious note from "egotistical Karen" for parking in parent's bay

<p>A Perth dad has been left hurt after he was targeted by an "egotistical Karen" for parking in a parent's bay, while his wife was inside a shopping centre changing their seven-month-old baby. </p> <p>"Don't park here again, you selfish prick!" the note read. </p> <p>His wife took to Facebook on behalf of her hurt husband to question why someone would go out of their way to criticise him for parking in a space designated for parents. </p> <p>"My husband was putting a baby gate in the boot while I was in the forum changing our seven-month-old baby," she defended her partner, who parked at the Mandurah Forum. </p> <p>"He came back into the forum looking for me [and] when we returned, someone had put this note on our windscreen.</p> <p>"How about next time you be sure before insulting an innocent husband and father, you hero."</p> <p>The woman said that the note left her husband "hurt and almost feeling guilty" and she argued that he had every right to be there as a parent. </p> <p>Her post attracted over 300 interactions with many agreeing with the mum, and saying that the "Karen" should've gotten their facts straight before taking action. </p> <p>"There is no law for who can park in parents with prams spaces they are just convenience but anyone can park there and use,"  one man wrote. </p> <p>A few others shared the same sentiment and said that "it's not illegal to park in those bays" regardless of whether or not you have a baby. </p> <p>Some parents even shared their own experiences and why it is important to not judge someone based on looks alone. </p> <p>"This has happened to me also. I had a baby and a toddler and my husband took them inside the Mandurah forum while I unloaded our car," the person began. </p> <p>"A couple with a baby parked next to me and the man kept yelling at me that it was only for parents with prams, even though I told him I had young kids and a pram. But he didn't believe me and yelled loudly to move my car."</p> <p>One mum added that she doesn't see the need for parents with prams spaces altogether.</p> <p>"As a mum of just a five-year-old, I personally don’t see the need for parent spaces. They are not any bigger, just more convenient. Kids need exercise and prams have wheels, not hard to walk," she wrote. </p> <p>"I personally think they should be seniors bays instead, they are less mobile and struggle to walk long distances. Give them the spots."</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Woman sparks debate after copping $116 fine for "absurd" rule

<p>Shakira Coldwell, 21, has sparked debate online after copping a $116 parking fine for an "absurd" rule she claims she didn't even know existed. </p> <p>The Aussie woman took to TikTok to share her confusion, and asked if anyone else was aware of the rule. </p> <p>“Was I the only one that didn’t know you can get a parking fine for parking nose in, like the front of your car goes in first instead of backing into a car park?” she asked. </p> <p>She then asked whether the rule was only enforced in Noosa, saying that she was "pretty sure" you could park in any way as long as you stay between the lines. </p> <p>Coldwell then shared a photo of how she parked her car when she received the fine and said that she was “clearly” within the parking lines but hadn’t backed into her space like the car next to her.</p> <p>“Does that not just seem a bit absurd, a bit bizarre?” she said.</p> <p>She also said that she was only just made aware of the fine, as she had been travelling, which means that she may be copping even bigger fees as her payment was now overdue. </p> <p>“I’ve asked a couple of people about this and they literally had no idea that rule even existed. Like, I’m within the lines, it doesn’t matter how I’m parked,” she continued. </p> <p>According to the Brisbane City Council website, failing to park as indicated by an angle parking sign will result in a $116 fine, but Coldwell claims that she didn't see any signs. </p> <p>“So I am a bit confused. Is this just Noosa rule or does everyone know this because I literally did not know this was a rule. And low key $116 for a parking fine that's a bit absurd, given I was within the lines,” she said.</p> <p>Many commenters were quick to inform her that it was actually a common parking rule that wasn't restricted to Noosa. </p> <p>“As someone who lives in Noosa I can 100% guarantee there was a sign saying you had to back in,” one person wrote. </p> <p>“Being within the lines literally has nothing to do with it lol,” another said.</p> <p>A few others said that parking the wrong way in angled spots can make it “dangerous” when backing out into traffic, with one commenter claiming “everyone knows this”.</p> <p>However, a few others were just as baffled as the 21-year-old. </p> <p>“I’d be challenging that. I have never heard of it and there should definitely be signs so if you can go and check the signage,” one said. </p> <p>“Never heard of this before I wouldn’t pay it tell them where to go,” another wrote. </p> <p>According to the <a href="https://www.noosa.qld.gov.au/community/local-laws/parking-regulations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Noosa Council website</a>, rear-in angle parking is enforced in certain areas to “ensure a safer parking experience for everyone in the area," and to prevent cars from crossing into oncoming traffic as they try to exit the parking bay. </p> <p><em>Images: TikTok</em></p>

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Mother of Vyleen White's alleged killer speaks out

<p>The mother of the teenager who allegedly stabbed Vyleen White has spoken out, sending her condolences to White's family. </p> <p>The woman's 16-year-old son has been accused of the <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/grandmother-fatally-stabbed-in-front-of-granddaughter" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deadly stabbing</a> of the 70-year-old Queensland grandmother, who was fatally injured at a shopping centre while on an outing with her 6-year-old granddaughter. </p> <p>The mother, who cannot be identified, apologised to the victim's family, along with the greater community for what happened. </p> <p>"I'm sorry to the community because I didn't know that the kids do that," the mother said.</p> <p>She said her son told her "I love you mum" as police put him in handcuffs and led him away.</p> <p>The mother also apologised to White's family, saying, "I feel sorry about that, yeah, because it's so bad."</p> <p>It is believed the teenager was out on bail when he allegedly committed the stabbing, after being charged last year with stealing a car and three counts of armed robbery.</p> <p>Four other teenagers have also faced court in relation to the alleged murder of Ms White, all charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle.</p> <p>The mother's statement comes after Vyleen's <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-new-details-emerge-as-vyleen-white-s-husband-speaks-out" target="_blank" rel="noopener">husband</a> shared that they were preparing celebrations for their 50th wedding anniversary when his wife was brutally murdered. </p> <p>He told <em>7News</em>, “I’m dealing with it the best way I can at the moment. When they stabbed her, they stabbed me.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 9News</em></p>

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Sister of slain doctor calls for killers to turn themselves in

<p dir="ltr">The distraught sister of Dr Ash Gordon has made an emotional appeal for those responsible for the death of her brother to turn themselves in. </p> <p dir="ltr">In the early hours of Saturday morning, the 33-year-old doctor was killed after a group of criminals broke into his home in Doncaster in Melbourne’s east. </p> <p dir="ltr">After they stole several items from his home, he managed to chase them out of the house and pursued them in his car, until both he and the intruders exited their vehicles and a fight erupted just 500 metres away. </p> <p dir="ltr">Dr Gordon was stabbed fatally several times in the altercation and was left for dead. </p> <p dir="ltr">As his family grieve his premature death, his devastated sister Natalie has called for justice. </p> <p dir="ltr">Appearing on <em>Sunrise</em>, she shared how angry the situation has made her. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I think for me it's been anger the entire time. I'm just obviously devastated, but so angry that anyone could do this to not only my brother but any person, any human being,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">"His girlfriend is heartbroken, mum is completely broken and I've never seen my dad like this. You never want to have to bury your own children."</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Gordon said her little brother had “a big personality with a large heart”, sharing how “his presence was known everywhere.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He had a cheeky grin, a charm and charisma about him that had everyone wrapped around his little finger.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“He was the absolute apple of all of our eyes. He was the centre of our family and he was the youngest of five but we all looked up to him.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While Dr Gordon's attackers remain on the run and no arrests have been made, Natalie has pleaded for the killers to turn themselves in to police. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Wear the consequences, because you'll never imagine what we're feeling, what we're going through,” she said.  </p> <p dir="ltr">“You have taken away a wonderful doctor, a caring man and the best little brother. Don't be a coward now.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Nine / Sunrise</em></p>

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"Pathetic" fine for killer of beloved 40-year-old blue groper

<p>In a shocking act of disregard for both marine life and the law, a 26-year-old individual has plunged a spear into the heart of Sydney's Cronulla community by illegally spearing and killing the beloved blue groper known as Gus.</p> <p>Blue gropers, revered for their non-aggressive nature and inquisitive demeanour, have been the official fish of New South Wales since 1996, enjoying legal protection against spearfishing and commercial exploitation.</p> <p>After visiting and entertaining locals in the area for over 40 years, Gus, affectionately named by the community, met a tragic end at Old Park in Cronulla, a well-signed no-spearfishing zone. The incident has left the local community seething with anger and grief, prompting demands for harsher penalties and increased community education.</p> <p>A local Facebook post on the incident quickly garnered more than 100 comments and 500 reactions, reflecting the collective outrage of concerned locals. One individual expressed their frustration, saying, "Omg what an a**hole! I've been trying to find that groper for ages, and now I'll never get to see him. I hope this guy gets a massive fine."</p> <p>Witnesses to the distressing incident, including Tenielle Piek, reported the callousness of the spearfisherman to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/technology/environment/outrage-over-fishermans-pathetic-punishment-for-killing-iconic-blue-groper-in-cronulla/news-story/7dec503e9b95ec1fd8d7e7b0f8438036" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a>, who proudly displayed the lifeless groper. Piek lamented the loss of the "Labrador of the Sea" and the vulnerability of these tame and curious creatures to spearfishing. She fears that future generations may be deprived of the opportunity to experience these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat along the shores of Cronulla.</p> <p>Despite the gravity of the crime, the spearfisherman was initially handed a meagre fine of $500, sparking outrage among locals who believed the punishment to be woefully inadequate. NSW Fisheries then tacked on an additional $300, and while the culprit displayed remorse during the interview with fisheries officers and was a first-time offender, the community clearly still feels shortchanged by the leniency of the penalty.</p> <p>A spokesperson from the Department of Primary Industries claimed that the individual was provided with education and awareness material to understand the rules of spearfishing. However, the paltry $300 fine out of a potential $11,000 seems insufficient to deter future acts of this nature.</p> <p>As the investigation appears to conclude, the Cronulla community remains on edge, grappling with the inadequacy of the penalties issued. The tragic fate of Gus demands justice and a resolute commitment to preserving the delicate marine ecosystem. Anything less than a substantial deterrent risks further harm to these innocent creatures and the cherished natural beauty of Cronulla's shores.</p> <p><em>Images: Facebook</em></p>

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Twist for cop accused of killing Clare Nowland

<p>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”. </p> <p>White was charged with recklessly causing grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and common assault over the alleged “excessive use of force”.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>The great-grandmother fell backwards and fractured her skull, causing an inoperable brain injury that unfortunately led to her death just days later. </p> <p>Just last week, White's charges were upgraded to include an additional charge of manslaughter on advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.</p> <p>White appeared in court on Wednesday, for the first time since his charges were upgraded, and received two new bail conditions. </p> <p>The Constable was required to surrender his passport and not leave the country due to the upgraded charges. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>“I make the decision,” he said.</p> <p>“I would have thought my last explosion would have caused you to be more sensitive to my position.”</p> <p>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.</p> <p>The Crown prosecutor defended her actions by saying that she asked him to surrender his passport to mitigate the risk of flight. </p> <p>“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. </p> <p>“Those two new conditions are now appropriate.”</p> <p>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”. </p> <p>White will return to court in February next year. </p> <p>Nowland's family members released a statement via their lawyer after the proceedings on Wednesday. </p> <p>“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. </p> <p>NSW Police confirmed that White remained suspended from duty with pay.</p> <p><em>Images: ABC News South East NSW: Floss Adams/ News.com.au</em></p>

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

<p>Texts that alleged triple murderer Erin Patterson sent to a friend have emerged revealing her "horrible upbringing".</p> <p>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". </p> <p>“My mum was ultra weird her whole life,” she wrote.</p> <p>“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.</p> <p>"That's what my psych reckons. She said she wishes she could have studied my mum lol."</p> <p>The messages, obtained by the <em>Herald Sun, </em>also revealed Patterson's lack of connection with her late father Eitan Scutter, who she called "a doormat." </p> <p>“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. </p> <p>“She would shout at him if he did the wrong thing so he became very meek and compliant.</p> <p>“My sister and I would hide in our room most of the time so we couldn’t do anything wrong.”</p> <p>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. </p> <p>The former colleague also told the <em>Herald Sun </em>that Patterson was highly intelligent and capable as she was able to graduate from the challenging training course and work independently in the field. </p> <p>“She was rated in the field and was actually responsible for running airspace for a while,” the former colleague told the publication. </p> <p>“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.”</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Patterson's two children were also in attendance, but did not consume the same meal.</p> <p>Ian has since been released and attended his wife's memorial in October. </p> <p><em>Image: News.com.au </em><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</em></p>

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Woman launches true crime podcast to find her father's killer

<p>21 years ago, Madison McGhee's father was shot in cold blood. </p> <p>Madison was just six years old when her dad, John "JC" Cornelius McGhee, died, and was originally told he had passed away from a heart attack.</p> <p>However, when Madison was in high school, she began to ask questions about what really happened that night. </p> <p>"When I was 16 I had a weird feeling that something else was going on, so I asked my mum about a weird connection between my cousin and the death of my father," Madison told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/today/ice-cold-case-podcaster-hoping-to-solve-fathers-21-year-murder-mystery/a873da03-0198-4e34-b65c-cc3ced6e8cca" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Today Extra</em></a>.</p> <p>"And that's when my mum told me that there was another side of the story and that my dad had actually been murdered and it was a cold case, completely unsolved."</p> <p>Madison's father, who was a recovering drug addict and police informant, was shot in the head in the early hours of July 11th 2002 at his home in Ohio. </p> <p>His 16-year-old daughter and Madison's half-sister, Alyssa, was home at the time and found her father's body on the ground with a bullet hole in a nearby wall.</p> <p>Police investigated his death, but failed to find any evidence that could convict someone of his murder. </p> <p>After Madison discovered the real nature of her father's death, she began digging into the cold case and decided to try and solve the crime herself. </p> <p>In her efforts to find her father's killer, she launched a podcast called <em>Ice Cold Case</em>. </p> <p>"I started asking questions, diving into it and that's when I realised it was much more layered than even I could have imagined," she said.</p> <p>One line of theory by investigators was that JC's death was a home invasion gone wrong, but Madison said things just don't add up to support that.</p> <p>"When you dive into the police files, it's very clear that this is suspicious," she said.</p> <p>"A home invasion to my knowledge is usually very quick and something of value is stolen, but nothing was taken and this home invasion lasted for over 30 minutes.</p> <p>"It just seemed suspicious that someone would feel so comfortable to break into a house and stick around for that long and not steal anything at all - it feels like it was planned and very intentional."</p> <p>Madison admitted that is has been jarring looking into the death of her father, especially when no one has been held accountable, but she has put her own fears aside in the hopes of finding out what really happened. </p> <p>"I do feel a little uneasy putting myself out there in this very public way, but I just feel like justice for my dad is so much more important than worrying about my own safety if his killer is still out there," she said.</p> <p>"But I really want to find out what happened for him and for my own closure, so I have sort of pushed that to the side."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Today Extra</em></p>

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Accused mushroom killer puts home up for sale

<p>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. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>She has consistently denied any wrongdoing. </p> <p>Now, her $1 million townhouse in Melbourne's east at the suburb of Mount Waverley has hit the market. </p> <p>She first bought the three-bedroom, three-bathroom property in 2019, and has infrequently visited it. </p> <p>It is not the house where the fatal mushroom incident took place. </p> <p>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. </p> <p>Real estate agency Ray White has pitched the home to downsizers and families that want to send their children to a good school. </p> <p>“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.</p> <p>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.”</p> <p><em>Images: Realestate.com.au / A Current Affair</em></p>

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