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Grieving father pays tribute to young son killed in school crash

<p>The heart-broken father of the young boy who was killed when a car crashed through his school gate has spoken out about his profound loss. </p> <p>Jack Davey was sitting with friends when a car slammed through a fence and into a group of Year 5 students at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday afternoon.</p> <p>He was critically injured and died on the way to hospital, while four other children were also injured. </p> <p>As tributes for the young boy have started to emerge in the days following the accident, Jack’s father has also now publicly spoken for the first time following his son’s death.</p> <p>In a moving tribute, Mike Davey said he couldn’t imagine spending the rest of his life without his “beautiful” boy.</p> <p>“Our beautiful son. A shooting star who blessed us for 11 years with love, friendship and kindness,” he said. “You were my inspiration and motivation. I cannot comprehend the life ahead without you."</p> <p>“My mate, my champ, my Jackie-boi. Godspeed, until we meet again ... I love you.”</p> <p>His mother, dad and siblings visited a growing memorial for the student outside the school on Wednesday afternoon to read all the messages left in his honour.</p> <p>His father wore his son’s backpack and his two sisters left teddy bears.</p> <p>School mum and friend of the family Lucy Pristel along with some of the other school mums, decided to launch a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-davey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:GoFundMe;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="15" data-v9y="1">GoFundMe</a> to help "ease the burden" of funeral costs, adding, "We just wanted to make life as easy as possible." </p> <p>In a matter of hours, the fundraiser has exceeded its goal, and at the time of writing over $160,000 has been <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/boy-s-tragic-death-in-school-crash-sparks-incredible-community-response" target="_blank" rel="noopener">donated</a> by the community.</p> <p><em>Image credits: GoFundMe</em></p>

Caring

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Boy's tragic death in school crash sparks incredible community response

<p>The 11-year-old boy who tragically died after a car <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/child-dies-after-car-crashes-through-school-gate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">crashed</a> through his school's gate has been identified, with a family friend sharing more details about the horrific accident. </p> <p>Jack Davey was sitting with friends when a car slammed through a fence and into a group of Year 5 students at Auburn South Primary School on Tuesday afternoon.</p> <p>He was critically injured and died on the way to hospital, while four other children were also injured. </p> <p>School mum and friend of the family Lucy Pristel told <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/incredible-response-after-boys-tragic-death-in-melbourne-school-crash-052951244.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Yahoo News</em></a> the shocking incident has "affected" the entire "close-knit" community.</p> <p>“I have no words, to be honest with you. They are the most beautiful family. They would do anything for anyone,” she said. </p> <p>Lucy's own 11-year-old son, who is also a student at the school and played basketball with Jack, witnessed the tragedy unfold before his eyes.</p> <p>"Unfortunately a lot of the kids saw what happened," she said. "It's affected everybody. The school has offered councillors to us all, so there's been a lot of support. We're a close-knit community." </p> <p>To help support the grieving family, Lucy, along with some of the other school mums, decided to launch a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-davey" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-i13n="cpos:5;pos:1" data-ylk="slk:GoFundMe;cpos:5;pos:1;elm:context_link;itc:0;sec:content-canvas" data-rapid_p="15" data-v9y="1">GoFundMe</a> to help "ease the burden" of funeral costs, adding, "We just wanted to make life as easy as possible." </p> <p>In a matter of hours, the fundraiser has exceeded its goal, and at the time of writing over $140,000 has bee donated by the community.</p> <p>Lucy recalled the moment she found out about the horror that unfolded at the school on Tuesday afternoon, saying she didn't realise the extent of what had happened at first. </p> <p>"I actually drove past the school after it happened and didn't think much of it," she admitted. "Then I started hearing about it."</p> <p>"I ran down to the school... you could see parents for at least 300, 400 metres and I saw everyone hugging. That's when I knew something happened at our school [and not one of the others close by]."</p> <p>Ever since then, "everyone has just bound together," she said sharing the "pure horror" felt by everyone.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Caring

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Aussie sporting power couple drop huge news

<p>Aussie Swimmer Shayna Jack is engaged! </p> <p>The Olympian, 25, who has just returned from the 2024 Paris Olympics announced that she got engaged to her field hockey player partner Joel Rintala. </p> <p>"We've arrived back on Aus soil with news," she shared on her Instagram stories alongside a ring emoji and photos from their engagement. </p> <p>She then shared a post from their sweet proposal, with the caption: "10•08•2024 ♾️🤵🏽‍♂️Husband to be @joelrintala👰🏼‍♀️Wife to be @shayna_jack"</p> <p>In an update, she shared a reel of her showing off her stunning diamond ring in front of famous monuments and tourist attractions as they travelled around Europe, with the caption: "POV: You got engaged overseas 🤣🫣🥰." </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_Fce-WI9tw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_Fce-WI9tw/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Shayna Jack (@shayna_jack)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Jack's teammates and fans took to the comments to congratulate the Aussie sporting power couple. </p> <p>Her Aussie teammate Ariarne Titmus commented: "Woot woot," with two red heart emojis. </p> <p>"So happy🥰🥰🥰 congratulations to you both!" added swimmer Abbey Harkin. </p> <p>Swimmer Bronte Campbell commented love heart emojis, while Brianna Throssell added: "Sooo happy for you both. Biggest congratulations!"</p> <p>"If anyone deserves to be happy its you ! Congrats," wrote one fan.</p> <p>"Amazing!!!! Huge congrats lovely," added another. </p> <p>The couple are believed to have first started dating back in 2020.</p> <p>It's been a month full of wins for Jack, who took home the gold medals in Paris as part of the 4x100m and 4x200m freestyle teams.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

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"Go back to your ocean": Olympic medallist insulted by French customs officer

<p>An Aussie Olympic medallist was caught off guard upon his return home to Brisbane, when he was called out by a French customs officer. </p> <p>Jack Robinson, who won silver in the surfing competition in Tahiti as part of the Paris Games, was returning to Aussie shores with his medal in tow and happy with his Olympic performance. </p> <p>However, when he was greeted by a customs officer who happened to be French, things took a turn. </p> <p>The Frenchman took the opportunity to stick it to the Aussie Olympic runner up, relishing the fact that Kauli Vaast, from France, had won gold in the comp. </p> <p>Taking to TikTok to share the hilarious encounter with his followers, Mr Robinson said: "what are the odds of being welcomed like this?"</p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: currentcolor !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: none; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px; max-width: 100%; outline: currentcolor !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7400700745911225618&amp;display_name=tiktok&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40jackrobinsonsurf%2Fvideo%2F7400700745911225618%3Fembed_source%3D121374463%252C121451205%252C121439635%252C121433650%252C121404359%252C121351166%252C121331973%252C120811592%252C120810756%253Bnull%253Bembed_masking%26refer%3Dembed%26referer_url%3Dwww.escape.com.au%252Fnews%252Faussie-silver-medal-surfer-jack-robinson-brutally-burned-by-french-customs-officer%252Fnews-story%252F48306be5756c2cf2d353787e823bf812%26referer_video_id%3D7400700745911225618&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2F99adeff03a574c23861d622aa90e9b89_1723109925%3Flk3s%3Db59d6b55%26nonce%3D74009%26refresh_token%3Db5b746d3b3a1eb36e30b00a6f4cd678d%26x-expires%3D1723780800%26x-signature%3Dh7x7Li%252B%252BEw4xdRkWkw2PKU3jkNQ%253D%26shp%3Db59d6b55%26shcp%3D-&amp;key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>"Yeah ze French guy in the Australian customs. So on my way back from Tahiti I arrive from ze flight and I get ze dec-er-al-ation, I come to ze customs, the guy looks at me and says 'Ey, better luck next time zon, go back to your ocean.'"</p> <p>Despite the customs officer's remarks, many Aussies praised Robinson's performance in Tahiti, as fans hailed his "amazing efforts".</p> <p>His TikTok was flooded with comments, with many saying they believed that the officer "did not mean it badly", as Robinson confirmed he had taken the jibe in his stride. </p> <p>Others said the Frenchman could "go back to his 'La Seine'", while others remarked, "Bro the French are cocky asf, you did good man" and "Why the French so smug? That's a Tahitian gold, not a 'French' one."</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Man behind viral "democracy manifest" arrest dies

<p>Jack Karlson, the man behind one of Australia's most famous viral memes, has died aged 82. </p> <p>Karlson shot to fame after footage of his 1991 arrest outside the China Sea Restaurant in Brisbane went viral in 2009 when someone uploaded it to the internet. </p> <p>"Gentlemen, this is democracy manifest," he said during the arrest. </p> <p>"What is the charge? Eating a meal - a succulent Chinese meal?"</p> <p>"Have a look at the headlock here. See that chap over there?" he went on.</p> <p>"Get your hand off my penis! This is the bloke who got me on the penis before."</p> <p>Reports at the time suggested that Karlson had been arrested on suspicion of being criminal that was high on Queensland police's wanted list. </p> <p>While he did have a criminal history himself as he was known for several prison escapes throughout his life, he insisted that he was the wrong man. </p> <p>The reporter who reported Karlson's arrest 33 years ago, Chris Reason, confirmed Karlson's death in a social media post on X, tweeting that "Mr Democracy Manifest has died".</p> <p>A fundraiser had been set up for Karlson by his niece in June after he was reportedly diagnosed with prostate cancer and needed surgery for cataracts. </p> <p>“I know Jack’s video has given a lot of people joy and he has inspired many memes, t-shirts and other things over the years but Jack himself is doing it quite tough,” his niece wrote on the fundraiser at the time. </p> <p>“He has never had much money but has always been generous to family and friends. He lives week to week in regional QLD with the help of a voluntary carer.</p> <p>“Hoping people can dig deep – I think he’s worth at least a beer, maybe even a 6-pack.”</p> <p>In an update last week, his niece said that he wasn't doing well. </p> <p>“He has been in Hospital for two weeks now,” she wrote.</p> <p>“He has had multiple procedures but things are not looking good.</p> <p>“One thing that did lift his spirits was that the GoFundMe was taking off. He has been really appreciative of the donations and the comments.”</p> <p>A documentary about his life is currently in production and set to be released in early 2025. </p> <p><em>Images: 7News</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

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Jack Black cancels Tenacious D tour after on-stage Trump comment

<p>Jack Black has cancelled the rest of Tenacious D's Australia and New Zealand tour after his bandmate Kyle Gass’s on-stage joke about the attempted assassination of Donald Trump was widely condemned. </p> <p>Gass was celebrating his 64th birthday on stage at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Sunday night, just hours after Trump was fired upon at a rally Pennsylvania, when Black presented him with a cake and asked for his birthday wish. </p> <p>“Don’t miss Trump next time,” Gass replied. </p> <p>The moment was captured and posted to TikTok where it quickly went viral, even attracting attention from radio shock jock <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/entertainment/music/kyle-slaps-comedy-legends-with-lifetime-ban-for-twisted-trump-joke" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Sandilands</a>, who proposed Tenacious D receive a lifetime ban from touring in Australia.</p> <p>Since the moment garnered online attention, Kyle Gass has been dropped by his talent agency, Greene Talent, with rep Michael Greene telling <em><a href="https://www.tmz.com/2024/07/16/tenacious-d-kyle-gass-dropped-talent-agency-trump-shooting-comment/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">TMZ</a></em> they have parted ways due to the incident.</p> <p>In the hours after the show, Jack Black took to Instagram where he shocked fans by announcing the rest of their tour would be cancelled, as the joke prompted a falling out between the two bandmates.</p> <p>“I was blindsided by what was said at the show on Sunday. I would never condone hate speech or encourage political violence in any form,” Black wrote in a statement.</p> <p>“After much reflection, I no longer feel it is appropriate to continue the Tenacious D tour, and all future creative plans are on hold. I am grateful to the fans for their support and understanding.”</p> <p>Gass has since apologised for the joke, saying, “The line I improvised onstage Sunday night in Sydney was highly inappropriate, dangerous and a terrible mistake."</p> <p>“I don’t condone violence of any kind, in any form, against anyone. What happened was a tragedy, and I’m incredibly sorry for my severe lack of judgement."</p> <p>“I profoundly apologise to those I’ve let down and truly regret any pain I’ve caused.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Shutterstock Editorial/TikTok</em></p>

Music

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Kyle slaps comedy legends with lifetime ban for "twisted" Trump joke

<p>US comedy-rock duo Tenacious D have found themselves at the centre of a media maelstrom during their current Australian tour. The reason? A blink-and-you'll-miss-it moment during which guitarist Kyle Gass expressed that his birthday wish at their Sydney show was: “Don’t miss Trump next time.”</p> <p>The comment quickly sent shockwaves through the media landscape, and has even managed to ruffle the feathers of the famously unshockable Kyle Sandilands. </p> <p>It all started innocently enough at Sydney’s ICC Theatre. As the band celebrated Kyle Gass' 64th birthday, Tenacious D frontman and star of the big and small screen Jack Black paused the show for the ceremonial blowing out of candles. What better time for Gass to wish for world peace, or perhaps a new guitar?</p> <p>But no: “Don’t miss Trump next time,” he quipped, referring to the failed assassination attempt that very morning on the former US President. </p> <p>As expected, the moment was captured by at least one concertgoer and shared on TikTok, where the comment section swiftly became a battlefield. “As a Tenacious D fan, no. Just no,” lamented one disappointed follower. “Hmm … the left condoning gun violence. Hypocrisy at its finest. Keep showing us your colours,” declared another.</p> <p>However, not everyone was scandalised. “My respect for Tenacious D,” reads the top comment, with another fan chiming in, “Aaand I like them even more.” </p> <p>But the real kicker came when Sandilands, on the Kyle & Jackie O show, took to the airwaves to express his utter dismay. “Someone’s promoting the assassination of another human being? Seriously?” he said. “That’s some serious, twisted s**t. And whoever that is, is banned for life.” </p> <p>Sandilands was especially flabbergasted to learn the comment came from Tenacious D. “See, those two seem like normal people, not unhinged lunatics,” he mused.</p> <p><em>Images: KIIS FM | TikTok</em></p>

Music

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Russell Hill's daughter shares her outrage over Greg Lynn's sentence

<p>Russell Hill's daughter has expressed her anger over the jury's verdict of former pilot Greg Lynn, who was found not guilty for Hill's murder. </p> <p>Greg Lynn faced a lengthy trial over the deaths of campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay, but after a week of jury deliberations, was only <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/shocking-verdict-in-trial-of-murdered-campers" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found guilty</a> for the murder of Carol and was cleared of charges relating to Russell's death. </p> <p>Following the shock verdict, Hill's daughter Debbi, said she was “angry” at the jury and that she felt her father didn’t get the justice he deserved. </p> <p>“It’s new, we’ve only just found out, but the more I think about it, the more angry I get at the fact that it didn’t have to be this way,” Ms Hill told <em>60 Minutes</em> on Sunday. </p> <p>“My dad was not a violent person in any way. He wouldn’t have provoked anything.”</p> <p>Ms Hill went on to say that she thinks about what happened to her father every day. </p> <p>“I’m just really angry that he went camping that day, that time, that he is the person he is and he happened to be right there with my dad and Carol, and this is what happened,” she said. </p> <p>“I think it was just really bad luck for Dad and Carol that they were there at the time, but it wouldn’t have happened if he [Lynn] wasn’t such an awful person.”</p> <p>After the trial concluded, more information has come to light about Lynn's past after non-publication orders were lifted.</p> <p>His first wife Lisa Lynn, 34, was found dead in the front yard of her home in 1999, with a coroner’s report indicating a blood-alcohol level of 0.21 and high levels of anti-depression medication present in her system at the time of her death. </p> <p>No suicide note was ever found and Lynn was never charged over her death, however detectives are now looking to have the Victorian coroner conduct a full inquest into the 1999 death.</p> <p>Ms Hill said it was quite concerning to learn about Lynn’s history, saying, “I hope he doesn’t get away with this, but I’ve lost a bit of faith in the whole system.”</p> <p>“I’m not trusting of it now. We’ll have to wait and see. He’s just such a terrible person.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Victoria Police </em></p>

Legal

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"While I was home": Goldie Hawn robbed twice in four months

<p>Hollywood star Goldie Hawn recently opened up about a harrowing experience she and longtime partner Kurt Russell endured: two home invasions within the span of just a few months.</p> <p>Hawn shared the details of these incidents during a candid conversation on Kelly Ripa's podcast, "Let's Talk Off Camera".</p> <p>The first robbery occurred while Hawn and Russell were out for dinner. "I went up the stairs, I walked into my closet, and I just lost it," Hawn recalled, describing the moment they returned home to find their house had been burglarised. The intruders had broken in from the balcony, targeting their bedroom and closets. "They completely knocked down my door, which is a safe door, so they're very, very sophisticated, and they got a lot of my goodies," she added.</p> <p>Following the initial invasion, Hawn believed the chances of a repeat incident were slim. However, just four months later, she faced another terrifying experience – this time while she was alone at home. "I hear this big thump upstairs, and I was alone," she reflected. Initially dismissing it as a sonic boom or some other unusual noise, she later discovered that intruders "were trying to get in my bedroom while I was in the house". </p> <p>The dual invasions profoundly impacted Hawn, prompting her to enhance her home security measures significantly. Despite the increased safety precautions, the traumatic events have left a lasting impression.</p> <p>In light of these experiences, Hawn expressed a desire to relocate to Atlanta, where her family resides. "It's so lovely there, I said, 'Hey, guys, why don't we all move there?'" she shared. The idea of a family compound has always been a dream for Hawn and her loved ones. "We've always said if one moves, we all have to move together. That's what we've always said." </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

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Doctor Who actor dies at the age of 99

<p>Legendary <em>Doctor Who</em> actor William Russell has died at the age of 99. </p> <p>Russell made his debut on the long-running hit sci-fi show back during its first episode in 1963 as the character Ian Chesterson, where he became the first companion alongside the then doctor William Hartnell. </p> <p><em>Doctor Who</em> show runner Russell T Davies led the tributes online, writing, "What a sad loss."</p> <p>"William played the Doctor's very first companion, Ian Chesterton, back in 1963," Davies explained in the Instagram tribute alongside an image of the two together.</p> <p>"A schoolteacher, trapped on the Tardis by a wily old Doctor, unable to get home, whisked off to the Stone Age, Skaro, the Crusades, planet of the Zarbi..! Wonderful! A fine, nimble, witty, heartfelt actor who absolutely sold the truth of those early years."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7zaEDQNPv5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C7zaEDQNPv5/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Russell T Davies (@russelltdavies63)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Davies said that Russell had been a "star booking" for the show, praising both the actor and man he knew off set.</p> <p>"He later went on to marry Rita Fairclough as Ted Sullivan on <em>Coronation Street</em>. In the photo, I bumped into him on a train in 2018! I was star-struck," he continued.</p> <p>"He spoke with so much pride and joy about his son, Alfred Enoch, who I'd seen in King Lear at the Royal Exchange. Absolutely lovely man. A fine, long life. Well done, sir, well played."</p> <p>William Russell made his television debut in 1956, starring in the TV series <em>The Adventures of Sir Lancelot</em>, which led to an illustrious career both on the screen and the stage. </p> <p>Russell appeared once more in <em>Doctor Who</em> after his initial episode, reprising his role in 2022 during the final episode of Jodie Whitaker's run as the Doctor, 57 years after his own last appearance. </p> <p>Not only did fans of the show adore his appearance, but it also scored him a Guinness World Record for having the biggest gap between TV appearances.</p> <p>He is survived by his four children, Robert, Laetitia, Vanessa and Alfred, as well as four grandchildren, James, Elise, Amy and Ayo.</p> <p><em>Image credits: BBC / Dan Wooller / Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 16px 0px 20px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 18px; line-height: 28px; font-family: 'Proxima Nova', system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Fira Sans', 'Droid Sans', 'Helvetica Neue'; font-size-adjust: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-position: inherit; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; caret-color: #333333; color: #333333;"> </p>

Caring

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"No-brainer": Call for Jack's law to be introduced nationwide

<p>A Queensland father whose son was stabbed on a night out is pushing for Jack's Law to be introduced nationwide in the wake of the <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/family-of-bondi-killer-break-silence" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bondi Junction attack</a> and <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/teenage-boy-in-custody-after-stabbing-at-sydney-church" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Wakeley Church stabbing</a>. </p> <p>Brett Beasley is urging NSW premier Chris Minns and other states to introduce the anti-knife law which allows police officers to conduct random searches for knives at public transport hubs and Safe Night precincts using metal detecting wands.</p> <p>“It’s an absolute no-brainer,” he told <em>news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>“It’s absolutely extraordinary how well it’s working here in Queensland. I believe every single police officer Australia-wide should have the same powers.” </p> <p>Beasly and his wife Belinda have spent years campaigning for the law following the tragic death of their son Jack, who was stabbed by a group of teens outside a Surfers Paradise convenience store during a night out in 2019. </p> <p>It's been three years since the law was introduced in Queensland, and since then 55,000 people have been searched, 800 weapons have been confiscated and 1400 people have been charged. </p> <p>“It’s the same as being pulled over for a random breath test, it’s exactly the same and it’s working,” Beasly said. </p> <p>“I can guarantee the NSW government, if they were to adopt Jack’s Law, then they will start finding thousands of weapons. It’s scary to think how many of these young offenders are walking around actually armed and getting away with it.”</p> <p>Beasly, who was “absolutely devastated” after hearing about the Bondi Junction stabbing spree, said that the NSW premier should waste no time introducing the law. </p> <p>“Chris Minns shouldn’t even contemplate it. He should just say, ‘Absolutely. Let’s do this’.</p> <p>“I get thousands of messages from people in New South Wales who say ‘We want Jack’s Law down here, we need it down here’.”</p> <p>“To lose a child in any way is absolutely horrendous, and to lose a child to murder is the worst way possible. Your child’s life is taken from them.”</p> <p>Beasly is keen to meet with Minns to discuss rolling out Jacks law in NSW saying: “if Chris Minns is open to a meeting with me, I’ll be on the next flight to Sydney because this government need to make this happen. It’s as simple as that." </p> <p>A NSW government spokesperson has told<em> news.com.au</em> that they “need to look carefully at our current policies to ensure the public is safe”.</p> <p> “The NSW Sentencing Council is currently undertaking a review of the sentencing laws for firearms, knives and other weapons offences. The NSW Government will also look at knife laws,” they said.</p> <p>“We will await the review findings and consider all recommendations carefully.”</p> <p>Beasly is also planning to meet with  the Governor of Western Australia on Monday and hopes that they will also adopt the law. </p> <p>While waiting for other states to adopt the law, Beasly and the Jack Beasley Foundation are delivering free presentations about knife crime in schools. </p> <p>“Let’s work on this together and bond together and make a change and see if we can stop this,” he said.</p> <p><em>Image: Jerad Williams/ news.com.au</em></p>

Legal

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"How could he do it to me?": Grandmother broken over grandson's alleged fraud

<p>In a courtroom in Perth, emotions ran high as a heartbroken grandmother awaited a reunion with her grandson, Jack Endersby. But this wasn't a typical family gathering. It was a courtroom confrontation, where Lyn Newby hoped her grandson would look her in the eye and confront the pain he allegedly caused by defrauding her of more than $320,000.</p> <p>Endersby, a 24-year-old <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/perth-news-grandmother-lost-320000-after-investing-in-grandson-business-alleged-ponzi-scheme/e3ea6396-750c-452c-8e87-c0ef53d65ede" target="_blank" rel="noopener">accused of orchestrating a Ponzi-style scheme</a> that allegedly swindled around $2 million from victims across Australia, faced the scrutiny of the law and the anguish of his own family. The accusations against him span from February 2021 to February 2024, a period during which he allegedly promised lucrative returns to investors, only to leave them empty-handed and disillusioned.</p> <p>For Newby, the betrayal cut deep. She had entrusted her grandson with a substantial sum, believing it to be an investment in his trading business, Codex Investments. His promises of monthly returns seemed enticing, but when the payments abruptly ceased, Newby's world shattered.</p> <p>"He has ruined our lives," she lamented. "How could he do it to me? I'm his grandmother." </p> <p>Endersby's arrest earlier this month marked a turning point in the unravelling of his alleged scheme. Facing 11 charges of fraud, he appeared in Perth Magistrates Court, where his family, including his mother, sought answers and reconciliation. However, Endersby remained aloof, ignoring their attempts at communication.</p> <p>In the lead-up to his court appearance, Newby expressed her desire for her grandson to acknowledge the pain he caused. "He will feel terrible when he sees me, and I want him to look me in the eye and know how much he's hurt me," she said, her anguish palpable.</p> <p>The allegations against Endersby paint a stark contrast to his earlier life. Once a telesales consultant and labourer, he purportedly transformed into a "self-taught investor" with a multimillion-dollar portfolio and a lifestyle of luxury. Flashy holidays, upscale accommodations and a Maserati adorned his newfound prosperity, allegedly funded by the deceitful machinations of a Ponzi scheme.</p> <p>As the details of Endersby's alleged deception emerged, more victims came forward, each recounting their own stories of financial loss and shattered trust. Michael Dawson, who invested in Endersby's business 18 months prior, described initial returns followed by a troubling silence. Others spoke of referral schemes that seemingly built trust but ultimately ensnared unsuspecting investors in a web of deceit.</p> <p>Amid the courtroom drama and legal proceedings, questions linger about the true extent of Endersby's alleged scheme and the lives it impacted. As he awaits his next court appearance on April 19, the echoes of broken trust and shattered dreams serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of financial fraud.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News</em></p>

Legal

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Russell Crowe unveils new look not seen in over 20 years

<p>Russell Crowe, the man of many faces – literally, his beard has its own postcode – is making headlines again. Not for his stellar performances or his knack for embodying iconic characters, but for something far more groundbreaking: he shaved.</p> <p>Yes, you read that right. Russell Crowe has gone from grizzly lumberjack chic to smooth operator in what can only be described as a follicular metamorphosis of epic proportions.</p> <p>In a tweet that shook the internet harder than a magnitude 9 earthquake, Crowe proudly announced, "The actor prepares #20. First shave since 2019".</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The actor prepares #20.<br />First shave since 2019. <a href="https://t.co/e48ctxh9GY">pic.twitter.com/e48ctxh9GY</a></p> <p>— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) <a href="https://twitter.com/russellcrowe/status/1759500781642780929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>Now, to put this into perspective, in 2019 we were all living in a blissful ignorance of the chaos that awaited us in the years to come. So, the fact that Russell Crowe has finally decided to bid farewell to his facial foliage is nothing short of a miracle.</p> <p>In the accompanying photo, Crowe stares into the camera with the seriousness of a man who has just discovered a rare species of moth living in his beard. His face, now liberated from the tangled web of hair, appears decades younger, causing fans to collectively question if time travel is, in fact, possible.</p> <p>But let's not forget, this isn't Crowe's first rodeo with a clean-shaven face. Even though he cites "2019" in his caption, the last time he showcased such ephemeral smoothness was back in 2012 while promoting <em>Les Miserables –</em> a time when the world was still recovering from the shock of "Gangnam Style" and debating the colour of a certain pinstriped dress. So, it's safe to say, Crowe's clean-shaven look is rarer than a blue moon on a leap year.</p> <p>Of course, fans couldn't contain their excitement. One Twitter user exclaimed, "20 years younger instantly!" Another fan, probably needing a moment to catch their breath after witnessing the transformation, simply stated, "oh THERE you are". And let's not overlook the fan who eloquently remarked, "Looks good! It’s nice to change it up and shave. You have a nice face it was hiding behind all that hair." Ah, poetry in the age of social media.</p> <p>But what prompted this seismic shift in Crowe's appearance? Well, he didn't spill the beans on which movie role necessitated the razor, but we can only imagine the possibilities. Perhaps he's playing a time-travelling barber who inadvertently alters the course of history with each stroke of his razor. Or maybe he's set to star in a reboot of <em>The Santa Clause</em> as the titular character who decides to trade in his bushy beard for a more aerodynamic look. The possibilities are as endless as the hairs on Crowe's chin once were.</p> <p>Whatever the reason, one thing's for sure: Crowe's fresh shave has left an indelible mark on the internet. And as he gears up for roles in everything from historical dramas (he’s pegged to play Hermann Göring in the film <em>Nuremberg) </em>to MMA action flicks (such as <em>The Beast In Me</em>, which traces the life of a commercial fisherman who avenges his brother's death by fighting in a cage match)<span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">, we can only hope that his newfound smoothness becomes a permanent fixture. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">After all, in a world of chaos and uncertainty, sometimes all it takes is a clean shave to restore our faith in humanity.</span></p> <p><em>Images: Poker Face / Twitter (X) </em></p>

Movies

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All the footy stars are getting married!

<p>Love was in the air, and wedding bells rang joyfully as AFL star Jack Silvagni and his beautiful bride, Grace Phillips, sealed their love in a heartwarming ceremony over the weekend.</p> <p>The couple, who have been together since 2014, took the plunge into marital bliss in a picturesque setting in Noosa, Queensland. Their love story, culminating in a beautiful union, is a testament to the power of love and commitment.</p> <p>As the 25-year-old Carlton forward and his stunning bride exchanged vows, they did so in the company of their nearest and dearest. The joyous occasion was made even more special as it coincided with a wave of AFL weddings, with teammates Mitch McGovern and Matt Kennedy also embracing the off-season to celebrate their nuptials.</p> <p>Jack Silvagni, the eldest son of Carlton legend Stephen Silvagni and model Jo Silvagni, looked every bit the dashing groom in his suit, but the true star of the day was of course his radiant bride, Grace Phillips.</p> <p>She donned an enchanting ivory off-the-shoulder gown by Kyha Studios, setting hearts aflutter as she walked down the aisle. The couple shared their first photo as newlyweds on Instagram, a picture-perfect moment captured in time, and their caption, "19•10•23 🤍", was a simple but powerful declaration of their love.</p> <p>The Carlton Football Club, recognising the significance of the day, congratulated the newlyweds with heartfelt wishes on their official Instagram account, "Congratulations Jack and Grace 💍💕." It was a wonderful show of support from their football family, acknowledging that love and happiness transcend the boundaries of the game.</p> <p>Surrounded by a guest list that included their closest friends and family, the day was filled with laughter, love, and cherished moments. Silvagni's Carlton teammates, Patrick Cripps, Jack Martin and Sam Docherty, were in attendance to witness this beautiful chapter in their lives.</p> <p>Silvagni's proposal to Phillips last year marked the beginning of their journey towards this day. Their engagement, shared on the same day as Richmond's Tom Lynch and Olivia Burke, was a special moment that foreshadowed the love-filled year ahead. Burke, the Senior Marketing Manager for Kyha Studios, wore the same brand that Phillips chose for her wedding dress, adding a poetic touch to their story.</p> <p>In the world of football, love clearly knows no bounds, as Western Bulldogs star Jason Johannisen also recently tied the knot, marrying Logan Shine in Bali. And Carlton star Mitch McGovern also found his forever love over the weekend, marrying Kirsten Prater in South Australia.</p> <p>With so much love in the air, it's clear that the AFL community knows how to celebrate both on and off the field. Silvagni and Phillips' wedding day was not just a celebration of their love, but a reminder that love conquers all and brings joy to everyone it touches. We wish the newlyweds a lifetime filled with love, happiness, and memorable moments.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

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Sam Armytage opens up on interview with Russell Brand

<p>In light of recent accusations against the comedian and entertainer, Samantha Armytage recently revisited her unforgettable 2009 television encounter with what she described as the charismatic but somewhat "touchy-feely" Russell Brand.</p> <p>Reminiscing about the interview that took place during Brand's peak fame while he was touring Australia, Armytage <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">candidly acknowledged that the experience was "pretty full-on".</span></p> <p>"Obviously, he was always rather outrageous in his persona," Armytage told <a href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/tv/flashback/sam-armytage-spills-on-infamous-russell-brand-interview/news-story/846c856fa73dab665e3e9dfb983fa320" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Daily Telegraph's Confidential</a>. "But I do recall him being very touchy-feely, which was quite intense considering I didn't know him personally."</p> <p>During the interview segment, viewers witnessed Brand's playful antics, including seductively biting into a banana and engaging in light flirtation with the Seven Network presenter. He complimented Armytage, telling her she was "gorgeous".</p> <p>"If you were on my television when I was a teenage boy, it would mess me up. I think you are gorgeous," Brand remarked.</p> <p>Blushing, Armytage responded with a compliment of her own, calling him "kind". Brand, with his characteristic humour, swiftly replied, "It ain't kind... it's just a bit rude."</p> <p>Recent discussions have resurrected clips of other prominent Australian presenters, such as TV and radio host Fifi Box and Nine journalist Liz Hayes, engaging in similar playful banter with Brand. However, Armytage is the first to publicly comment on these encounters, which comes at a time when Brand faces allegations of misconduct, rape and sexual assault.</p> <p>It's important to note that Brand has categorically denied all allegations made against him. These accusations surfaced in a joint investigation published by <em>The Sunday Times</em> of London, the <em>Times</em> of London, and Channel 4 Dispatches. Four women have accused Brand of rape, sexual assault, and emotional abuse during the height of his fame from 2006 to 2013.</p> <p>In response to the allegations, Brand released a video statement, vehemently denying what he called "very serious criminal allegations". He insisted that any encounters during his "promiscuous" period were consensual and claimed that he was the target of a "coordinated media attack".</p> <p>As a consequence of these allegations, numerous major organisations have distanced themselves from Brand. Media reports have indicated that episodes of popular UK reality shows, including <em>Big Brother</em>, <em>The Great British Bake Off</em>, and the comedy quiz show <em>QI</em> have been removed from streaming services, years after their initial release.</p> <p>Additionally, London's Metropolitan Police confirmed <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/london-police-receive-even-older-russell-brand-sexual-assault-allegation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">that they received a report</a> of an alleged assault involving Brand, though it appears to be distinct from the four victims previously reported in the media.</p> <p><em>Images: Channel 7</em></p>

TV

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London police receive even older Russell Brand sexual assault allegation

<p>London police have announced that they are investigating a sexual assault allegation involving British comedian and actor Russell Brand. This revelation comes in the wake of media reports that have emerged, detailing accusations <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/bbc-responds-to-damning-russell-brand-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">made by four women against Brand</a> for incidents that allegedly occurred between 2006 and 2013, including a rape allegation linked to his Los Angeles residence.</p> <p>Brand, known for his comedy and acting career, has vehemently denied all allegations, asserting that all of his sexual relationships were consensual. The comedian gained fame as a commentator on the reality show <em>Big Brother</em> and subsequently played significant roles in Hollywood films such as <em>Forgetting Sarah Marshall</em> in 2008 and <em>Get Him to the Greek</em> in 2010. He was also briefly married to singer Katy Perry.</p> <p>In recent times, Brand has gained prominence as a political commentator and video blogger, although some of his content has featured COVID-19 conspiracy theories and misinformation regarding vaccines.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxOooOsIGXd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CxOooOsIGXd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Russell Brand (@russellbrand)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The police announcement specifically referenced a new allegation stemming from an incident in central London's Soho neighbourhood in 2003. The Metropolitan Police stated that they are in contact with the woman who made this allegation and are providing her with support. They have also reached out to <em>The Sunday Times</em> and Channel 4, urging anyone who believes they have been a victim of a sexual offence to come forward and report it.</p> <p>In response to these allegations, three of Brand's former employers, including the BBC, Channel 4, and Banijay UK production company, have initiated their own investigations into the claims.</p> <p>Consequently, Brand's upcoming stand-up performance at the Theatre Royal Windsor, scheduled for Tuesday, has been cancelled, with tour promoters announcing the postponement of additional shows in light of the ongoing situation.</p> <p>Talent agency Tavistock Wood has severed ties with the comedian, citing feeling "horribly misled" by him, and Bluebird publisher has decided to "pause" future collaborations with Brand.</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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BBC responds to damning Russell Brand allegations

<p>The BBC has shared that they are "urgently looking" into a series of sexual assault allegations against comedian and actor Russell Brand. </p> <p>The allegations from several women emerged after Channel 4's <em>Dispatches</em> program aired a bombshell documentary about the alleged assaults. </p> <p>The documentary, which was a years-long joint investigation between Channel 4 and the Times, has accused Brand of rape and sexual assaults between the years of 2006 and 2013. </p> <p>Brand has denied all the allegations and said all of his relationships have been consensual.</p> <p>Some of the alleged incidents raised by the women in the documentary occurred while Brand, 48, was working at BBC radio stations between 2006 and 2008. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The BBC say they are "urgently looking into the issues raised" by allegations about Russell Brand in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/C4Dispatches?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#C4Dispatches</a> documentary, Russell Brand: In Plain Sight.</p> <p>The production company Banijay UK and Channel 4 have also said they are launching their own internal investigations. <a href="https://t.co/937IBnPnOJ">pic.twitter.com/937IBnPnOJ</a></p> <p>— Channel 4 Dispatches (@C4Dispatches) <a href="https://twitter.com/C4Dispatches/status/1703459588379406500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 17, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>A BBC spokesperson said in a statement, "The documentary and associated reports contained serious allegations, spanning a number of years."</p> <p>"Russell Brand worked on BBC radio programmes between 2006 and 2008 and we are urgently looking into the issues raised."</p> <p>Mr Brand resigned from the BBC programs in 2008 following public uproar over a on-air prank, when he made prank calls to actor Andrew Sachs with offensive comments about the actor's granddaughter.</p> <p>Channel 4's production company has also launched an "urgent" internal investigation into the allegations. </p> <p>In response to the damning allegations, Dame Caroline Dinenage, who chairs the House of Commons media committee, said, "We will be closely monitoring the responses of the media, especially our public service broadcasters, to these allegations, and looking at the questions that this, yet again, raises about the culture in the industry as a whole."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Dire Straits guitarist dies at age 68

<p>Dire Straits guitarist Jack Sonni has died at the age of 68. </p> <p>Sonni, who was affectionately known as the band's "other guitarist" had been suffering from unspecified health issues that forced him to cancel performing. </p> <p>The band announced the news of his passing on X, formerly known as Twitter, posting a black and white photo of Sonni and writing, “#JackSonni Rest In Peace #DireStraits“.</p> <p>The official Facebook account for Dire Straits Legacy, a band that Sonni participated in alongside other former members of Dire Straits, also shared the news.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JackSonni?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JackSonni</a> 🎸 Rest In Peace 🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DireStraits?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DireStraits</a> <a href="https://t.co/W3vx65bY5h">pic.twitter.com/W3vx65bY5h</a></p> <p>— Dire Straits 🎸 (@DireStraits77) <a href="https://twitter.com/DireStraits77/status/1697209575668170867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 31, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>“Our beloved Jack has left a void in our heart and soul,” the statement read. “We will miss you so much. You are forever with us.”</p> <p>His cause of death is still unknown, however the news of his passing comes just days after the announced that Sonni wouldn't be performing in upcoming concerts “because of health problems.”</p> <p>“Dear fans, unfortunately, Jack Sonni will not be able to participate in our next gigs because of health problems,” the post read.</p> <p>“Jack get better soon, we are waiting for you! With love, the DSL family.”</p> <p>Tributes poured in for the musician from around the world as news of his death spread on Thursday.</p> <p>One person wrote, "So sad to hear, loved his antics on stage, such a big smile," while others who knew him personally recalled their favourite moments and said they were "proud" to know him.</p> <p>Sonni joined the band in 1984 and joked about his role as a guitarist behind Mark Knopfler during the London band’s Brothers in Arms era, famously calling himself “the other guitar player,” a nickname that stuck because the Knopflers also played the instrument.</p> <p>Sonni played with the band during its two-song performance for the massive famine-relief concert Live Aid in July 1985, with Dire Straits slotting in between U2 and Queen at London’s Wembley Stadium.</p> <p>At the time of his death, Sonni was believed to be a writing for a new project. </p> <p>In his final Facebook post on June 2nd, he wrote, “Well chilluns, the last social media post for the foreseeable future as I dive into getting my novel in shape for my agent’s publisher hunt. Play nice and be kind to one another! And hug them while you can.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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Tragic end for Indi the Jack Russell after he and owner mauled in vicious attack

<p>In a heartbreaking turn of events, a NSW woman by the name of Eleanor Booth faced a horrifying ordeal while trying to defend her Jack Russell terrier from a vicious dog attack along a well-known walking track in southern Sydney.</p> <p>Unfortunately, her courageous efforts were in vain, as her beloved pet, Indi, succumbed to the injuries inflicted during the brutal attack.</p> <p>The incident unfolded on Sunday near the Georges River in Lugarno and concluded with both Booth and her pet being rescued by emergency services after she waded into neck-deep mud to escape from two dogs that had escaped from their home.</p> <p>Booth, who confided in her friends that she feared she would meet her end alone while clutching her lifeless dog, underwent surgery on Monday to treat wounds to both her hands.</p> <p>She also suffered bites to her mouth, throat, and cheek, in addition to a broken arm. Tragically, little Indi passed away at the Sydney Animal Hospital on Monday afternoon, having reportedly experienced several heart attacks.</p> <p>The community rallied behind Booth, and a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-indi-and-elle-after-vicious-dog-attack" target="_blank" rel="noopener">GoFundMe</a> campaign had already raised nearly $25,000 at the time of writing to aid her recovery from this shocking incident – with the funds now being used "to pay the outstanding bills, and any amount raised over and above will be donated to Veterinary Specialists of Sydney (VSOS)".</p> <p>The harrowing ordeal began when Booth took Indi for a routine walk on Sunday morning and unexpectedly encountered two dogs, believed to be Irish Wolfhounds, who launched a ferocious assault on Indi.</p> <p>Booth recounted witnessing a man with the two dogs instructing them to cease the attack. However, when the dogs showed no signs of relenting, the man abandoned the scene.</p> <p>Fuelled by sheer determination, Booth fought desperately to free Indi from the clutches of the aggressors and sought refuge by plunging into the muddy waters of the river. Witnesses attest that the dogs relentlessly pursued Booth into the treacherous terrain.</p> <p>Amidst the chaos, Fire and Rescue NSW personnel came to the aid of Booth and Indi, utilising pepper spray to deter the attacking dogs.</p> <p>In an effort to extricate Booth from the mud, rescuers instructed her to remove her trousers and shoes, facilitating her escape from the perilous predicament. Astonishingly, even two police officers who arrived on the scene found themselves trapped in the thick mud for a daunting 15 minutes.</p> <p>Eventually, thanks to the concerted efforts of firefighters from Fire and Rescue NSW, the woman, her dog, and the two officers were successfully liberated from their muddy entrapment and promptly received medical attention.</p> <p>As investigations into the incident continue, NSW Police representative Paul Callaghan emphasised that the owner would likely bear liability, particularly in cases involving dogs attacking one another. The circumstances surrounding the attack and subsequent events will undoubtedly form a crucial part of the ongoing inquiry.</p> <p><em>Images: Nine News / Gofundme</em></p>

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