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Two Aussies cop $35,000 fine for "illegal" enterprise

<p>A pair of Aussies have copped a $35,000 fine for illegally collecting masses of firewood for a black market enterprise. </p> <p>The duo were caught during a targeted patrol inside a national park in Victoria, where fallen timber is supposed to be left as wildlife habitat. </p> <p>They fled after they were approached by officers, according to Parks Victoria, but had left behind evidence of their illegal enterprise. </p> <p>Officers found records that identified the 44-year-old man and 31-year-old woman in their abandoned Commodore, as well as their sales record and social media accounts promoting their black market business. </p> <p>The pair were convicted of six charges at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on November 22, with the man fined $20,000 and the woman $15,000 for cutting, removing and selling firewood in the Lower Goulburn National Park in May, 2023.</p> <p>The couple faced additional charges for damaging wildlife habitat. </p> <p>On Wednesday, Parks Victoria issued a warning to the public to not fall for firewood scams and illegal wood sellers after almost 10,000 trees had been illegally felled across 462 hectares of public land last year.</p> <p>"The illegal cut and take of firewood from national parks and protected public land is theft," Andrew Dean, a Parks Victoria Senior Enforcement Officer, said in a statement. </p> <p>"Theft damages and destroys wildlife habitat and robs Victorians of the natural places they love to visit. Magistrate Zebrowski's verdict sends a strong and clear message: firewood theft will not be tolerated, and offenders will be held accountable for their actions.</p> <p>"We encourage consumers to use common sense when purchasing firewood. Any time a deal is too good to be true, it probably is."</p> <p>Fallen logs are important and a key habitat for Australian wildlife including the  marbled gecko, brown treecreeper and Peron’s tree frog. </p> <p><em>Images:  Parks Victoria</em></p>

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Disgraced former cop launches legal action against NSW Police

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

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Former top cop's shocking William Tyrrell call

<p>The former NSW police commissioner has made a sobering call about the future of the William Tyrrell investigation. </p> <p>In an exclusive interview with <em><a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/former-police-commissioner-says-william-tyrrell-case-might-never-be-solved/news-story/e656596fba877ed0af0f10b528f90f3b" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a></em> podcast <em>Witness: William Tyrrell</em>, former police commissioner Mick Fuller said that despite running an "extremely professional investigation”, he was doubtful if the case would ever be solved. </p> <p>“It was never going to be easy to solve and maybe it won’t get solved this time,” he said.</p> <p>“But, you know, people won’t give up … there are new police coming through that will take over this case from (current lead detective) Dave Laidlaw at some stage, and there’ll be another fresh set of eyes there.”</p> <p>William Tyrrell was just three years old when he disappeared from his foster grandmother's home in Kendall, NSW on September 12th 2014. </p> <p>No one has been charged or arrested in connection to his disappearance, and the team investigating the case Strike Force Rosann has recovered no forensic or eye witness evidence to indicate what happened to the child.</p> <p>At the time of Fuller's retirement in 2022, Detective Chief Inspector Mr Laidlaw was brought in to lead a refreshed Strike Force into Tyrrell's disappearance. </p> <p>At the time, Fuller told 2GB the group assembled was “one of the best teams we’ve seen” and was hopeful of a breakthrough in the investigation.</p> <p>Speaking with <em>news.com.au</em>, Mr Fuller said, “I would love to say that this matter was solved before I retired.”</p> <p>“Unfortunately, it wasn’t. And sometimes it takes 30, 40 years for these type of matters to be solved,” he said. “And unfortunately, then sometimes they’re never solved.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: NSW Police</em></p>

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Cop who fatally tasered grandmother learns fate

<p>A jury has found a police officer guilty of manslaughter after he fatally tasered a grandmother in a care home. </p> <p>Senior Constable Kristian James Samuel White, 34, discharged his stun gun at 95-year-old Clare Nowland in a treatment room at Yallambee Lodge aged-care home in the southern NSW town of Cooma during the early hours of May 17th 2023.</p> <p>In video footage played at his NSW Supreme Court trial, he was heard saying “nah, bugger it” before shooting the great-grandmother, who was holding a knife, in the torso. </p> <p>Nowland fell and hit her head, and died in hospital a week later. </p> <p>During the trial, the jurors heard eight days of evidence and submissions in the trial, including from the nursing staff, paramedics and White’s police supervisor who were there at the time he fired.</p> <p>After deliberating for 20 hours, a 12-person jury returned with a guilty verdict of manslaughter on Wednesday in the NSW Supreme Court.</p> <p>The offence of manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison in New South Wales. </p> <p>The Crown has applied for White to be taken in custody ahead of sentencing, with the application to be determined on Thursday.</p> <p>The family of Clare Nowland issued a statement through their lawyer Sam Tierney, which read, “The Nowland family were present in court today when Kristian White was convicted of the manslaughter of their beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Clare.”</p> <p>“The family will take some time to come to terms with the jury’s confirmation that Clare’s death at the hands of a serving NSW police officer was a criminal and unjustified act. The family would like to thank the Judge and jury for carefully considering the matter and the DPP prosecution team for their hard work.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: 9News</em></p>

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Family cops $2k fine for little known offence

<p>A family in Sydney have been repeatedly fined for parking their car in their own driveway. </p> <p>Jane Mansfield, who lives in Sydney's south-west with her family of six, started copping fines for her parked car six months ago. </p> <div> <article> <div id="outbrain_widget_1" data-src="//9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/sydney-family-cops-repeated-fines-for-parking-car-in-their-own-driveway/58653db4-cd4f-41be-9f29-0d0d2a678394" data-widget-id="AR_1" data-external-id="63f8b8e389687ebfeb24eb9bf5179b0b" data-ob-mark="true" data-browser="safari" data-os="macintel" data-dynload="" data-idx="1"> <p>"All up we're due to pay about $2,000 on a finance plan at the moment," she told <em>A Current Affair</em>.</p> <p>Both Jane and her husband each received one fine for parking slightly over the curb in their driveway, with both of them accepting the fine and putting them on a payment plan. </p> <p>"Then we tried to do the right thing by pulling the car onto the driveway further, and got another fine," Mansfield said.</p> <p>"Well, apparently, you need to go past the letterbox, and even being slightly out ... is not allowed. So I'm thinking, where am I meant to put my car?"</p> <p>According to the fine, the offence was for stopping on or across a driveway - which is her own.</p> <p>Each fine they have received is worth $320 and Mansfield claimed she is now running out of patience and money trying to keep up with the ridiculous fines. </p> <p>"Four children, rent's gone up, electricity, everything's gone up bill wise, so $2,000 to us is a huge amount," Mansfield said.</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p> </div> </article> </div>

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Hero cop from Bondi Junction attack nominated for major award

<p>The hero cop who brought an end to the Bondi Junction stabbing in April has been nominated for Australian of the Year.</p> <p>Inspector Amy Scott, who fatally shot Joel Cauchi during the April 13th attack, is up for the coveted award in New South Wales for her quick-thinking and courage during the terrifying ordeal. </p> <p>Scott is up for NSW Australian of the Year alongside the likes of former cricketer and charity boss Kath Koschel and youth advocate Daniel Principe.</p> <p>The nomination commends Scott for her "unparalleled bravery and dedication to service" during the horror attack, which killed six people and injured another 12.</p> <p>"Without hesitation or regard for her own safety, Inspector Scott responded with exceptional courage, not waiting for backup and choosing to face the threat head-on and alone, a decision that would define her heroism," the statement confirming her nomination read.</p> <div> <div>"Her actions saved countless lives and showcased her unwavering leadership in the face of extreme danger. Inspector Scott's fearless and decisive actions are an inspiration to all Australians."</div> </div> <div> <div>The award recipients for the NSW Australian of the Year will be announced on November 13th.</div> </div> <p>In October, Inspector Scott <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/hero-cop-breaks-silence-on-westfield-bondi-junction-stabbing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">spoke</a> about the horrific attack during an NRL event to honour emergency services, telling <em>9News</em>, "The incident was obviously extremely traumatic for so many people so when people are so kind and acknowledge us in the way they have it's really helped the healing process I would say."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine </em></p>

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Hero cop breaks silence on Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing

<p>Amy Scott, the hero police officer who shot Joel Cauchi during his stabbing rampage at Westfield Bondi Junction in April, has spoken about her brave act. </p> <p>On Sunday, the Sydney Roosters publicly recognised all emergency services during the NRL match against Canberra, in what will become an annual event. </p> <p>There were  tributes for NSW Police, NSW Ambulance, Fire and Rescue, VRA Rescue NSW, SES, Rural Fire Service, Marine Rescue, Surf Life Saving Australia and St John Ambulance.</p> <p>Scott was the star of the event arriving in a PolAir helicopter to present the game ball to Roosters captain, James Tedesco.</p> <p>She was given a standing ovation from the NRL crowd, as she spoke about her brave act. </p> <p>“I was just doing my job that day, absolutely” she said. </p> <p>“It was a job I hoped the community would expect from us. I know any of my colleagues would have done exactly the same. I’m grateful that we were able to get there and do what we did as quickly as we did.</p> <p>“Look, I’m a very big believer in taking the support that is ­offered to you. I had done that significantly prior to anything that happened at Bondi.</p> <p>“The people you go home to, your family and friends, are key. For me, it’s my wife Emma because they deal with trauma you deal with in a different light and she has been incredible. We got married in February and we have two young boys. I’m excellent, I’m doing really well," Scott continued. </p> <p>“I’m enjoying being back at work. I actually just had some annual leave, which was nice. I love my job, I love where I work and I love my team. I’m grateful to be there with them doing day-to-day stuff again. It is (a thankless task) at times, absolutely.</p> <p>“It’s a wonderful day to recognise so many different emergence services and I’m incredibly grateful to the Roosters and NRL for making this happen because there are so many unsung heroes out there, not just with the NSW Police Force, but with all other emergence services, so it’s so nice to have a wonderful, positive, light shed on us all.</p> <p>“It was unreal, a fantastic experience. It’s a privilege.”</p> <p>When asked who she supported in the NRL, the hero police said: “Today I’m a Roosters fan," but she will always remain a Knights fan as she is a "one-town, one-team kind of girl." </p> <p>NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley and NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb also attended the match and praised her for her actions. </p> <p>“What courage Amy Scott has shown this year. She really epitomises policing in NSW. She is very humble,”  Catley said. </p> <p>“This is an opportunity for us to say to her: ‘Thank you so much for her courage’. Without her actions, we could have ended up with a different situation that day in Bondi.</p> <p>“She (Scott) is an amazing officer every day of the week,” Webb said. </p> <p><em>Images: Nine</em></p> <p> </p>

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Woman cops hefty fine after "checking out surf"

<p>A woman has lashed out at her local council after she copped a fine for $136 for a five-minute stop at a popular beach to assess the surf conditions. </p> <p>Amy Sloane stopped her car at The Esplanade at NSW's Caves Beach to get a sense of the surf conditions on July 6th, and was unknowingly being watched by a parking inspector. </p> <p>Ms Sloane was shocked to receive the fine in the post a few weeks later, arguing that her actions didn't justify the fine.</p> <p>"How do I feel? P***ed off," she told <em>Yahoo News</em>. "Rangers can't fine people who don't pick up after their dogs on our beaches, but can secretly fine you without you knowing for just checking out the surf for five minutes."</p> <p>She also called the council workers "cowards", saying the area she stopped in is often used by locals and tourists to get a look at the surf, and even whale watch occasionally during migration season.</p> <p>As she continued to defend her actions, Lake Macquarie City Council clarified that the infringement stated the driver parallel parked in the opposite direction of travel, which is a  known "safety offence under Australia Road Rules".</p> <p>It is illegal in all Australian states and territories to park your car in the opposite direction of traffic on any road.</p> <p>"The fine at hand was issued for not parallel parking in the direction of travel, which is a safety offence under Australian Road Rules. The driver's vehicle crossed double white lines and was parked near a bend, facing oncoming traffic, which further heightened safety concerns," a council spokesperson said.</p> <p>After expressing her annoyance on social media, many agreed the fine was warranted, saying she had done the wrong thing, regardless of how long she was there for.</p> <p>Other locals chimed in and said "it happens all the time" despite it being a fineable offence.</p> <p>"If you think the fine is wrong, fight it. If you were parked incorrectly, wear the fine," another said.</p> <p>Sloane confirmed to <em><a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/woman-fined-136-after-checking-out-surf-at-popular-beach-084002221.html?guccounter=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yahoo News</a> </em>she will begrudgingly pay the fine.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook / Shutterstock </em></p>

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Bondi cop receives special valour award for "exceptional bravery"

<p>The police officer who stopped the Bondi massacre has been honoured with a valour award at a police induction ceremony.</p> <p>Inspector Amy Scott fatally shot Joel Cauchi in the middle of his terrifying rampage through the Bondi Junction Westfield shopping centre, which resulted in the deaths of six people. </p> <p>On Friday, ten weeks on from the mass stabbing, NSW Premier Chriss Minns announced the officer would receive a Commissioner’s Valour Award “for displaying exceptional bravery in a life-threatening situation” at a police graduation ceremony. </p> <p>“She has been rightly labelled a hero,” he said. “She was calm, decisive, and as a result she saved many lives.”</p> <p>“She gives us all an example of what we ask of our police, many of whom are young, to walk into terrible situations as an ordinary part of their job.”</p> <p>The special award is a commendation for officers who display exceptional bravery in life-threatening situations, and is reserved for the most decorated officers.</p> <p>Inspector Scott was the first officer on scene on April 13th, confronting the 40-year-old Cauchi alone before shooting him dead with a bullet to the chest.</p> <p>While waiting for back-up officers to arrive, Scott performed CPR on Cauchi and some of his victims. </p> <p>The award for Ms Scott was part of a larger ceremony to welcome 169 new probationary constables into the NSW Police at the Goulburn Police Academy.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

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"I am the Bicycle Bandit": Terminally-ill ex-cop confesses to 20-year-old mystery

<p>In a startling twist to a 20-year-old mystery, 73-year-old Kym Allen Parsons, a terminally-ill former police officer and firefighter, has admitted to being the notorious "Bicycle Bandit" who terrorised South Australian banks and residents for a decade.</p> <p>Parsons' confession came just days after receiving approval for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and being provided with a VAD kit by SA Health.</p> <p>Parsons, who has stage 4 cancer and who had previously denied the charges, changed his plea to guilty during a Supreme Court session on Monday, ending years of speculation and investigation. His sudden admission of guilt follows a plea bargain brokered by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions and his counsel after the VAD approval was granted.</p> <p>In a tearful apology read to the court, Parsons expressed deep remorse for his actions, acknowledging that his behaviour was both irrational and without excuse.</p> <p>"I have no excuse for my behaviour," he told the court. "My reasoning was illogical and irrational over that time, and over the past 10 years I have tried to rehabilitate, seek help and forgiveness and demonstrate my shame in distressing actions.</p> <p>"I was fearful of confessing my past and destroying their [my wife and family's] love and trust in the person they knew.</p> <p>"I do not expect your forgiveness, and I humbly ask you accept my sincerest apology and deepest remorse."</p> <p>Despite Parsons' request for bail ahead of his sentencing, Justice Sandi McDonald deemed his crimes too severe for continued freedom and ordered his immediate custody. His access to the VAD kit while in custody remains uncertain.</p> <p>The courtroom was filled with Parsons' victims and their supporters, many of whom had worked at the banks he robbed. Some were victimised multiple times. One victim described the lasting impact of being robbed at gunpoint, detailing the immense trauma and the development of an auto-immune disease likely induced by stress. Other victims recounted struggles with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and ongoing trust issues.</p> <p>Parsons had been scheduled for trial in February on charges of armed robbery, attempted armed robbery, and firearms offences, with prosecutors alleging he stole over $250,000 from 11 banks between 2004 and 2014. DNA evidence was cited as a link to the crimes. His guilty plea and impending death are expected to ignite a legal battle over his $2.4 million estate, involving prosecutors, his heirs, and his victims.</p> <p>Previously, Parsons had been granted home detention due to his terminal stage 4 cancer diagnosis, after significant weight loss while in custody. His defence lawyer, James Marcus, stated that Parsons pleaded guilty to provide closure to the victims and their families.</p> <p>Parsons' sentencing is scheduled for June 28, marking the conclusion of a complex and emotional case that has gripped the state for years.</p> <p><em>Images: ABC News / SA Police</em></p>

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Cops charged after allegedly assaulting 92-year-old

<p>Two police officers have been charged after allegedly assaulting a 92-year-old man in Sydney’s southwest.</p> <p>The officers attended a home at Campbell Street, Picton, after 8:45pm on January 21, following reports of a domestic incident. </p> <p>"The 92-year-old man received injuries which were allegedly the result of an interaction with the officers," a NSW Police statement reads.</p> <p>"He was taken to hospital where he was admitted with a fracture to his right elbow, and significant bruising to his head and arms."</p> <p>Following an internal investigation - which began the day after police attended the home - a male senior constable and a male constable, both from the South West Metropolitan Region, were given court attendance notices yesterday for assault occasioning actual bodily harm.</p> <p>The constable is also facing a further charge of assault. </p> <p>NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said that police responded to over 140,000 domestic violence matters every year and they review all the responses the following day. </p> <p>She also said that it was "too hard to say" whether a domestic violence matter took place at the home, and it appeared that a resident at the home had dementia. </p> <p>"It's obviously a complex matter when you have someone elderly, someone who has mental decline through dementia, or through something else, that can actually articulate any concerns to police properly."</p> <p>However, no-one has been charged with domestic violence. </p> <p>One of the officers will appear at Campbelltown Local Court on July 30, and the other is due to appear at the same court on August 6. </p> <p>Both officers will be suspended with pay. </p> <p><em>Image: Nine</em></p> <p> </p>

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Alleged killer cop files lawsuit against NSW Police

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

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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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"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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"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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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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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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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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