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Bunnings releases shocking CCTV footage of attacks on staff

Bunnings has shared CCTV footage of violent attacks on staff members, after a watchdog found that the store's facial recognition camera breached privacy laws. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner has ruled the retail giant breached privacy laws when it used CCTV-linked facial recognition technology to capture the face of every person who entered 63 stores in NSW and Victoria in the three years to November 2021. Bunnings is set to appeal the ruling, as they explained the cameras were installed to crackdown on shoplifting and violence towards staff in their stores. Managing director Mike Schneider said, “FRT was trialled at a limited number of Bunnings stores in Victoria and NSW between 2018-2021, with strict controls around its use, with the sole and clear intent of keeping team members and customers safe and preventing unlawful activity.” “Our use of FRT was never about convenience or saving money but was all about safeguarding our business and protecting our team, customers, and suppliers from violent, aggressive behaviour, criminal conduct and preventing them from being physically or mentally harmed by these individuals,” Schneider said. “It was not used in isolation but in combination with various other security measures and tools to deliver a safer store environment.” The company added that about 70 percent of violent attacks were committed by "the same group of people", as Bunnings shared a compilation of clips of the incidents, showing its staff punched, pushed, grabbed and threatened with firearms, knives and hammers in its stores. “FRT provided the fastest and most accurate way of identifying these individuals and quickly removing them from our stores.” In her ruling, Privacy Commissioner Carly Kind acknowledged the potential of the technology to protect against crime and violent behaviour, but determined, “However, any possible benefits need to be weighed against the impact on privacy rights, as well as our collective values as a society.” “Facial recognition technology may have been an efficient and cost-effective option available to Bunnings at the time in its well-intentioned efforts to address unlawful activity, which included incidents of violence and aggression. “However, just because a technology may be helpful or convenient, does not mean its use is justifiable.” The ruling found Bunnings had taken the private information of customers without consent, failed to take steps to notify them and had left gaping holes in its privacy policy. Commissioner Kind said the technology was an intrusive option that interfered with all customers’ privacy, not just high-risk individuals. “Individuals who entered the relevant Bunnings stores at the time would not have been aware that facial recognition technology was in use and especially that their sensitive information was being collected, even if briefly,” she said. The Office of the Australian Information Commissioner said the ruling should be a reminder to businesses about their privacy obligations and has released a privacy guide for companies considering using facial recognition tech. Image credits: Bunnings

Legal

Bondi Junction attack victim's family reveals final phone call

Heartbreaking details have emerged of the final video call hero security guard Faraz Tahir made hours before the tragedy. Tahir, was one of six victims killed during the Bondi Junction stabbing attack on April 13, and the only male victim to die in the attacks as he confronted knifeman Joel Cauchi. His loved ones have shared details of the final video call he made before going to work on that tragic day, ahead of a coronial inquest into the massacre beginning on Tuesday. Tahir's family said he was very excited to be starting his new life in a country he described as safe and "very peaceful". "That day ... he was talking to the whole family on a video call in Pakistan, and he was dressed up, and he told us that he was preparing to go to a job," the family told Seven News. "He said it's my first shift in Bondi Junction ... and he was really excited. "He finally felt safe in Australia … he said 'Australia is very beautiful, Australia is very exciting and very peaceful.'" Tahir and colleague Muhammad Taha ran to help when they heard people screaming and shouting. His family said they were proud of the courage Tahir showed during the horrific event. "He was serving as a security guard, and he went above and beyond ... we definitely consider him a hero," they told Seven News. “He did what he was meant to do to protect humanity." “And his sacrifice will make things better in future... to prevent these sorts of incidents happening again.” The inquest is set to go over evidence and hear from a handful of witnesses, which the family said will bring back painful memories. “It is an emotional time... to be going through it again,” they said. "The memories will come back." Images: 7News

Family & Pets

"Rot in hell": Family of murdered paramedic speak out over ruling

The man charged with murdering New South Wales paramedic Steven Tougher has been found not criminally responsible due to a mental health impairment, with Tougher's family "appalled" by the decision. In April 2023, Tougher, 29, was stabbed in a McDonald’s carpark by Jordan Fineanganofo, 23, in a frenzied attack at 5am in the Sydney suburb of Campbelltown. The father-to-be had been eating with a colleague when he was approached by Fineanganofo, who stabbed him 55 times and leaving 24 incised wounds. “I am going to f**king kill you,” Fineanganofo said to Mr Tougher, according to the agreed facts and court documents. Mr Tougher was rushed to hospital after the attack, but suffered a cardiac arrest and died at the hospital shortly after he arrived. Both the defence and the Crown prosecutor agreed the court could find Fineanganofo was not responsible because of his mental health issues, with Justice David Davies stating on Friday that he cannot be held criminal responsible. “I am satisfied beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the psychical acts,” he said. “(I) find the accused was suffering from a mental impairment at the time he committed the acts”. Justice Davies found Fineanganofo had been suffering from a mental health impairment at the time of the attack and did not know the wrongness of his actions because of his illness. The court was told Fineanganofo experienced auditory hallucinations, increasing paranoia, and suicidal ideation before the deadly attack, as the 23-year-old told psychiatrists that he heard voices telling him to harm himself and others in the weeks leading up to the offences, and believed he was surrounded by malignant demons. As Justice Davies handed down his decision, Tougher's friends and family broke down in court. “You chose not to take your medication, you’re the demon,” one person shouted at Fineanganofo as he was taken into custody, while another person yelled, “Rot in hell, you dog.” Outside court, Mr Tougher’s father Jeff said the family were “appalled” with the outcome. “It is neither what we wanted nor what we expected,” he said. “Stephen has been lost in this deeply flawed and broken process.” The heartbroken father said the family “strongly oppose” the court's decision to agree to a finding of not criminally responsible, and they were “deeply offended” they were not consulted before the decision was made. Mr Tougher’s father said the family would be pushing for an inquest into the “deplorable” circumstances surrounding his son’s death. “We are damaged today, but we’re not broken. The system is broken, and as a family, we will be fighting for change,” he said. “My son will not be forgotten, nor will his death be dismissed.” Image credits: Facebook

Legal

Police officer dies on popular beach

A tragic incident unfolded at Perth’s popular Trigg Beach on Tuesday morning when an off-duty police officer lost her life after a diving accident. Emergency services responded to reports of a diver in distress around 10:30am, sparking a rapid and intensive search effort. An operator alerted the rescue teams over radio, saying, “You’ll see some vessels up there. We have a missing diver about 70 metres offshore.” Multiple agencies converged on the area, and the woman in her 40s was eventually located and brought to shore. Witnesses recalled the sombre scene, with one bystander describing the moment the searchers signalled the diver’s location: “We saw the signal when they raised their hand, saying, ‘here, it’s in this place.’ They tried to do the resuscitation.” Despite the immediate efforts of the responders, the woman could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene. WA Police later confirmed that the diver was a First Class Constable with the WA Police Force, off duty at the time of the incident. “It is with a heavy heart we confirm the diver is a sworn member of the WA Police Force,” read a statement from WA Police. “Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to her family and colleagues.” The police force’s Health, Welfare and Safety Division provided support to officers and others affected, and throughout the afternoon colleagues, friends and family arrived at the beach to pay their respects, with one man appearing visibly distressed as he was comforted by the police chaplain. The cause of the incident remains under investigation, although authorities have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner as the police department and local community mourn the loss of a dedicated officer. The family of the deceased has requested privacy during this difficult time. Images: Nine News / Seven News

Caring

Hero cop from Bondi Junction attack nominated for major award

The hero cop who brought an end to the Bondi Junction stabbing in April has been nominated for Australian of the Year. 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. 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. The nomination commends Scott for her "unparalleled bravery and dedication to service" during the horror attack, which killed six people and injured another 12. "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. <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> 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 9News, "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." Image credits: Nine

News

Pet owner fined $806 over simple mistake

A poodle owner has been fined $806 over a 10-metre walk to the beach. John, who lives a few minutes away from Budd's Beach in Queensland, took his van down to the water's edge and walked roughly 10 metres across the shoreline with his dog Emma by his side. Little did he know that this common act would cost him $806 under new regulations that came into effect on July 31, where pet owners can get fined for not having a pet on a leash or not maintaining proper control of the leash while in public. "I thought that it was very unfair ...I was only traveling from my van to the water," John told A Current Affair. "I wasn't wandering along the footpath or in public areas or anywhere. "I was just passing, travelling from the car to the water... I really didn't think that I was doing anything wrong." John was fined for “failure to exercise effective control of a non regulated dog in a public place”. There are signs further up Budd's Beach that state dogs must be on a leash at all times, and John said he does use a lead when he takes his pup out for a walk. The massive fines are a part of the Queensland government's crackdown on dog attacks, with fines of up to $112,910 for more serious dog attack offences as well as up to three years imprisonment. “Changes were made to the AMCDA due to a rise in complaints about aggressive dogs and dog attacks, and the large number of dog-attack victims admitted to hospital each year in Queensland,” the Queensland government said in a statement online. Another Queensland resident has also been fined under the same laws for having her dog's lead under her foot during a coffee break. “It’s wrong, we are trying to survive and it is another stress I didn’t need,” the resident said. “She was on a lead and collar and she was behaving properly." Images: Nine

Legal

King and Queen of Spain attacked during royal visit

The king and queen of Spain have been attacked by furious locals during a tour of the flood-ravaged area of Valencia. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia were met by an angry mob who have been dealing with the fallout of deadly flooding that has killed 217 people, with another 1,900 missing. Accompanied by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, the royal couple arrived in Paiporta on Sunday, when a crowd of hundreds descended. The crowd began to throw mud, rocks, sticks and rubbish at the group while screaming “murderer” and “shame”, with much of the vitriol seeming to be directed as the Spanish leader. The royals were struck with some of the debris, with vision showing the couple’s faces and clothing dirtied with mud. “It’s been four days, where have you been?” one onlooker yelled at the king. “You’ve just come here to pose for pictures. You have no shame.” Another screamed at a visibly frightened Queen Letizia, “You lack for nothing while we here don’t even have water to drink.” According to reports, security tried to whisk the royals away to safety but King Felipe insisted they stay and continue speaking with those who wanted to, with the couple later seen consoling survivors, with one man crying on the king’s shoulder. As they eventually got into their car to leave, a policeman shouted “long live the king”, which was met with howls of “guillotine” by some of the protesters. In a statement issued by the palace hours after the melee, it was announced a second visit by the king to nearby Chiva, another flood-affected town, had been called off. Juan Bordera, a local politician in Valencia, told the BBC that the king and queen’s tour was a “very bad decision”. “It’s logical that the people are angry, it’s logical that the people didn’t understand why this visit is so urgent,” Mr Bordera told the BBC. Image credits: GTres/Shutterstock Editorial

Travel Trouble

Investigation launched into deaths of two police dogs

Detectives are investigating the deaths of two police dogs after they were found dead in a police vehicle in Sydney's south. Police dog Xtra and development dog Soldier had attended a development day with their handler in Lucas Heights. Authorities said the two German shepherds had been kept in air-conditioned pods in the police vehicle purpose-built for them. Their handler made the tragic discovery when they went to check on the dogs about 12.30pm on Thursday. “They were taken to a specialist veterinary clinic but were unable to be revived,” NSW Police said in a statement. An investigation overseen by detectives from the Sutherland Police Area Command and Fleet Services is now underway. Authorities did not reveal any information about how they died or whether there were problems with the vehicle. Commissioner Karen Webb paid tribute to the highly trained German shepherds, who were vital for officers serving the community. “Today is a very sad day for the Dog Unit and the thoughts of the whole police family are with them,” Webb said. “We owe it to PD Xtra and DD Soldier to conduct a thorough investigation.” Assistant Commissioner Stephen Hegarty said the loss would be felt deeply by the police officers. "Our focus is on the welfare of all staff involved with ongoing support services made available to them," he said. Xtra gained accreditation as a general-purpose dog in 2018 while Soldier only began service with the Dog Unit in February this year for training and development. Image: NSW Police Force

Family & Pets

Commissioner speaks out after son's killer avoids jail

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has shared an emotional statement outside of court after the young man accused of killing his son had his sentence suspended. Dhirren Randhawa, 19, was sentenced at Adelaide District Court to 13 months in prison for driving without due care and leaving the scene of an accident after crashing into 18-year-old Charlie Stevens in 2023. Charlie was celebrating schoolies with his friends, before being struck and suffering irreversible brain damage, as he died in hospital just days later. Judge Joanne Tracey suspended the sentence with a two-year good behaviour bond and a 10-year suspension of his license, citing many reasons why he should not be placed behind bars. Justice Tracey said Randhawa’s youth, lack of prior offending, the circumstances of the offending, his genuine remorse and his guilty pleas were all factors in her decision. “You have accepted there was more you could have done to avoid this tragic outcome,” she said on Tuesday. “It is, of course, the case you had no intention to harm anyone that night." “It is an offence any one of us as road users may commit if we do not take proper care or drive without proper attention.” Speaking after the sentence, Commissioner Stevens he and his family were “grateful” the court process had finished. “The judge said in summing up today … no matter what happens in the courtroom today, it’s not going to change anything for our family, and I think that’s a very true statement,” he said alongside his wife Emma. “We’re grateful this part of the entire process is over. Each court date that has come up has been difficult, stressful and emotional for our family." “We’re grateful Dhirren chose to plead guilty to his offence because that brought this part of it to a conclusion much more quickly." “It is one of those things, we are continuing to learn how to live with every single day without Charlie. It’s not getting any easier, as I’m sure people who have lost a child would appreciate." “We’re very grateful for the support and the sympathy we’ve received from the South Australian community … there’s no way we can acknowledge or repay that in any other format other than thanking people for their support.” Image credits: SA Police / Facebook

Caring

"Police have done nothing": William Tyrrell's foster mother speaks out

William Tyrrell's foster mother has issued a rare statement, slamming the police investigation into the disappearance of the toddler. In her first public comments in two years, the woman - who cannot be identified - has been insistent on denying any involvement in William's disappearance despite being at the centre of a dedicated Strike Force team. She claimed police had “gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media” as they built a case against her, since she was publicly outed as the current person of interest for Strike Force Rosann detectives in 2021. As <a href="https://www.news.com.au/national/crime/done-nothing-william-tyrrells-foster-mother-issues-statement/news-story/0503f8940a3bad2bb2648c38bc44e288" target="_blank" rel="noopener">news.com.au</a> continue their investigative podcast into William's disappearance and the subsequent investigation, the foster mother has slammed the authorities for the way they have handled the high-profile case. She said, “I believe that if the police had properly investigated this case, instead of persecuting me, they may well have found the person responsible for William’s disappearance.” She went on to reiterate she believes the three-year-old was taken from her mother’s yard in Kendall in September of 2014 and that she has “no idea who took William, or what happened to him”. “For the past five years, the police have done nothing to try to discover who took William, and what has happened to him," she said. “Instead, they have concentrated all their efforts on trying to build a case that I was in some way to blame for his death, and the disposal of his precious little body." “They have gone to great lengths to blacken my character in the media.” She went on to say she loved William “as much as any mother could love her child … if not more”. She said, “It did not matter one bit that he was not connected to us biologically. William made my life complete; I loved him fiercely. I just loved being his ‘mummy’.” “Never ever for a moment did I regret becoming a foster mother”, she said, adding the family was “and still are … connected as one”. “It’s challenging to have hope and build plans for the future when our hearts remain shattered and in pieces,” she said. “All I can hope for is that some person who knows something comes forward.” Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Parents demand action after five-year-old son brutally attacked with golf club

William Brooks-Chiplin was playing in the front yard of his friend’s house in Tamworth, NSW on Thursday, when he was allegedly attacked with a golf club by another child. The five-year-old's face was extremely swollen and he was left dizzy and unable to move his jaw. “The people who came out and saw it thought he was gone. He didn’t make a sound, and he wasn’t moving,” his father, Kayleb Brooks, said. “My thought was he was going to die. No kid should ever experience that,” his mother, Marrisa Tisdell, added. His parents also said the young boy “is having nightmares, waking up and screaming in his sleep”. William is required to return to hospital for further scans to determine whether he has any hairline fractures or issues with his eyesight. NSW Police said they identified the 10-year-old accused of hitting William, and he had been given a warning under the Young Offenders Act, designed to provide an alternative process to court proceedings for children accused of crimes. For children aged between 10 and 14 years, the act is design in such way because, “a child cannot be held criminally responsible for their conduct because they don’t understand right or wrong”, according to Hugo Law Group’s Linday Stankovic. However, William's parents are calling for the government to change the age of criminal responsibility following the incident. “The kid pretty much just got a caution,” William's mum said. “(It’s) is unfair, because in the meantime he is suffering and nothing is being done about it,” his dad added. However, things aren't that simple as there are other concerns about the implication. Earlier this month, the Australian Human Rights Commissioner wrote to the NT government urging it to not lower the age of criminal responsibility from 12 to 10-years-old. “The younger a child comes into contact with the criminal justice system, the more likely they will go on to commit more serious and violent crimes," National Children’s Commissioner Anne Hollonds said. “Lowering the age of criminal responsibility to 10 years will not make communities safer, it will only see rates of child offending increase. “These are primary school age children, and harsh, punitive responses are not the answer. “ A recent report also found that more than three-quarters of children had mental health needs or cognitive disability, and 47 per cent had multiple diagnosed cognitive disabilities. Image: 7News

Legal

Police appeal for information after baby seal shot

Authorities have offered up a reward of $20,000 USD ($29,000 AUD) in exchange for information after a baby seal was shot dead on a beach in Southern California. The fatally wounded male sea lion was discovered on August 7th between two lifeguard stations at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The animal was estimated to be just two years old and died the day after it was found, with an examination revealing the seal had a gunshot wound to the back, according to a statement from NOAA. The agency said its law enforcement division was offering the reward "for information leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction" in connection with the shooting, as the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, hunting, capturing or killing sea lions and other marine mammals. Violators can face criminal penalties, fines, and the forfeiture of any vessel involved in the incident. NOAA spokesperson Michael Milstein told <a href="https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2024/10/10/sea-lion-shot-california-beach-noaa-reward-offered/75605210007/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USA TODAY</a> that the agency hopes "the reward offer will help encourage someone who may have seen something or heard something unusual to let us know to help us identify a suspect in this case." "We do get sea lions regularly that have been shot but this animal was still alive when found, so the wound was fresh and it was on a public beach, which hopefully increases the odds that someone knows something about what happened," Milstein added. Image credits: NOAA

Legal

“Witnesses” in William Tyrrell case turned away by police

Several potential witnesses who claim to have spotted William Tyrrell after he went missing in 2014 allege that they were dismissed by police, with phone calls to Crime Stoppers also going unanswered. One woman claims to have seen the child near Uluru one year after he was reported missing, with another four people claiming they had valuable information that was ignored by authorities. As <a href="http://news.com.au/">news.com.au</a> continues their investigative podcast into Tyrrell’s disappearance, the podcast spoke to the witnesses who were allegedly ignored by police, as one woman said she “felt sick” after being dismissed when trying to report another possible sighting of William. A third possible witness said he was “p***ed off with Crime Stoppers not taking me seriously”. After the then three-year-old disappeared from Kendall on the mid North coast of New South Wales, NSW Police were inundated with information. In the following two years, there were around 2,800 calls to Crime Stoppers, and more than 1,000 possible sightings of William, with many of these tips being followed up at the time. While speaking with the podcast, one potential witness, Lois Barry, believed she saw William travelling with a group of four adults and several young children when she was on a trip to Australia’s red centre in 2015. She said she had an encounter with a blonde woman at a petrol station in Marla, South Australia, who told Ms Barry she was from the east coast of NSW. As soon as Ms Barry went into a free cubicle, she claimed the woman said: “You can come out now, Will.” Ms Barry said she saw the group again at a campsite later that night, and recognised one of the group from media reports of William’s disappearance. The boy was younger than the other children in the group and she felt he was being “hidden” by them, she said. One of the adults with the group was the blonde woman, as Ms Barry took a photo of the woman and noted down the registration numbers of the vehicles in which the group were travelling. Ms Barry told news.com.au she tried to report her potential sighting at the time by visiting a local police station, only to be cut off by an officer who said he was busy, and told her “don’t worry about it”. She then called Crime Stoppers “two or three times” to report what she had seen, but she said, “Crime Stoppers rang me back and said it was nothing.” Ms Barry said she has never heard directly from police. “For all those years … that was just eating at me,” she said, breaking down as she described her fears of what might have happened to William. Another potential witness, Richard Brindle, said he contacted Crime Stoppers shortly after police appealed for information about two cars “parked strangely with the driver windows down” outside the house where William was reported missing. Despite multiple reports to Crime Stoppers, Mr Brindle said he never heard back. “I had some fresh information at the time, and I rang Crime Stoppers twice. And they must have thought I was some nut job or whatever,” he said. “I was a bit p***ed off with Crime Stoppers not taking me seriously. It’s very serious stuff, it’s a boy’s life. And they didn’t even bother to interview me. I thought, ‘What a joke. No one seems to care’.” Image credits: NSW Police

Legal

Police share major update on woman's lawnmower death

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

Legal

Police commissioner faces his son's killer in court

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

Family & Pets

"Fresh start" for scalded baby after horror attack

The family of a 10-month-old baby, who suffered severe burns after an unknown man <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/new-details-and-pics-emerge-after-baby-scalded-by-stranger-in-brisbane-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">threw a thermos of hot coffee on him</a> in a Brisbane park, is urging police to release more information about the suspect, who is believed to have fled overseas. Queensland Police have been investigating the case since the attack, which took place in Stones Corner, Brisbane. While authorities have confirmed that international law enforcement is assisting with the search, the baby’s parents are asking for more transparency on the case. The family, who has chosen to remain anonymous, visited the park for the first time since the incident on Thursday. Burns from the attack are still visible on their young son's body. “He’s really strong and resilient and brave,” the baby’s mother <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/fresh-calls-from-family-of-baby-attacked-with-hot-coffee-in-brisbane-park-c-16190532" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7NEWS</a>. The visit came just weeks after their son was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital with burns to his face and chest. In celebration of the baby reaching 10 months old, he wore a miniature police uniform given to him by the squad working on his case. Despite the police’s efforts, the parents are concerned about the lack of information being shared with them and the public. “We would just like a bit of assurance that we are on the right track, and (that the offender) is going to get caught,” the father told 7NEWS. He also questioned the process of bringing the suspect back, asking, “How (do) they plan on bringing him back? And if they know where he is in that particular country, is that country working with us?” Queensland Police acting commissioner Shane Chelepy stated that while the police are actively working on the case, they are being strategic with the release of information. “We need to balance our investigative strategies with the need for the community to know what’s going on,” Chelepy explained. As the investigation continues, the family is moving into a new home, hoping for a fresh start after the traumatic event. “I think it’ll just be a nice, new, fresh start after such a difficult month,” the mother said. The father added, “We can’t believe how well he’s doing. He’s so happy and he’s hitting all his milestones.” Police remain committed to locating the suspect and are collaborating with international authorities to bring him to justice. Images: 7News / Nine Network

Caring

What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other wiring

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-todorovic-1210507">Michael Todorovic</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-barton-1184088">Matthew Barton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> In July 2023, rising US basketball star Bronny James collapsed on the court during practice and was sent to hospital. The 18-year-old athlete, son of famous LA Lakers’ veteran LeBron James, had experienced a <a href="https://apnews.com/article/bronny-james-cardiac-arrest-3953eee8789e83f3cccfb6dd798bc54e">cardiac arrest</a>. Many media outlets incorrectly referred to the event as a “<a href="https://en.as.com/nba/lebron-james-son-bronny-plays-for-the-usc-trojans-for-the-first-time-since-suffering-a-heart-attack-n/">heart attack</a>” or used the terms interchangeably. A cardiac arrest and a heart attack are distinct yet overlapping concepts associated with the heart. With some background in <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKrgEv7-rVM&t=16s">how the heart works</a>, we can see how they differ and how they’re related. <h2>Understanding the heart</h2> The heart is a muscle that contracts to work as a pump. When it contracts it pushes blood – containing oxygen and nutrients – to all the tissues of our body. For the heart muscle to work effectively as a pump, it needs to be fed its own blood supply, delivered by the coronary arteries. If these arteries are blocked, the heart muscle doesn’t get the blood it needs. This can cause the heart muscle to become injured or die, and results in the heart not pumping properly. <h2>Heart attack or cardiac arrest?</h2> Simply put, a heart attack, technically known as a myocardial infarction, describes injury to, or death of, the heart muscle. A cardiac arrest, sometimes called a sudden cardiac arrest, is when the heart stops beating, or put another way, stops working as an effective pump. In other words, both relate to the heart not working as it should, but for different reasons. As we’ll see later, one can lead to the other. <h2>Why do they happen? Who’s at risk?</h2> Heart attacks typically result from blockages in the coronary arteries. Sometimes this is called coronary artery disease, but in Australia, we tend to refer to it as ischaemic heart disease. The underlying cause in about <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507799/#:%7E:text=It%20has%20been%20reported%20that,increases%20beyond%20age%2050%20years.">75% of people</a> is a process called <a href="https://youtu.be/jwL4lkSlvSA?si=H2as7dQkhbIqWWkU">atherosclerosis</a>. This is where fatty and fibrous tissue build up in the walls of the coronary arteries, forming a plaque. The plaque can block the blood vessel or, in some instances, lead to the formation of a blood clot. Atherosclerosis is a long-term, stealthy process, with a number of risk factors that can sneak up on anyone. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diet, diabetes, stress, and your genes have all been implicated in this plaque-building process. Other causes of heart attacks include spasms of the coronary arteries (causing them to constrict), chest trauma, or anything else that reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Regardless of the cause, blocking or reducing the flow of blood through these pipes can result in the heart muscle not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. So cells in the heart muscle can be injured or die. <figure class="align-center zoomable"><a href="https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1000&fit=clip"><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=338&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/597616/original/file-20240531-17-o2j0w.png?ixlib=rb-4.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=424&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" alt="Heart attack vs cardiac arrest" /></a><figcaption>Here’s a simple way to remember the difference. Author provided</figcaption></figure> But a cardiac arrest is the result of heartbeat irregularities, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively around the body. These heartbeat irregularities are generally due to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_soKG-Tzh0&t=903s">electrical malfunctions</a> in the heart. There are four distinct types: <ul> <li> ventricular tachycardia: a rapid and abnormal heart rhythm in which the heartbeat is more than <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10541285/">100 beats per minute</a> (normal adult, resting heart rate is generally 60-90 beats per minute). This fast heart rate prevents the heart from filling with blood and thus pumping adequately </li> <li> ventricular fibrillation: instead of regular beats, the heart quivers or “fibrillates”, resembling a bag of worms, resulting in an irregular heartbeat greater than 300 beats per minute </li> <li> pulseless electrical activity: arises when the heart muscle fails to generate sufficient pumping force after electrical stimulation, resulting in no pulse </li> <li> asystole: the classic flat-line heart rhythm you see in movies, indicating no electrical activity in the heart. </li> </ul> Cardiac arrest can arise from numerous underlying conditions, both heart-related and not, such as drowning, trauma, asphyxia, electrical shock and drug overdose. James’ cardiac arrest was attributed to a <a href="https://www.espn.com.au/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38260006/bronny-james-cardiac-arrest-caused-congenital-heart-defect">congenital heart defect</a>, a heart condition he was born with. But among the many causes of a cardiac arrest, ischaemic heart disease, such as a heart attack, stands out as the most common cause, accounting <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11898927/">for 70%</a> of all cases. So how can a heart attack cause a cardiac arrest? You’ll remember that during a heart attack, heart muscle can be damaged or parts of it may die. This damaged or dead tissue can disrupt the heart’s ability to conduct electrical signals, increasing the risk of developing arrhythmias, possibly causing a cardiac arrest. So while a heart attack is a common cause of cardiac arrest, a cardiac arrest generally does not cause a heart attack. <h2>What do they look like?</h2> Because a cardiac arrest results in the sudden loss of effective heart pumping, the most common signs and symptoms are a sudden loss of consciousness, absence of pulse or heartbeat, stopping of breathing, and pale or blue-tinged skin. But the common signs and symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain or discomfort, which can show up in other regions of the body such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach. Also frequent are shortness of breath, nausea, light-headedness, looking pale, and sweating. <h2>What’s the take-home message?</h2> While both heart attack and cardiac arrest are disorders related to the heart, they differ in their mechanisms and outcomes. A heart attack is like a blockage in the plumbing supplying water to a house. But a cardiac arrest is like an electrical malfunction in the house’s wiring. Despite their different nature both conditions can have severe consequences and require immediate medical attention.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/229633/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michael-todorovic-1210507">Michael Todorovic</a>, Associate Professor of Medicine, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/bond-university-863">Bond University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/matthew-barton-1184088">Matthew Barton</a>, Senior lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/whats-the-difference-between-a-heart-attack-and-cardiac-arrest-ones-about-plumbing-the-other-wiring-229633">original article</a>. </div>

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Parents' devastation after baby attacker flees the country

The parents of an infant boy who suffered severe burns after having hot coffee poured over him have spoken of their devastation after learning their son's <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/manhunt-after-stranger-pours-scalding-hot-coffee-on-baby-in-public-park" target="_blank" rel="noopener">alleged attacker</a> fled the country. The nine-month old baby boy was attacked while having a picnic with his mother at a Brisbane park on August 27. The man allegedly came up to the boy and poured a Thermos of hot coffee on the baby, burning his face and chest. The boy has since undergone three rounds of surgery to treat his wounds. On Monday, Queensland police said that the 33-year-old man accused of the attack has fled the country on his own passport a day before they identified him. The foreign national had travelled by car to NSW on August 28 before flying out of Sydney airport on August 31. Police said that a warrant has been issued for his arrest. The babies parents, who chose to remain anonymous, have spoken of their devastation. “It sounds like they were very, very close in catching him, and this obviously means that we’re going to have to wait who knows how long to get justice for our son,” the mother told the ABC. “It’s a bit heartbreaking.” She said the incident had left her living in fear and it would affect her mental health for the rest of her life. "Returning home I had panic attacks, and still continue to do so. I do feel relief that he's not in this country, in some sense, but I will always have fear and anxiety being out in public with my son," she said. "It should be a happy, joyful time. I'm a first-time mum and he's taken that away from me." Luka's father said his baby boy was in "good spirits" and didn't "want to sit still" despite his injuries. Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the investigation was one of the most “complex and frustrating” he had been involved in. He said the alleged attacker was “aware of police methodologies” and was “conducting counter-surveillance activities” that made it more complex. “It wasn’t until September 1 that we were able to put a name to the face in the CCTV,” Inspector Dalton said. He added that it was still too early in the investigation to disclose the name of the suspect publicly as it could "jeopardise the integrity of this investigation and any chance of bringing this person to justice". “We will keep going until we find you, and I have not lost that determination,” Inspector Dalton said. “I’ve got 30 detectives working for me. They are devastated that they missed this person by 12 hours. I think only the family would be more upset about that.” He urged the man, who had been "coming and going" from Australia since 2019 on working and holiday visas, to return to Australia and come forward. “I encourage him to do that. There’ll be no judgment on you whatsoever,” Inspector Dalton said. Images: ABC News/ news.com.au

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Constipation increases your risk of a heart attack, new study finds – and not just on the toilet

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vincent-ho-141549">Vincent Ho</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> If you Google the terms “constipation” and “heart attack” it’s not long before the name Elvis Presley crops up. Elvis had a longstanding history of chronic constipation and <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/health/elvis-addiction-was-the-perfect-prescription-for-an-early-death">it’s believed</a> he was straining very hard to poo, which then led to a fatal heart attack. We don’t know what really happened to the so-called King of Rock “n” Roll back in 1977. There were likely several contributing factors to his death, and this theory is one of many. But after this famous case researchers took a strong interest in the link between constipation and the risk of a heart attack. This includes a recent <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpheart.00519.2024">study</a> led by Australian researchers involving data from thousands of people. <h2>Are constipation and heart attacks linked?</h2> Large <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38068-y">population</a> <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32873621/">studies</a> show constipation is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. For example, an <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-38068-y">Australian study</a> involved more than 540,000 people over 60 in hospital for a range of conditions. It found constipated patients had a higher risk of high blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes compared to non-constipated patients of the same age. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32873621/">Danish study</a> of more than 900,000 people from hospitals and hospital outpatient clinics also found that people who were constipated had an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. It was unclear, however, if this relationship between constipation and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes would hold true for healthy people outside hospital. These Australian and Danish studies also did not factor in the effects of drugs used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), which can make you constipated. <h2>How about this new study?</h2> The recent <a href="https://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/ajpheart.00519.2024">international study</a> led by Monash University researchers found a connection between constipation and an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and heart failure in a general population. The researchers analysed data from the <a href="https://www.ukbiobank.ac.uk">UK Biobank</a>, a database of health-related information from about half a million people in the United Kingdom. The researchers identified more than 23,000 cases of constipation and accounted for the effect of drugs to treat high blood pressure, which can lead to constipation. People with constipation (identified through medical records or via a questionnaire) were twice as likely to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure as those without constipation. The researchers found a strong link between high blood pressure and constipation. Individuals with hypertension who were also constipated had a 34% increased risk of a major heart event compared to those with just hypertension. The study only looked at the data from people of European ancestry. However, there is good reason to believe the link between constipation and heart attacks applies to other populations. A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26812003/">Japanese study</a> looked at more than 45,000 men and women in the general population. It found people passing a bowel motion once every two to three days had a higher risk of dying from heart disease compared with ones who passed at least one bowel motion a day. <h2>How might constipation cause a heart attack?</h2> Chronic constipation can lead to straining when passing a stool. This can result in <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">laboured breathing</a> and can lead to a rise in blood pressure. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">one Japanese study</a> including ten elderly people, blood pressure was high just before passing a bowel motion and continued to rise during the bowel motion. This increase in blood pressure lasted for an hour afterwards, a pattern not seen in younger Japanese people. <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">One theory</a> is that older people have stiffer blood vessels due to atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries caused by a build-up of plaque) and other age-related changes. So their high blood pressure can persist for some time after straining. But the blood pressure of younger people returns quickly to normal as they have more elastic blood vessels. As blood pressure rises, the risk of heart disease increases. The risk of developing heart disease <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12493255/">doubles</a> when systolic blood pressure (the top number in your blood pressure reading) rises permanently by 20 mmHg (millimetres of mercury, a standard measure of blood pressure). The systolic blood pressure rise with straining in passing a stool has been <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8030287/">reported to be</a> as high as 70 mmHg. This rise is only temporary but with persistent straining in chronic constipation this could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22256893/">Some people</a> with chronic constipation may have an impaired function of their vagus nerve, which controls various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate and breathing. This impaired function can result in abnormalities of heart rate and over-activation of the flight-fight response. This can, in turn, lead to elevated blood pressure. Another intriguing avenue of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6399019/">research</a> examines the imbalance in gut bacteria in people with <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3596341/">constipation</a>. This imbalance, known as dysbiosis, can result in microbes and other substances leaking through the gut barrier into the bloodstream and triggering an immune response. This, in turn, can lead to low-grade inflammation in the blood circulation and arteries becoming stiffer, increasing the risk of a heart attack. This latest study also explored genetic links between constipation and heart disease. The researchers found shared genetic factors that underlie both constipation and heart disease. <h2>What can we do about this?</h2> Constipation affects around <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36826591/">19% of the global population</a> aged 60 and older. So there is a substantial portion of the population at an increased risk of heart disease due to their bowel health. Managing chronic constipation through dietary changes (particularly increased dietary fibre), increased physical activity, ensuring adequate hydration and using medications, if necessary, are all important ways to help improve bowel function and reduce the risk of heart disease.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237209/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vincent-ho-141549">Vincent Ho</a>, Associate Professor and clinical academic gastroenterologist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/constipation-increases-your-risk-of-a-heart-attack-new-study-finds-and-not-just-on-the-toilet-237209">original article</a>. </div>

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Grandmother's body found 800km from home

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

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What’s the difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest? One’s about plumbing, the other wiring

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Constipation increases your risk of a heart attack, new study finds – and not just on the toilet

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

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