Search

"Future leader": Search resumes for missing police officer

Authorities are set to resume the desperate search for a Queensland police officer who went missing while surfing in New South Wales. Detective Inspector Jay Notaro was last seen surfing before his surfboard and keys were discovered at Broken Head in NSW’s Northern Rivers region at approximately 12:40pm on Tuesday. Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers described Mr Notaro as a highly regarded officer with a promising future in the force. “Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police,” Leavers told The Courier Mail. “He is not only a friend, he is one of the future leaders of the organisation. I’m praying, he’s just a champion.” The extensive search operation on Tuesday involved Tweed/Byron Police, Police Rescue, Marine Area Command, Queensland PolAir and Surf Life Saving NSW. A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that search efforts would continue on Wednesday morning, focusing on areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, with particular attention to Broken Head. Authorities and colleagues remain hopeful as the search continues for the experienced officer, with many praying for his safe return. Images: 9News

Caring

Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

If you're like me – and most Aussie drivers – I do my best to avoid being pulled over. I check my mirrors, stick to the speed limit (mostly), and keep my rego up to date. But for some "people" out there, the road rules are more of a vague suggestion than a requirement. Enter the sovereign citizen number plate fiasco – because what better way to invite the attention of the cops than slapping an illegal plate on your car? In Adelaide this week, one particularly bold Toyota driver decided to test the limits of both the law and common sense by cruising around with a number plate that simply read "PRIVATE". If that wasn’t enough to get the attention of South Australia Police, the plate also featured the cryptic phrase "Special Trust Security" below that in tiny letter. Because nothing says "totally legitimate vehicle" like an official-looking but entirely made-up title. A sharp-eyed local spotted this masterpiece of vehicular rebellion and did what any responsible citizen would do: posted it online for all of Australia to mock. "What the F are these? Surely not legal?" they asked, unknowingly triggering a flood of gleeful internet ridicule. "They're plates which will guarantee SAPOL will pull them over at their first opportunity," one commenter noted. Others speculated that the driver might be part of the ever-growing "sovereign citizen" movement – a loose collection of legal theorists whose main belief is that laws are just an optional lifestyle choice. SAPOL wasted no time <a href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/drivers-bizarre-number-plate-prompts-933-fine-warning-not-legal-010747837.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">confirming that these plates were, in fact, highly illegal</a>. Not just "a slap on the wrist" illegal – more like "here's a $933 fine before you even get to say 'but my rights!'" illegal. "These plates appear fake and are not plates that have been issued by SA Department for Infrastructure and Transport," a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. Translation: They might as well have written their rego number on a napkin. The online reaction was ruthless. "It’s the best way to show off your dreadful understanding of the law to an already disinterested police officer," one person quipped. Another called it "a sovereign citizen in the wild", while a third dubbed them "please pull me over plates". The internet, as always, did not disappoint. But this isn't a one-off. In 2023, a photo surfaced of a Holden in Queensland sporting an even more outlandish plate. This one featured the text "Private Property Non-Commercial, Living Woman, Terra Australia Incognito", and even claimed that removing the plate would incur a $50,000 fine. Extra points for creativity, but again, zero points for legal accuracy. Even more baffling, the plate included a real registration number – in absurdly tiny print. Presumably for that tiny sliver of plausible deniability. While most of us are content to pay our rego and drive without incident, these rogue motorists seem determined to treat traffic laws like a choose-your-own-adventure book. Unfortunately for them, SAPOL isn't in the habit of playing along. So next time you see someone cruising around with an official-looking but entirely nonsensical number plate, just remember – they’re not just driving, they’re providing free entertainment for the rest of us. Images: Reddit

Legal

Police investigating after pet cavoodle held for ransom

A Sydney family are in shock after being forced to pay a ransom for the return of their beloved cavoodle, Benji, after he was snatched from the street and held for cash in an appalling case of dognapping. Benji, a 10-year-old cavoodle, escaped from his home on Flinders Crescent in Hinchinbrook around 45 minutes west of hte CBD when a tradesman accidentally left a gate open. His desperate owner, Paulina Tran, searched tirelessly, knocking on doors in her neighbourhood and posting urgent appeals on social media. “Our whole family is quite distraught,” Tran <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/missing-cavoodle-snatched-by-stranger-in-sydneys-southwest-reunited-with-owner-after-50-ransom-c-18144581" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told 7NEWS</a>. “My kids have been crying non-stop because we’ve had this dog for 10 years.” A breakthrough came when a neighbour provided CCTV footage showing a man in a dark blue T-shirt and light blue shorts taking Benji off the street several hundred metres from Tran’s home. “He was very distraught. You can hear him on the footage crying,” Tran said of Benji. Another neighbour, who was working from home, witnessed the incident and recalled the man whistling to Benji – a suspicious action since owners typically call their dogs by name. As the community rallied, more people came forward with information, eventually helping identify the man caught on CCTV. Determined to bring Benji home, Tran and her husband confronted the man at his residence, only to be met with a ransom demand. “We approached him and he refused to give us our dog back, saying that we needed to give him money,” Tran recounted. The situation then escalated when the man became aggressive and issued a disturbing threat: “I will skin your dog alive” if they refused to pay. Fearful for Benji’s safety, Tran and her husband reluctantly agreed to hand over a small sum. The man took the money before retrieving Benji, who was returned with a rope tightly secured around his neck. Despite their ordeal, Tran and her husband chose not to take further action after seeing children at the man’s home. “It doesn’t take two bad people to make things right. Just because someone’s bad doesn’t mean you have to be bad to them,” Tran said. In response to inquiries by 7NEWS, NSW Police have confirmed they will be investigating the incident. Images: Facebook / 7NEWS

Family & Pets

Police warn against idiotic cyclone behaviour

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred unleashes powerful storm surges and massive waves along Australia’s coastline, videos have emerged on social media showing people risking their lives for the perfect shot - despite repeated warnings from authorities to stay away from dangerous coastal areas. Footage circulating online captures individuals walking along the shoreline, snapping pictures, and even getting knocked over by monstrous waves. Some videos have amassed hundreds of thousands of views, sparking widespread criticism. One alarming incident occurred at Elephant Rock in Currumbin, where a group of people became trapped at a lookout after massive swells wiped out the road connecting them to the mainland. Viewers of the viral video condemned their reckless actions, with many questioning why they were out sightseeing during such treacherous conditions. Authorities have also reported a missing jet skier on the Gold Coast, heightening concerns about public safety during the storm. Gold Coast Acting Chief Superintendent Peter Miles expressed his frustration over the situation. “We all need to be a bit more smart about this and ensure that we don’t have any unneeded rescues or potentially worse where we’re looking at fatalities,” he said. “This isn’t a sunset where you can take a nice picture. You’re dealing with Mother Nature at her wildest.” Acting Gold Coast Mayor Donna Gates has threatened fines of up to $16,100 for those ignoring safety warnings and engaging in reckless behaviour along the coast. “For all those people that are going down to the beach and standing on the rock walls or on the sand, please stay away,” Gates pleaded on Thursday afternoon. “We’ve been in touch with police today. There’s been some really foolish behaviour, and it’s so important that people stay away from the beach. “We have been declared a disaster zone, which enables police to take action, and anyone performing a reckless action can actually be fined up to $16,100.” She went on to stress the importance of spreading the message widely, hoping to deter further risky actions: “It’s really in an effort to keep people who are a bit stupid, safe. We need to tell them over and over again, stay out of the water. It’s dangerous.” Her concerns were echoed by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, who urged residents to avoid becoming “environmental tourists” during the storm. “Don’t put others in danger because you want to become an environmental tourist or take some of these selfies and put yourself in harm’s way,” he said in a press conference alongside NSW Premier Chris Minns. “Heed the warnings, stay at home and protect your loved ones, and please stay safe.” Image: TikTok

Travel Trouble

Grieving parents blame hospital over two-year-old's death

Two grieving parents are calling for an independent investigation into a Sydney hospital after the death of their two-year-old son. Elouise and Danny Massa took their son Joe to the emergency department at Northern Beaches Hospital on the morning of September 14th after he had spent the night vomiting. The toddler had hypovolemia, a condition that occurs when the body loses too much fluid, and later tragically died. Joe's parents claim the hospital failed their son "at every level" and he would still be alive if he had received the proper care. In a statement provided to <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/grieving-parents-demand-urgent-investigation-into-sydney-hospital-after-death-of-twoyearold-son/a0de6011-adf3-49d2-8206-73ed21331c30" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>, the parents said Joe's heart rate was at 183 beats per minute when they arrived at the emergency department, yet he was misclassified as a low priority, category three patient, instead of red zone, category two. The parents went on to allege that the Northern Beaches hospital missed critical warning signs, including when Joe lost consciousness, and his mother's requests for an IV drip were denied. "I can't tell you what it's like to hold your son in your arms … to be told to sit in your chair while your child is agitated, going in and out of consciousness, lips are turning blue," Mrs Massa told 2GB on Thursday morning. "To be told to wait and have your baby literally dying in your arms is unfathomable and should not be happening at any hospital." For almost three hours, Joe was not hooked up to monitoring equipment while sitting in an emergency department chair. A serious adverse event review conducted by the hospital after Joe's death identified multiple failures, with the report claiming there was a "delay and failure to recognise deterioration" in Joe's condition. Healthscope, which operates the hospital, said in a statement: "Northern Beaches Hospital offers its deepest condolences to the Massa family for the loss of their son, Joe. We recognise Joe's death has caused unimaginable heartache and grief for the family." "We have met with the family to apologise and hear directly about their tragic experience and to discuss the findings of the Serious Adverse Event Review." "We will continue to support the family in any way that we can as we implement the improvements identified in the review, including improvements around triaging processes and internal escalation processes." <div>Joe's mother said no parents should have to go through the pain their family has endured since Joe's untimely death. "Joe was the most beautiful boy, loved by his sister and brother," she said. "He loved dinosaurs. He had the most infectious smile. He was just two months off turning two years old. He was, and is still, the light of our world. The system at Northern Beaches Hospital, the emergency department, entirely failed us at every possible level." Image credits: 9News </div>

Legal

Man charged with murder one day after police offer $500,000 reward

Coffs Harbour police have charged a 66-year-old man with the murder of Duncan Campbell, one day after announcing a $500,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Campbell’s body was discovered just over a year ago on February 12, 2024, in bushland near his campsite on John Champion Way. Initially, authorities did not consider his death suspicious. However, a medical review later revealed that the 58-year-old had been brutally assaulted, prompting a homicide investigation. Detective Superintendent Daniel Doherty explained that humid and wet weather conditions had significantly decomposed the body, leading to the initial incorrect assessment of the cause of death. This misjudgment resulted in delays to the murder inquiry. On Tuesday, police issued a public reward of $500,000 for information on the case. Less than 24 hours later, strike force detectives arrested the suspect in Coffs Harbour. The man has been charged with murder and is accused of bludgeoning Campbell to death with a steel pole. He was refused bail and is set to appear in court. Campbell, a father of four and grandfather, had been living in a campsite with other rough sleepers near City Hill before his disappearance. Detective Superintendent Doherty noted that Campbell was well-regarded by those who knew him. "He was a loving father and grandfather," Doherty said. "[He] fell on hard times in recent years that led to him sleeping rough. He was a decent man; there was no criminality from Duncan." Campbell was reported missing by his family after they lost contact with him. Police discovered his body a week later in nearby bushland. Campbell’s murder comes amid a troubling rise in homicide cases in the Coffs Harbour-Grafton region. According to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), the area recorded five murders in the year ending September 2024 – the highest annual total in the past decade. Image: NSW Police

Legal

"RIP brother": Deceased officer found in police station identified

The NSW police officer who was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/officer-found-dead-at-police-station" target="_blank" rel="noopener">found dead at a Sydney police station early on Monday morning</a> has been identified as Senior Constable Mark Hobson, 52. His body was discovered at Sydney Police Centre on Goulburn Street in Surry Hills. Authorities have revealed that they are now treating his death as a suicide, and a critical investigation is currently underway. Senior Constable Hobson began his policing journey in 1996 when he started training at Goulburn Police Academy at the age of 24. Three years later, he officially joined the force as a probationary constable. Over the course of his career, he spent time working in the State Technical Investigations Branch. His father, Ian, is a retired sergeant, and it is understood that another male relative also served in the police force. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the station and expressed her condolences. “It was a very sad day for the NSW Police Force,” she said. “Our hearts go out to the officer’s family. Every support will be made available for staff and family affected by this tragedy.” Tributes have since poured in online from colleagues and friends. One former officer who worked alongside Hobson described him as a “nice young man”. “(He was) always helpful (and) assisted operations with major jobs,” he wrote. “RIP brother.” Another tribute expressed deep sorrow: “So, so awful. I just wish he could have seen through the mist.” “It does get better, I promise.” A report will be prepared for the coroner. If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. Images: Facebook

Caring

How to spot an unmarked police car

Unmarked police cars have been utilised for decades on Aussie roads to patrol people speeding and breaking the rules. Many motorists have been caught red-handed by unmarked police cars, copping fines when they least suspect it. Thankfully, <a href="https://www.drive.com.au/caradvice/how-to-spot-an-unmarked-australian-police-car/?utm_source=Nine-Front-Page&utm_medium=Referral" target="_blank" rel="noopener">drive.com.au</a> has shared some helpful tips to spot an unmarked cop car amongst a sea of other vehicles. Unmarked police cars differ from 'undercover' police vehicles, in that they are often equipped with more traffic enforcement equipment such as number plate scanners, speed detection, large antennas for communication, and more lights. Australian Highway Patrol has long used these vehicles, with a spokesperson for the NSW Police Force telling Drive it's part of its "anytime, anywhere" campaign. <div> "The NSW Police Force continues to place a huge focus on road safety and has a number of strategies in place to ensure the roads of NSW are safer for the community. NSWPF utilises both marked and unmarked vehicles to maintain an anytime, anywhere approach to policing activities," said the NSWPF spokesperson. </div> <div> This approach has garnered mixed reactions online, with many people believing that the presence of a police car can prompt people to obey the road rules. "The thing is, I don't believe unmarked cop cars do anything to increase road safety. Whereas a marked police car on the road definitely does," said one Reddit user. Unmarked police cars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but there are a few key differences that make them stand out. The main thing to look out for is the type of car used, as Highway Patrol vehicles need to be capable of engaging in a pursuit and handling well. For this reason, state police services will often opt for performance-based vehicles. The most common vehicles found in and around cities are the Chrysler 300 SRT, BMW 5 Series (wagon and sedan), BMW X5 M Sport, Kia Stinger, BMW M3 and, in some cases, Subaru WRX. Licence plates can also be a dead giveaway for unmarked cars, as they will use standard-issue plates rather than slim-line or special-edition sets. Another way to spot unmarked police cars is where they have extra lights placed in their vehicles. <div> If you have particularly good eyesight, you will be able to see the small rectangles in the vehicle's grille; these are the emergency lights. </div> <div> Victorian police are known to place the emergency lights on either side of the rear licence plate. Most other states will also have emergency lights placed in the front and rear windows. <div> Antennas are another obvious giveaway for police vehicles, as Highway Patrol vehicles need to be constantly connected to the network, even in low/no service zones to access the registry and police database. </div> <div> You will frequently see one or more large antennas either on the front or the rear of the vehicles. Image credits: Shutterstock </div> </div> </div>

Legal

Ed Sheeran scolded by police over "illegal" busking

Ed Sheeran has been awkwardly scolded by police in India who demanded he shut down a free street performance. While on tour in India, the British singer-songwriter set up on the side of a road to perform stripped-back versions of his biggest hits, attracting a crowd in the city of Bengaluru. It was initially alleged that the singer didn't get permission to stage a public show and was collared by Cubbon Park Police. With the awkward moment captured on video, Sheeran was approached by police while he was singing his hit song Shape of You. The officer then proceeded to unplug his microphone, much to the dismay of fans watching on. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF162nnybeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DF162nnybeD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Binge Me (@bingemetv)</a> </div> </blockquote> Sheeran later took to Instagram to explain the situation, saying he was allowed to be busking in the city. He said, “We had permission to busk btw, hence us playing in that exact spot. (It) was planned out before, it wasn’t just us randomly turning up.” Fans of the star took to social media to lash out at police, with one remarking, “We live in an uncleocracy. And there’s nothing uncles love more than to stop young people from having fun." The incident even reached the country’s politicians, with PC Mohan, a local MP from the ruling BJP party, saying on social media that “even global stars must follow local rules – no permit, no performance!” Image credits: Instagram

Legal

Officer found dead at police station

A senior constable has been found dead inside the Sydney Police Centre in Surry Hills, shocking colleagues and prompting a critical incident investigation. The 52-year-old officer’s body was discovered early Monday morning at the station on Goulburn Street. According to a police statement, initial inquiries indicate the death is not suspicious, and a report will be prepared for the Coroner. “This is a very sad day for the NSW Police Force,” the statement read. “A critical incident investigation is underway.” NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb visited the station on Monday to support grieving colleagues and pay respects to the fallen officer. “Our hearts go out to the officer’s family,” Commissioner Webb said. “Every support will be made available for staff and family impacted by this tragedy.” The circumstances surrounding the officer’s death remain under investigation. Authorities have not released further details, citing respect for the officer’s family and the ongoing inquiry. Images: Facebook

Legal

"People need answers": Police issue statement on anniversary of Samantha Murphy's disappearance

Friends and family of Samantha Murphy have gathered to mark the one year anniversary of her disappearance. The 51-year old mother from Ballarat was last seen on February 4th 2024 when she left her home at 7am to go for a run. When she failed to return home for an event, an investigation into her disappearance was launched. One month after her disappearance, a now 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with one count of murder. Ballarat man Patrick Orren Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder over the disappearance of Murphy, electing to fast-track his trial. "I think people need answers," Councillor Samantha McIntosh told 9News. "The family need answers. Sam's friends need answers." On Monday, detectives reaffirmed their vow to find Murphy's body following a year of exhaustive searches. Police said the investigation into the location of Murphy's body is still ongoing, with Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan saying the search this year will now widen to the Ballarat area, including new areas tipped off from sources. "Since Samantha's disappearance, police have worked tirelessly to locate her. While nothing can erase their grief and loss, being able to return Samantha to her family has always been incredibly important to us," Detective Dunstan said. "We also know that Samantha's death has had an enormous impact on the Ballarat community, as well as the wider Victorian community." "I want to reaffirm to the community that the Missing Persons Squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha – while a year has passed, we still believe we can locate her." "We also ask people who may be using these areas, particularly in the Enfield State Forest, to be aware of their surroundings and if they believe they may have come across Samantha's remains to contact police immediately," he added. "There is nothing we want more than to return Samantha to her family and we remain committed to doing this." Image credits: Nine

Legal

RSPCA investigates Perth man over "distressing" act

Wildlife experts are outraged after a Perth man allegedly attacked a swan by lifting it from the water and over his head during Australia Day. In the video posted to Instagram, the man appears to jump from a boat to the swan and lifts the bird by its legs up and out of the water while his friends cheer. WA Seabird Rescue, a not-for-profit rescue group, was informed of the video and have since passed it onto the RSPCA. “Here in the Mandurah estuary, we do have a large population of black swans, and they are very humanised, so unfortunately, people feed them, which means they often come up to the boat,” rescue volunteer Rachel Olsen said. "Two swans had approached the boat, and one of the blokes jumped from the boat onto the swan," she added. “We invest a lot of time and energy to try and do what we can for our native wildlife, and it is distressing that we do see huge increases in these types of behaviours over school holidays and public holidays,” the rescue volunteer continued. She said that these types of incidents unnecessarily added to an already busy time for the wildlife group. “We had four black swans that were hooked and entangled in one week over Christmas,” she said. The RSPCA have since released a statement saying that they are investigating the report. “RSPCA WA had received a report about an alleged incident involving a swan on the Mandurah estuary and is investigating,” a spokesman said. Image: Instagram

Family & Pets

Former investigator's candid William Tyrrell admission

Gary Jubelin, the former lead investigator of the William Tyrrell case, has admitted that he is still obsessed with the toddler's disappearance a decade after the child went missing. Jubelin was removed from the case after illegally recording a then-suspect Paul Savage in 2017 and 2018. He quit the force in 2019 and was prosecuted and convicted and lost his subsequent appeal. He recently spoke out on Stellar magazine's podcast, Something To Talk About, and revealed that he cannot let the case go, despite his removal from the official investigation. "I am still passionate about the William Tyrrell matter. I can't let it go," he said. "There was criticism of things I did. I still stand by what I did. The courts have criticised me. "I've got to accept the findings of the court. But I also believe the courts are only as good as the information that's been provided to them." His comments come after an inquest examined the three-year-old's disappearance from his foster grandmother's home at Kendall, NSW in September 2014. Jubelin also called out the unconfirmed police theory that they believed William's foster mother was involved in the three-year-old's disappearance. "When I was running the investigation, I had another look at the family, and there was a strike force to explore some aspects of it, very vigorously had a look at the family again, overt and covert investigative techniques. "I came away from that very confident that the foster mother and foster father had no involvement in William's disappearance. "The foster mother gave evidence in support of me at my hearing and was also critical of senior police. "Then she becomes a person of interest after she criticised senior police, and that's been leaked to the media. "Something about this does not feel right." He added: "I can't let it go, I won't let it go, and it's not me losing perspective, and it's not me trying to justify my position. I think we - and I'm still including myself as a police officer in this term - should be judged on the way that investigation was handled. "I don't know how the public could possibly have confidence in what's going on. "There was a coronial inquest, and we've heard the commissioner for police say there's only one suspect, pointing the finger at the foster mother, and there is no evidence to support that. "You can't make allegations like that." He also said that he believed the public has a right to be critical of the investigation. "In terms of closure, I think there really needs to be some line of inquiry over what's happened with that investigation. "I'm not seeing things come out at the inquest that I thought were relevant. "A young child has disappeared, and that shouldn't get lost in all the politics and infighting. We all should be working in the same direction to bring some closure." Jubelin admitted that his removal from the Tyrrell investigation "hurt me more than losing my career." "I'd made the commitment to William Tyrrell's family, foster and biological, I'd do whatever was humanly possible." Image: NSW Police

Legal

Karl Stefanovic's missing daughter sparks major police search

Karl Stefanovic's four-year-old daughter has been found after she went missing for one stressful hour from his Sunshine Beach home. On Wednesday afternoon, Stefanovic was spotted chatting with police officers outside his Noosa residence, after young Harper was nowhere to be seen. She was missing for over an hour with all family members frantically looking in the surrounding beach and bushland, with local Surf Life Savers also assisting in the search. According to the Daily Mail, Stefanovic even got on his Vespa scooter and darted around town searching for Harper and asking locals if they had seen her. “Harper went missing for a short time and we feared the absolute worst because no one could find her,” Stefanovic told The <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/police-helicopter-called-in-after-karl-stefanovics-daughter-vanishes/news-story/c57007a819e9fadc15bb8e121b46ea41" target="_self" data-tgev="event119" data-tgev-container="bodylink" data-tgev-order="c57007a819e9fadc15bb8e121b46ea41" data-tgev-label="entertainment" data-tgev-metric="ev">Daily Telegraph</a>. “I called the police because she couldn’t be found inside or around the house and our priority is her safety.” However Harper was found inside Stefanovic’s house, “curled up asleep underneath a chair where no one could possibly have hidden,” he said. Stefanovic thanked Noosa Heads police and the local community for their swift efforts in locating Harper. “We are so grateful for the support we received from Noosa Heads police department and the community around us. They all handled our distress and the outcome incredibly professionally.” While the situation “resolved itself quickly”, Stefanovic told the publication it had been his “worst nightmare”. As for the four year-old, whose only worry was if she would be in trouble with Santa just seven sleeps from Christmas Day, Stefanovic said, “(We’ve) have promised Harper Santa won’t find out. But somehow I think he knows.” Image credits: Instagram

Family & Pets

Disgraced former cop launches legal action against NSW Police

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. 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. 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. Just days after the guilty verdict, NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb dismissed White from the police force. “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. “Accordingly, I have removed him from the NSW Police Force and he has been advised via his legal counsel.” 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. “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. “Given the matter is before the IRC no further comment can be made.” Mr White’s hearing, with the case name Kristian James Samuel White v Commissioner of Police, is listed for December 19th. Image credits: ABC News South East NSW: Floss Adams/ news.com.au

Legal

Police ramp-up desperate search for missing 8 year old

NSW Police have ramped up their search for missing eight-year-old Molly Noonan-Medley, who was reported missing seven weeks ago. The child was last seen in Woonona, south of Sydney, about 11am on October 31st. Police believe Molly is with an adult who is known to her. Officers attached to Wollongong Police District were notified on November 1st of Molly's disappearance and immediately commenced an investigation to locate the child, after attempts to contact the adult were unsuccessful. In a statement on Monday, NSW Police said they were re-appealing to the public for any information to help find the child, almost seven weeks after Molly was first reported missing. Molly is described as caucasian appearance, 120cm, thin build, blue eyes and blond/brown hair. The woman believed to be in company with Molly is known to frequent the Woonona, Wollongong and Huskisson areas, a NSW Police spokesperson said. Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Wollongong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Image credits: NSW Police

Caring

Cop who fatally tasered grandmother learns fate

A jury has found a police officer guilty of manslaughter after he fatally tasered a grandmother in a care home. 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. 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. Nowland fell and hit her head, and died in hospital a week later. 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. After deliberating for 20 hours, a 12-person jury returned with a guilty verdict of manslaughter on Wednesday in the NSW Supreme Court. The offence of manslaughter carries a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison in New South Wales. The Crown has applied for White to be taken in custody ahead of sentencing, with the application to be determined on Thursday. 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.” “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.” Image credits: 9News

Legal

Neighbours star under investigation after alleged Nazi salute

Former Neighbours star Damien Richardson is under investigation by police after allegedly performing a Nazi salute at an event in September. Richardson, who played Gary Canning in seven seasons of Neighbours, was recorded performing the gesture during a speech at an event run by the National Workers Alliance (NWA), who bills itself as a nationalist organisation dedicated to the "preservation of Western Culture and Identity". <div> </div> In an excerpt of his speech, which was aired as part of an ABC 7.30 investigation into the rise of the far-right movement in Australia, the actor is heard stating, "There is a war on men". "I thought it was a war on Western tradition, Western values… and actually it's an anti-white-male-agenda," the actor said at the event. He is then seen appearing to perform a Nazi salute and mockingly asking if he would be locked up for it, saying, “Am I allowed to do that? Am I allowed to do that, or am I going to be fined now? Am I going to go to jail for five years?” “Oh, Richardson did the salute. I mean, really. I mean this is absurd. This is insane. It’s crazy. It’s so crazy you can’t believe it’s even happening.” In October 2023, laws came into effect making it an offence to perform a Nazi salute in public or in public view. A person who commits an <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/fact-sheet-nazi-symbol-prohibition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">offence</a> could face fines of $23,000, 12 months in prison, or both. Victoria Police has confirmed it is investigating the incident, saying in a statement, “Police are investigating vision which shows a person performing a Nazi salute, believed to be in Victoria." “The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.” While Richardson's actions were applauded by neo-Nazi organisation National Socialist Network (NSN), both Richardson and the organiser of the NWA said they are not neo-Nazis. "There has been a lot of misinformation spoken about the event, Damien, the National Workers Alliance and myself," Matt Trihey told the ABC. "Neither Damien or I have ever been members of Nazi organisations and we have no connection with the NSN. I am a free speech advocate and have no control over who purchases online tickets to my events." Image credits: ABC

Legal

"This is revolting": Senator calls for investigation over Kyle and Jackie O comments

A senator has called for an investigation over the constant "vulgar" comments made by Kyle and Jackie O on their morning radio show, claiming the show is "misogynistic" and "racist". Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young has questioned the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) during a senate hearing, asking why an investigation hasn't been launched into their on-air conduct. She said jokes about “being gay” and “divisive and violent language about women and sex” had been aired on the popular program, which is broadcast on the KIIS FM network on weekdays between 6am and 10am. Handing around printed copies of just some of their remarks, Senator Hanson-Young asked the ACMA whether these comments were appropriate for air during the early morning slot. During the hearing, Senator Hanson-Young asked ACMA Chair Nerida O’Loughlin whether she would be able to read them out, to which Ms O'Loughlin replied she would “prefer not to”, noting she “wouldn’t think they were appropriate for parliamentary language”. “These comments, this content, just a snapshot since September. Jokes about people being gay, jokes about one of the producers’ Asian housemates, jokes about dating men who are not quote ‘white’,” Senator Hanson-Young said. “Jokes about the sexual and racial profiles of other journalists from other stations, divisive and violent language about women and sex, and goes into vulgar detail about sex acts. Comments on air that refer to fellow hosts as being annoying ‘b****’, jokes about overweight women and mental health." Senator Hanson-Young said the content was “not just vulgar” but “disgusting”. “It’s belittling, belittling of women, it’s misogynistic, it’s racist, it’s sexist – it’s off,” she said. Senator Hanson-Young went not on to reference 59 complaints about the show made between July and October, but Ms O'Loughlin but noted under the co-regulatory framework that complaints needed to be “dealt with by the broadcaster first and come to us for investigation after that”. Senator Hanson-Young pointed out the ACMA doesn’t have to wait for “specific complaints” to undertake motion investigations, asking why the ACMA hasn’t launched an investigation, claiming the comments breach decency standards. “Why haven’t you? This is revolting, sexist, racist, misogynistic, divisive stuff on free to air radio from 6am in the morning … to 10am in the morning, and you haven’t investigated it?” Ms Hanson-Young said. Ms O’Loughlin said, “We have not turned our mind to undertaking such a review, but I’m happy to take your concerns on notice and discuss that with the authority. We will take those (comments) seriously, and we’ll have an internal conversation.” 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

News

Shop

Catalogues

Contests

Entertainment

Travel

Health

Lifestyle

Finance

Property

Games

Information

Keep up to date

Search

"Future leader": Search resumes for missing police officer

Welcome to the "please pull me over" club

Police investigating after pet cavoodle held for ransom

Police warn against idiotic cyclone behaviour

Grieving parents blame hospital over two-year-old's death

Man charged with murder one day after police offer $500,000 reward

"RIP brother": Deceased officer found in police station identified

How to spot an unmarked police car

Ed Sheeran scolded by police over "illegal" busking

Officer found dead at police station

"People need answers": Police issue statement on anniversary of Samantha Murphy's disappearance

RSPCA investigates Perth man over "distressing" act

Former investigator's candid William Tyrrell admission

Karl Stefanovic's missing daughter sparks major police search

Disgraced former cop launches legal action against NSW Police

Police ramp-up desperate search for missing 8 year old

Cop who fatally tasered grandmother learns fate

Neighbours star under investigation after alleged Nazi salute

"This is revolting": Senator calls for investigation over Kyle and Jackie O comments

Police officer dies on popular beach

Our Partners