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Alan Jones hit with 24 charges of indecent assault

Alan Jones has been changed over allegations of indecent assault and sexual touching offences. The former radio host is accused of 24 offences against eight victims, with the youngest aged 17 at the time the alleged crime took place. The charges include 11 counts of aggravated indecent assault where the alleged victim was under his authority, nine counts of indecent assault, two of unwanted sexual touching and two common assault charges. NSW Police announced they had charged Jones, 83, on Monday following an investigation into claims spanning two decades. The months-long investigation into the allegations culminated on Monday morning when Jones was <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-jones-arrested-over-sexual-assault-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested</a> in his Circular Quay home and taken to the police station, where officers made a statement on his arrest. “In March 2024, State Crime Command’s Child Abuse Squad established Strike Force Bonnefin to investigate a number of alleged indecent assaults and sexual touching incidents between 2001 and 2019,” police said in a statement. “Following extensive inquiries, about 7.45am (Monday), strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a unit in Circular Quay where they arrested an 83-year-old man.” NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said the work of the task force was still ongoing. "We believe that we will have more people coming forward with information," Mr Fitzgerald said on Monday. "(Investigators) are currently talking to people, and will continue talking to people," he said. “We will allege the accused knew some of them personally, some of them professionally, and we will also allege that some of the victims when the alleged offence took place, was the first time they ever met the accused,” the Assistant Commissioner added. Jones was granted conditional bail and disputes the allegations against him, his representative said, with his lawyer Christopher Murphy saying, “Alan Jones will assert his innocence appropriately in the courtroom. He denies any misconduct.” Image credits: DEAN LEWINS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Alan Jones arrested over sexual assault allegations

Veteran radio host Alan Jones has been arrested in his luxury apartment over allegations he indecently assaulted, groped or inappropriately touched multiple young men. According to the <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/national/alan-jones-arrested-over-allegations-he-indecently-assaulted-young-men-20241118-p5krdu.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sydney Morning Herald</a>, Jones was arrested at his Circular Quay apartment on Monday morning and taken to Day Street Police Station, where officers issued a statement about the arrest. "Following extensive inquiries, about 7.45am today, strike force detectives executed a search warrant at a unit in Circular Quay where they arrested an 83-year-old man," the statement said. "The search warrant is underway." The allegations against Jones surfaced over one year ago, when Nine newspapers first claimed that Jones inappropriately kissed and groped a 17-year-old schoolboy who visited his sprawling Southern Highlands estate in 2017. The allegations relate almost exclusively to his time at Sydney's leading talkback station, 2GB, where he hosted his talkback radio show for almost 20 years. Jones has long <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/alan-jones-vehemently-denies-bombshell-allegations" target="_blank" rel="noopener">denied</a> the allegations, with his lawyers describing the claims against him as "demonstrably false and defamatory". Breaking his silence in a five-minute clip in March, Jones said he "refuted" the allegations against him "entirely and the inferences associated with them". Jones said he had "every intention of returning to broadcasting eventually", despite many close sources saying he would stay on "indefinite" leave, and had no plans on returning to the spotlight. Image credits: Getty

Legal

Passenger arrested for assaulting flight crew member

A man has been arrested after being removed from an international flight for allegedly assaulting a member of the cabin crew. Onboard a flight from Perth to Auckland on early Wednesday morning, the Australian Federal Police were alerted to a passenger who was allegedly intoxicated and disruptive. The 23-year-old man from New Zealand allegedly assaulted a crew member, after staff alleged the man refused to comply with crew member requests during the flight. The flight was diverted to Melbourne Airport, with AFP officers boarding the plane to remove the man, who injured the cabin crew member during the assault. He was restrained at the back of the plane, with AFP Superintendent Stephen Cook confirming the flight was delayed as a result of the incident. “Any violence or anti-social behaviour in a confined space in the air would be distressing for other passengers and crew,” Superintendent Cook said. “At the very least, in this alleged incident it disrupted everyone’s travel plans." “Anti-social behaviour during a flight can pose a direct threat to the safety of the aircraft that is taken seriously by airlines and the AFP.” The 23-year-old man has been charged with one count of assaulting crew affecting the performance of their duty. Image credits: Australian Federal Police

Travel Trouble

Stranger wanted after assaulting child in mother's arms

Police are searching for a woman who callously attacked a toddler who was being carried by her mother through a busy shopping centre in Western Australia. The shocking act unfolded in East Victoria Park shopping centre, in south-eastern Perth, with CCTV capturing the distressing moment. In the security footage, a mother can be seen holding her two-year-old daughter near the entrance of the shopping centre, who are then approached by the woman who lunges at the child before fleeing. Staff working in the surrounding shops say it all happened incredibly quickly, one only hearing a scream from the mother, as nearby shoppers rushed to help. The little girl has been left with facial injuries, as well as the mother and daughter being left shaken and scared by the incident. Police said the child sustained "facial injuries", adding, "A female approached a mother who was holding her child, before assaulting the child and leaving the area.” “The female is not known to the mother and child.” The woman behind the attack has not been found, as police have called on the public for information. The attacker is described as having a medium build and a shaved head, and was wearing a pink singlet and grey shorts. Police are asking anyone who recognises the woman or who witnessed anything in the area at the time to come forward, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Editor's note: On Wednesday morning, Western Australian police said they want to speak to 21-year-old Pamila-Raye Jetta over the attack, and appealed for public help in finding her. "Jetta is described as female, olive skin, 170cm tall, heavy build, shaved head and was last seen wearing green coloured shorts with white stripes, pink coloured singlet and blue trainers," police said. "Jetta has also recently been observed wearing a fluorescent pink wig." Image credits: Nine News

Caring

Police officer charged after allegedly punching 70-year-old woman

A Victorian police officer has been stood down from duty after he allegedly punched a 70-year-old woman while in hospital. Sylvia Villani was being treated at the Northern Hospital in April when the alleged assault took place, and she said it came out of nowhere. "I threw a bit of bread on the ground. I had my leg in a plaster," Villani told 9News. "I was in a wheelchair and he punched me," she claimed. After the alleged attack, she sustained a broken eye socket. "I can't walk, I can't sit, I'm buggered," she said. "I don't know why he did it. "I did call him some nasty names, I wasn't happy, (but) I didn't deserve it." Villani's son, Rick, told 9News that he was only alerted about the incident after receiving a call from doctors who told him that three police officers went to the hospital for a separate incident before his mother was allegedly assaulted. He claimed that his family has been left in the dark. "I know my mum's got mental health, and she's not perfect," he said. "They've treated me, my wife and my mother with no respect." Victoria Police have stood down the 26-year-old male officer who was on duty when the incident occurred, after an internal investigation. The officer has been charged with one count of recklessly causing injury and will appear before court on September 9. Images: Nine

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Distressing CCTV shows woman after alleged attack in Paris

Distressing footage from inside a kebab shop in Paris has shown the harrowing moment an Australian woman sought refuge after allegedly being <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/aussie-woman-s-horror-assault-in-paris-days-before-olympics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">assaulted</a>. The 25-year-old Aussie, who was meant to be returning to Australia before the Olympics start, told French police that she was raped by five men and sought refuge after the attack in a kebab shop in the early hours on Saturday morning just metres from the Moulin Rouge. As police continue their investigation into the incident, CCTV footage has emerged from the night, showing the woman hiding in a kebab shop as staff attempt to comfort her. A man is then seen walking into the shop as the woman gestures that the man is her attacker. The alleged attacker lingers in the shop before approaching the woman and patting her on the back, before another confronts the man causing him to flee the shop. The police arrive a few minutes later, as staff and diners tend to the woman. The owner of the kebab shop told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/harrowing-cctv-shows-australian-woman-hiding-in-paris-kebab-shop-after-alleged-gang-rape-c-15445738" target="_blank" rel="noopener">7News</a> that the Aussie woman could not stop crying, as her dress was partially torn and on backwards as she entered the shop. A Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokesperson said the Australian Embassy in Paris is “making urgent enquiries with French authorities following reports of an Australian citizen assaulted in Paris”. “The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stands ready to provide consular assistance,” it said. The woman was taken to the nearby Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital for treatment and observation, and is planning to remain in Paris to help police with their investigation. Image credits: 7News

Travel Trouble

Channel Nine staff viciously attacked on streets of Paris

In a troubling incident that raises serious concerns over safety at the Paris Olympics, two radio technicians from Channel Nine's Olympic team were attacked on Tuesday evening in an apparent attempted robbery. This attack occurred <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/aussie-woman-s-horror-assault-in-paris-days-before-olympics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">just days after the alleged gang rape</a> of a 25-year-old Australian woman in the French capital, highlighting escalating security risks as the Games approach. Channel Nine’s Director of Sport, Brent Williams (pictured above), informed staff that the two technicians had left the International Broadcast Centre and were walking to their accommodation in the north-eastern suburb of Le Bourget when they were assaulted by a group of men. Describing the incident as "an assault of a serious physical nature", Williams confirmed that the victims managed to escape and find safety. The incident has been reported to the police. In light of this attack, Nine has reminded its staff to stay vigilant and to remove their Olympic credentials when not required, especially when travelling. Broadcasters have been warned by security experts that despite increased military and police presence in the capital, criminals may still target those they perceive as vulnerable. This incident follows another harrowing event involving an Australian citizen. The Paris prosecutor's office has confirmed an investigation into the alleged gang rape of a 25-year-old Australian woman, which occurred on the night of July 19 to 20. The woman sought refuge in a café in the 18th arrondissement. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has stated that while the investigation is a matter for the police, he is closely monitoring developments. Darmanin has also issued a handwritten letter to all police officers, gendarmes, firefighters, emergency service personnel and intelligence agents, acknowledging the difficulty of their task. “The eyes of the world will be fixed on you," Darmanin wrote. "Your task will not be easy", urging them after four years of intense presentation to “present the most beautiful face of France”. The French authorities have deployed 35,000 police and gendarmes, with plans to increase this number to 45,000 for the opening ceremony. Additionally, 18,000 soldiers are on standby to counter potential threats, with an Islamist terror attack being the primary concern for organisers. As preparations continue, authorities are under immense pressure to safeguard the Games and mitigate the risks posed by criminal activities and potential terrorist threats. The world will be watching as Paris strives to balance the celebration of athletic achievement with the paramount need for security. Image: <span style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #212529; font-family: -apple-system, 'system-ui', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif, 'Apple Color Emoji', 'Segoe UI Emoji', 'Segoe UI Symbol', 'Noto Color Emoji'; font-size: 16px; background-color: #ffffff;">Richard Ellis/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial

Travel Trouble

Aussie woman's horror assault in Paris days before Olympics

An Australian woman has claimed she was gang-raped in Paris just days before the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony of 2024 Olympics. The 25-year-old Aussie, who was meant to be returning to Australia before the Olympics start, told French police that she was raped by five men and sought refuge after the attack in a kebab shop in the early hours on Saturday morning just metres from the Moulin Rouge. Staff of the shop alleged to police that the young woman’s dress was on backwards and partially ripped, while the woman was in a state of shock and was struggling to speak, according to reports from French newspaper Le Figaro. The woman told staff at the shop on Boulevard de Clichy that she had allegedly been sexually assaulted by five men described as of African descent, although details on the exact location of the attack remain unclear. The woman was taken to the nearby Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital for treatment and observation. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office said an investigation into the incident was underway. “The investigation into the charge of gang rape likely to have been committed on the night of July 19 to 20 has been entrusted to the second judicial police district,” Paris Prosecutor’s office said. The Alliance Paris police union said investigators will “do everything to quickly identify the individuals to justice”, according to newspaper Le Parisien. Image credits: Richard Ellis/UPI/Shutterstock Editorial

Legal

Former Home and Away star admits brutal attack on woman

A former Home and Away star has admitted to bashing a woman during a suspected mental health crisis. Orpheus Pledger, 31, faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday via a video link from custody at Ravenhall Correctional Centre. Police prosecutor Fionnuala Kennedy said Pledger attacked the victim repeatedly over a three-month period at a home in Northcote, Melbourne, with one of the attacks captured on a motion-capture camera on March 25. Footage from the camera showed Pledger grabbing the woman's hair, pulling her to the ground and stomping on her head. The court was told that the woman called triple zero at 1.35am to raise concerns Pledger was suffering a “mental health episode", before the line disconnected right after she said “he’s coming.” Officers arrived 15 minutes later and found the woman lying on the floor of her home unable to get up, with Pledger nowhere to be seen. The woman was taken to hospital, where doctors noted that she had bruising on her forehead, a laceration to her cheek, bruising to her right hand and marks on her face and ear. The court was told that he was arrested the following day, but he was unable to be interviewed because of his "erratic behaviour". He was released in April for a court-ordered medical assessment due to concerns for his mental health, but he fled from the hospital on April 23 after a six hour wait. He then returned to the woman's home to collect his things and when asked to leave, he told her: “why, I haven’t done anything”. Police issued a public appeal before he was arrested two days later. Defence lawyer Jasper MacCuspie noted that during that time, his client was unable to get the mental health assessment he required, due to limited resources, saying that it was a widespread issue within the health system. The court heard that there is currently a shortage of ambulance and police resources, which Magistrate Justin Foster labelled as “outrageous”. ““The only reason I bailed him at the time was because there was nothing available for him to be … assessed in a prison setting. And there is no money in the hospital to have these important things assessed,” he said. “There’s a shortage of everything at the moment, it’s outrageous.” MacCuspie also said that his client had begun acting at the age of eight or nine but fell into the wrong crowd, and his drug use escalated in his late 20s when he was declined a role on US TV series The 100. “At the very last minute that fell through. It was a destabilising event,” MacCuspie said. “He aspires towards acting in future, but accepts by virtue of matter that’s a somewhat challenging prospect,” he added. Pledger will be assessed for a community corrections order, but has pleaded guilty to four assault-related charges, and will be sentenced on Wednesday. Images: news.com.au/ Channel Seven

Legal

Teen who pushed 79-year-old woman off pier escapes conviction

A teenager who pushed a 79-year-old woman off a pier and later posted a video of it to social media has not been given a criminal conviction. The 14-year-old, who was on bail at the time of the attack, shoved the elderly woman off Mornington Pier in January, with his his friends cheering him on. Bystanders had to rescue her because she couldn't swim. A court has heard that he was remorseful his actions and he has since been handed a diversion, meaning that he will have to undergo a mandatory program which includes counselling and education courses. If he completes the four-month order, the charges will be removed from his record. "We're very pleased with the outcome," the teenager's dad said outside of court. During his sentencing, the magistrate said it was "not going to be an easy process" but "you're remorseful for your behaviour, which is a positive step for you and the community". "You're a smart young man, with support things can change," the magistrate said. The 14-year-old is currently serving a diversion for assaulting a a 35-year-old woman in Hastings in November, which he was on bail for in January. Although the teen was remorseful inside the courtroom, according to Nine News, he reportedly raised his middle finger to those waiting outside when he left. Images: Nine

Legal

Cops charged after allegedly assaulting 92-year-old

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

Legal

Papa Swift vs Paparazzi: Taylor Swift's dad accused of assault

In the midst of celebrations marking the conclusion of Taylor Swift's Eras tour in Sydney, an unexpected and troubling incident has emerged involving her father – Scott Swift. The 71-year-old has been accused of assaulting an Australian photographer, Ben McDonald, in the early hours of Tuesday morning at a Sydney wharf in Neutral Bay. According to reports confirmed by NSW Police, the alleged altercation occurred around 2:30am, following Taylor Swift's final performance in the city. It's said that Taylor and her father had been enjoying post-show festivities when the incident took place, tarnishing what should have been a joyous occasion. McDonald, who serves as the chief executive of Matrix Media Group, recounted the events to <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13128721/Taylor-Swift-father-Scott-assault-photographer-Sydney-wharf.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Daily Mail Australia</a>, shedding light on the confrontation. He stated that Taylor and Scott arrived at the wharf after travelling from Homebush on a luxury superyacht named Quantum. McDonald claims that after they disembarked, Scott allegedly 'charged' at him. McDonald originally thought that it was a security guard, and was surprised when he realised it was Taylor's dad. "In 23 years of taking pictures, I have never seen anything like it," he told the Daily Mail. "He probably decided he needed to defend his daughter, for some reason... She got off the boat, she walked towards security guards who were shoving umbrellas in our faces, and then he charged." Footage capturing the moments leading up to and following the alleged assault has surfaced, providing some insight into the incident. <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13128721/Taylor-Swift-father-Scott-assault-photographer-Sydney-wharf.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The video</a> shows Taylor and her father walking up from the wharf, shielded by large umbrellas held by security guards. Amid the commotion, McDonald attempted to capture the scene, and was obstructed by the guards protecting Taylor and her companions, including Mr Swift. In the aftermath, McDonald reported the incident to authorities. He did not sustain serious injuries, though he described experiencing discomfort and soreness on the left side of his face. Images: YouTube

Legal

Shocking twist on teen accused of pushing elderly man off pier

Just hours after a 14-year-old boy was <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/news/news/teenager-arrested-after-shoving-elderly-man-off-pier" target="_blank" rel="noopener">arrested for allegedly shoving an elderly man </a>off the Mornington Peninsula pier, the teenager has been accused of previously assaulting a woman. Jamie Tilbrook, 35, was allegedly bashed by the same group of teens who pushed the 79-year-old off the pier. Shocking CCTV footage of the alleged attack showed two boys throwing a series of punches towards Ms Tilbrook's head in broad daylight, after she confronted them for vandalising a bus and tipping bins over. "I said, 'What the f--- are you doing?' They turn around and jump me," she said. "Two boys just come and started smashing me in the head. I was telling my girlfriend to get away, like, I didn't want her to get attacked." The 35-year-old had to be rushed to hospital after losing consciousness and spent a night at The Alfred, where doctors had to glue her wound shut. Ms Tilbrook told 9News that she no longer goes out and night and has to constantly watch her back after the alleged assault. The incident came just two months before the alleged attack of the elderly man, and the 14-year-old boy was on bail when he pushed the man off the pier. Ms Tilbrook revealed she was "disgusted" that the same boy who was charged after allegedly assaulting her, was now accused of pushing a fisherman off the pier. His friends had filmed the horrific incident before posting it online. <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/melbourne-news-teen-who-allegedly-pushed-elderly-man-off-melbourne-pier-was-on-bail/db6c8d5e-7e49-4ccc-ab47-cb4738979dc6" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a> revealed that the teenager has since been charged over the assault and allegedly breaching his bail conditions. He will reportedly face children's court at a later date. Images: 9News

Legal

"I was terrified": Law & Order star reveals traumatic past

Warning: This story contains graphic content. Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, a character that investigate rapists on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, has revealed that she too is a victim of sexual assault. The actress opened up about her traumatic past in a powerful essay written for <a href="https://people.com/mariska-hargitay-experience-rape-renewal-reckoning-8424247" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People Magazine</a>, where she revealed that she was raped by “a friend" when she was in her thirties. "A man raped me in my thirties," she bravely revealed in the essay. "It wasn’t sexual at all. It was dominance and control. Overpowering control." The actress revealed that he was a friend who "made a unilateral decision" and recalled the fear she felt when the incident occurred. "He grabbed me by the arms and held me down. I was terrified," she said. "I didn’t want it to escalate to violence. I now know it was already sexual violence, but I was afraid he would become physically violent. "I went into freeze mode, a common trauma response when there is no option to escape. I checked out of my body," she recalled. Hargitay, who is the daughter of the late actress Jane Mansfield, said that she never thought of herself as a "survivor", and often "minimised" what happened to her when she talked about it with others. "My husband Peter remembers me saying, “I mean, it wasn’t rape," she wrote. "Then things started shifting in me, and I began talking about it more in earnest with those closest to me. They were the first ones to call it what it was." The actress said that she wants other survivors to feel "no shame" about sexual assault and wants "this violence to end." She added that justice "may look different for each survivor," but for her she wants "an acknowledgment and an apology" after what happened. "This is a painful part of my story. The experience was horrible. But it doesn’t come close to defining me, in the same way that no other single part of my story defines me," she concluded, adding that she feels for all sexual violence survivors. "I’m turning 60, and I’m so deeply grateful for where I am. I’m renewed and I’m flooded with compassion for all of us who have suffered. And I’m still proudly in process." Hargitay started her own foundation, the Joyful Heart Foundation, in 2004 to help survivors of sexual assault. Image: Getty

Caring

"Disgraced actor, bully, monster": Craig McLachlan opens up on assault allegations

Craig McLachlan has opened up about how the incident assault trial took a toll on his mental health and career. The former Neighbours actor was charged with seven counts of indecent assault and six of common law assault in 2019, after four women, who he starred alongside with in the stage production of the Rocky Horror Show came forward. McLachlan has long denied the allegations, and was eventually cleared of all charges. Now, the former actor is appearing on the new season of SAS Australia, and has spoken candidly about how his life changed after the trial. “When I started on Neighbours, I was in people’s lounge rooms night after night, day after day,” he told SAS producers. “But there was something that happened about five years ago that was shocking for the public and shocking for me." “Craig McLachlan, disgraced actor. Workplace bully, monster. “So I’m here to exorcise some pretty extreme pain with some pretty extreme pain.” Speaking with SAS Chief Instructor Ant Middleton and DS Jamie ‘Jay’ Morton, McLachlan said he is still angry about what happened, and carries a lot of emotional weight from the trial. "I suffer extreme social anxiety. I find it very difficult to trust situations where there are a lot of people, especially women." “I’m more anxious about being in a new group of people than I am about climbing up the side of a mountain." “I know that sounds bizarre, but for me, I’m afraid it’s true.” Middleton sensed McLachlan was becoming angry when talking about the case, to which McLachlan responded, "I was charged with 14, 15, 16 offences ... It’s one thing to be so publicly crucified, it’s another thing to be charged. I was found not guilty of any wrongful behaviour. It’s because I was f***ing innocent ... I’ve been profoundly hurt, so there’s always going to be some residual anger." McLachlan went on to share how he was "abandoned" by close friends in the entertainment world when the allegations first came to light. He said, "People who only months before looked me in the eye and said 'You create the most wonderful work environments imaginable' ... abandonment, total abandonment. A tiny handful of courageous people I have friendships with over 30 years were always there, but the vast majority - gone." He said the abandonment from his friends "really f**king hurt", to which the SAS team told him he has "gotta let it go". "That’s why I’m here," McLachlan said. "For me, the big takeaway from this experience will be moving forward, to find that I can function without anger and fear. But beyond that, learning to trust people again." Image credits: Channel Seven - SAS Australia

London police receive even older Russell Brand sexual assault allegation

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

Legal

Home and Away star jailed for violent assault

Former Home and Away star Felix Dean has been jailed for a violent assault, in which he attacked three people, tried to steal a car and used a wine bottle as a weapon. The 26-year-old appeared in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court via video link on Monday where he pleaded guilty to assault with intention to rob, three counts of common assault, and breaching a previous court order. The court heard he was using drugs and “heavily intoxicated” when he approached a stranger for “unclear reasons” outside a restaurant in Newtown, in Sydney’s inner west, earlier this year. Dean, who shot to fame portraying the young character VJ Patterson on the hit show Home and Away, then became engaged in a violent altercation with two people on the street. Just a few weeks later, Dean then tried to steal a man’s luxury car while wielding a wine bottle as a weapon in the suburb of Botany. His lawyer Phoebe MacDougall told the court on Monday Dean didn’t dispute the facts of the offences, given he was under the influence when they occurred. “He largely doesn’t remember the events, given the drugs he was on at the time, being meth and alcohol,” she said. Ms MacDougall explained the former child actor had become addicted to illicit drugs following a traumatic event at school which “significantly altered his personality during his formative years”. In a statement provided to NCA NewsWire, Dean explained he “resorted to drugs to cope with strong emotions” following the disturbing occurrence at school. “Not only dealing with that, but I was also living on the streets, with the shame of knowing I was recognised because of my time as an actor on TV,” he said. Ms MacDougall said Dean was very encouraged by the prospect of engaging in rehabilitation and had tried to enrol himself in a custodial program. However, given the seriousness of Dean's criminal record, he was sentenced to 20 months imprisonment with a non-parole period of one year. “I want to apologise to the many people I have hurt and to my mother who has stood by me,” Dean continued in his statement. The former child actor maintained his time on hit soap opera Home and Away had been a “positive experience” but admitted he continues to struggle with the fallout of fame. “Ten years on, when even the character has been replaced by multiple actors, I am trying my best to overcome the challenges I have outside of the show,” he said. “I wish nothing more than to be afforded the opportunity to do so without the scrutiny of the public and the media.” Image credits: Seven / Facebook

Legal

William Tyrrell's foster mother pleads guilty to assault

William Tyrrell's foster mother has been found guilty of assaulting a child. The 58-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared in Parramatta’s Local Court on Monday morning alongside her husband. She entered guilty pleas to two counts of common assault relating to a child, who is not William. Despite her plea, she plans to fight the charges after also pleading not guilty to two counts of intimidation. Her husband, 56, has pleaded not guilty to one count of common assault and one count of intimidation. The court heard details of the incidents that took place between January and August 2021, with the foster mother previously trying to have the charges in question withdrawn on mental health grounds. The couple will face a contested hearing before Magistrate Susan McIntyre, with the hearing expected to last five days. William was only three years old when he vanished from his foster grandmother’s house at Kendall on the NSW mid North Coast on September 12th 2014. The case attracted national attention and has become one of the state’s most notable cold cases. No one has been charged over William’s disappearance and suspected death, and his foster parents have continued to deny any wrongdoing. Image credits: NSW Police <div class="media image" style="caret-color: #000000; color: #000000; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; box-sizing: inherit; margin-bottom: 24px; display: flex; flex-direction: column; align-items: center; width: 705.202209px;"> </div>

Legal

Former Neighbours star admits to assault

Former Neighbours star Scott McGregor will have to write a formal apology letter to a female patron at an iconic Melbourne pub after admitting to assault. The 42-year-old actor returned before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, supported by his wife and father-in-law. McGregor was initially charged with intentional sexual touching without consent in November last year, after an incident at the iconic St Kilda beachside pub “The Espy”. However, the charge was formally withdrawn after the prosecution accepted it was a “non-sexual episode”, and substituted it with a common law assault charge, which McGregor accepted. Although details of the incident were not aired in court, Magistrate Simon Zebrowski said there was no “sexual element” in the incident. “The summary I have taken account of is one momentary very slight touch – that’s all,” he said. “Its an appropriate matter for diversion, no doubt about that.” The Magistrate placed McGregor on diversion, where no criminal conviction is recorded if he complies with a number of conditions as part of the diversion plan/ The prosecution, defence and the complainant all accepted this as a "favourable" and appropriate course of action. Diversion means that he did not plead guilty and was not formally found guilty, but he will have to write a letter of gratitude to the police informant, an apology letter to the woman and donate $300 to his charity of choice. If he complies with these conditions by December, his charges will be formally struck out. Image: Instagram

Legal

AFL legend Barry Cable accused of historical sexual abuse

AFL great Barry Cable is being sued over allegations that he sexually abused a Perth teenager at the height of his playing career. Until now, his identity had been concealed by order of the District Court of Western Australia. Cable denies all allegations and is not facing criminal charges. In court documents, the woman who cannot be named claims she was sexually abused by Cable, starting in 1968 when she was 12 years old, and continuing until 1973. She is seeking damages, claiming she suffered psychiatric harm as a result of the harassment. The woman said Mr. Cable once told her “he would teach her about the facts of life and the birds and the bees” so “she would be a big hit with men.” She claims Cable had also threatened to sexually abuse her sister if she did not comply with his demands. The judge, Mark Herron said Cable would not take part in the upcoming five-day trial and is not represented by a lawyer. Cable has also filed a defence in which he states he had a “consensual sexual relationship” with the woman around 1983. The court was informed that Cable had been declared bankrupt, so no funds are available if there are any costs. Barry Cable is considered to be one of the greatest Australian footballers of all time. He was inducted into the Australia Football Hall of Fame and was elevated to “Legend” status in 2012. Image credit: Getty

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