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Inside Gina Rinehart's 70th birthday bash

<p>Gina Rinehart has celebrated her 70th birthday in style, hosting a star-studded black tie event featuring a horse show and Australian music. </p> <p>The billionaire mining magnate threw the bash on the banks on the Swan River in Perth last week, setting up an enormous marquee where Guy Sebastian performed the national anthem to kick off the celebrations. </p> <p>Gina was joined by her staff at Hancock Prospecting, Perth Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas who MC'ed the evening, and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, who made a a nine-hour round trip just to spend 40 minutes at the private gathering as the star guest speaker.</p> <p>The evening was documented on Rinehart's business website, with the staff attendee recalling the glamorous party. </p> <p>“Many attended wearing their Rossi boots, and enjoyed a horseshow backed by the fantastic Aussie music, ‘The Man from Snowy River’, with riders accordingly also dressed in iconic Driza-Bone, and Rossi boots, carrying large Australian and company flags,” Hancock Prospecting said on its website.</p> <p>Mayor Zempilas also recalled the evening on Perth radio, saying, “It was a very special night actually.” </p> <p>“To see the admiration of the staff, the loyalty, I guess. And yes, it doubled as a 70th birthday party for the current West Australian of the Year.”</p> <p>The mining magnate, who has a net worth of $37.4 billion, was named 2023’s Western Australian of the Year for her philanthropic support of “worthwhile causes supporting several medical, sporting, veterans, health and other organisations personally and through the Hancock companies”.</p> <p>Gina's 70th birthday was celebrated with multiple chocolate cakes as she was joined by other company executives who have February birthdays.</p> <p>“The event celebrated the incredible life of one of Australia’s icons and recognised the long-serving staff members of Hancock Prospecting companies, including Roy Hill, Atlas Iron, Hancock Agriculture,” the company said.</p> <p>“The event was greatly enjoyed by all, with very positive comments by staff who attended, including, ‘The best night of my life.’”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Courtesy of Hancock Prospecting</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Barnaby Joyce and Vikki Campion tie the knot in "bush bash" wedding

<p>Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce and his partner, ex-staffer Vikki Campion, celebrated their union in an intimate "bush bash" wedding at Joyce's family estate in Woolbrook, near Walcha in northeast NSW.</p> <p>The event, described affectionately by a guest as a "bachelor and spinster ball", marked a significant moment in the couple's journey, which had faced public scrutiny in the past.</p> <p>The much-anticipated celebration, held five years after the revelation of their relationship, saw the couple donning Akubra hats, embracing the rustic charm of their country-style wedding. The ceremony, which prompted Joyce's resignation as deputy prime minister and Nationals leader, was a private affair, with the guest list exceeding 80 attendees.</p> <p>The pink and ivory-themed wedding unfolded with Campion radiantly adorned in a strapless cream tulle dress, featuring a long train. She paired the elegant ensemble with gold earrings and heeled black cowboy boots, epitomising the unique blend of sophistication and rural charm.</p> <p>The couple's two sons, Sebastian (5) and Thomas (4), played the role of page boys in matching chinos and navy waistcoats, adding a family touch to the heartwarming ceremony. The event took place at a location on Joyce's family property that held special significance for the couple, adding a personal touch to the nuptials.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CziVHv_S2_z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CziVHv_S2_z/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Daily Telegraph Sydney (@dailytelegraph)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Following the ceremony, guests gathered at Woolbrook hall for a country-style feast and drinks, reminiscent of a traditional bachelor and spinster ball. The event embraced a return to "country style", with guests arriving in 4x4s and a relaxed dress code featuring flat shoes and broad-brimmed hats.</p> <p>Notable attendees included Nationals MP George Christensen, adding a touch of political prominence to the celebration. The festivities also featured high-profile guests, contributing to the event's unique blend of country charm and political influence.</p> <p>However, the guest list raised questions about the attendance of Joyce's four daughters from his previous marriage to Natalie Abberfield – Julia, Caroline, Odette and Bridgette. Julia Joyce had previously taken to Instagram, expressing her humorous intent to "crash" her father's wedding in her mother's vintage wedding dress.</p> <p>The involvement of Campion's father, Peter, in giving her away added a traditional touch to the ceremony, reinforcing the significance of family in the couple's journey.</p> <p>Joyce's proposal to Campion last year, following his separation from his wife of over 25 years, marked a turning point in their relationship. The bush bash wedding served as a symbolic celebration of their love, surrounded by the rustic beauty of the Woolbrook estate. As the newlyweds embark on this new chapter, their bush bash wedding will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique blend of country charm and personal significance.</p> <p><em>Images: Office of the Deputy Prime Minister / Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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"Happy Birthday Roycie!": Rebel Wilson's big baby birthday bash

<p>In a world often filled with chaos, it's refreshing to hear about moments of pure joy and love. Rebel Wilson, the beloved<em> Pitch Perfect</em> star, recently shared one of those heartwarming moments with her fans as she celebrated her daughter Royce Lillian's first birthday. It was a lavish party that radiated love and happiness, leaving everyone with a warm feeling in their hearts.</p> <p>Rebel, at 43, has been a source of inspiration and laughter for many, but this time, she turned her focus towards her precious daughter. The actress shared adorable footage of Royce and the birthday celebrations on her Instagram Story, giving us a glimpse of the magical day she had prepared.</p> <p>The party was a sight to behold, with vibrant balloons decorating the venue and a mermaid-themed cake that would make any child's eyes light up with wonder. But that's not all; a cupcake tower was also part of the celebration, adding a touch of sweetness to the festivities. It was clear that Rebel had put her heart and soul into making this day special for her little girl.</p> <p>Rebel's Instagram post captured the essence of the day perfectly. In a touching picture, she held Royce in a chapel, presumably her christening, and wrote, "Happy 1st birthday baby." It was a heartfelt message that beautifully expressed the love and affection she felt for her daughter.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CzQyMTeLdwe/?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/p/CzQyMTeLdwe/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>And, of course, it wasn't just Rebel who was there to make the day magical. Her fiancée and clothing designer, Ramona Agruma, was by her side, capturing the moments with even more love. In her captions, Ramona used endearments like "my love" and "princess," showing her affection for Royce and the happiness she felt being part of this special day.</p> <p>We couldn't help but smile when watching the videos of the celebration. In one clip, Rebel and Ramona cried out "Happy Birthday, Roycie!" ... and the one-year-old responded with clapping hands, surrounded by pink balloons and presents. It was a moment of pure delight, capturing the innocence and joy of childhood.</p> <p>Although Wilson's work often keeps her in the United States, her heart remains in her native Australia. <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/domestic-travel/rebel-wilson-shows-off-the-inside-of-her-insane-bondi-beach-apartment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Currently, she is in Sydney</a> directing her first movie, <em>The Deb</em>, and she made sure her family was with her during this exciting journey.</p> <p>In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, Wilson surprised everyone last year by sharing the news that she had become a mom through a surrogate. She expressed her overwhelming pride and love for her daughter, describing her as a "beautiful miracle". She thanked everyone who had been a part of her journey and gave a special acknowledgment to her surrogate, who had carried and birthed Royce with grace and care.</p> <p>Rebel concluded by saying, "Thank you for helping me start my own family, it's an amazing gift. The BEST gift!! I am ready to give little Roycie all the love imaginable." And that love was evident in every moment of Royce's first birthday celebration.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Count Nikolai's Aussie birthday bash

<p>Count Nikolai has embraced his 24th birthday with an Aussie-style celebration - a short getaway to Byron Beach and eating Vegemite. </p> <p>The Danish royal took to Instagram on Monday to share photos of his getaway with friends and girlfriend Benedikte Thoustrup.</p> <p>"Birthday getaway at Byron Bay 🤙" he captioned the photo. </p> <p>In one photo, was pictured sitting outside with his friends while holding up a T-shirt with a map of Australia and pictures of Vegemite jars. </p> <p>The table was set with some muffins decorated with candles, fruits, and a Vegemite jar. </p> <p>Later that night, his girlfriend Thoustrup posted a photo of the Count enjoying dinner and a cocktail decorated with a sparkler. </p> <p>He also shared a few photos from Boomerang Point Reserve, which is one of the area's most popular surf beaches. </p> <p>Fans took to the comments to share their birthday wishes. </p> <p>"Happy birthday 👏" wrote one fan. </p> <p>"A heartfelt Happy Birthday! May this day be full of joy, smiles and happiness. May you fulfil all your dreams and may life bring you only great success," wrote another. </p> <p>"Happy birthday, your excellence ❤️" wrote a third.</p> <p>The Danish Royal family also shared their birthday wishes to the count on their Instagram, with a photo of the young royal smiling in a cafe. </p> <p> "His Excellency Count Nikolai has a birthday and is turning 24 today," they captioned the photo.</p> <p>They added that he was celebrating the special occasion in Australia after <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/international-travel/touchdown-count-nikolai-arrives-in-sydney-to-begin-studies" target="_blank" rel="noopener">moving to Sydney</a> to study at the University of Technology in Sydney for a semester.</p> <p>The Count has been embracing Aussie culture, visiting a number of icons including the Sydney Tower Eye, going to an AFL match, and two of the Women's World Cup matches including the final. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

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Teen girl bashed by girls disguised in school uniform

<p>Horrifying footage has emerged showing the moment three girls disguised in uniforms violently attacked a 14-year-old girl on the grounds of a school in Perth’s northern suburbs.</p> <p>The video captured on a mobile phone saw teachers attempting to shield the Year 9 Churchlands Senior High School student as the assailants hit and spat on her.</p> <p>The incident occurred during a lunch break in early May.</p> <p>Students at the school allege the trio accessed school grounds by disguising themselves in Churchlands uniforms.</p> <p>Education department director general Lisa Rodges described the ordeal as unacceptable.</p> <p>“People entering school grounds without permission is taken very seriously and the department works with police when incidents like this occur,” she said.</p> <p>“Principals take immediate action in response to incidents of violence on school grounds.</p> <p>“The students who were involved in this incident, including filming it, have been suspended, and are being considered for exclusion.”</p> <p>Authorities were alerted but the girl at the centre of the attack has since withdrawn her complaint.</p> <p>Premier Mark McGowan said, “I just want to thank the teachers who got right in there to help the victim, and good on them. They deserve our thanks and congratulations.”</p> <p>The incident comes in the wake of shocking statistics showing the level of violence against teachers in WA in 2022.</p> <p>Nearly 2,300 instances of assaults or threatening behaviour targeted at school staff were recorded across 2022.</p> <p><em>Image credit: 7NEWS</em></p>

Legal

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Lisa Wilkinson's big night out after Channel 10 cancels Christmas bash

<p>Lisa Wilkinson has celebrated her exit from <em>The Project</em> at a boozy Christmas party with her colleagues. </p> <p>The 62-year-old presenter partied the night away with Peter Helliar and Waleed Aly, as they drank margaritas and celebrated the festive season. </p> <p>Lisa shared some snaps of the evening on her Instagram page, writing, "That’s a Christmas wrap for <em>The Project</em>…and a fond farewell to five fabulous years for me. 👋🥰"</p> <p>"(And yes those are margaritas…and no, this time I’m not drinking alone - swipe left and you’ll see why🥂😂)."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmQdktzLhzt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CmQdktzLhzt/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lisa Wilkinson (@lisa_wilkinson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Lisa has a margarita bar at the party dedicated to her, in reference to when she was spotted sipping on a margarita while dining out alone back in March. </p> <p><em>The Project</em> Christmas party was a welcome surprise for the cast and crew of the show, as just days prior, Channel 10 announced it had cancelled its staff Christmas party following a disastrous year of poor ratings, high-profile resignations and cancelled shows.</p> <p>According to an insider, things are "worse than imagined" as the network fiercely battles it out with rival stations in a desperate bid to attract advertising dollars.</p> <p>Staff were left devastated when owner Paramount announced there will be no Christmas celebrations at the last hour.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Teen victim identified in alleged bashing death

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A teenager allegedly fatally assaulted has been identified, with his mother speaking for the first time.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Police </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://7news.com.au/news/crime/jason-galleghan-identified-by-police-as-victim-in-doonside-alleged-murder-c-4274352" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">announced on Tuesday</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> that 16-year-old Jason Galleghan was the victim of an alleged bashing in Doonside, 40 kilometres west of Sydney, in August.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844919/doonside1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/275be1a9ed514039ab127ee7d637c3ac" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">16-year-old Jason Gallaghan. Image: NSW Police</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The teenager was found unresponsive at the home on Perigee Close, Doonside, on the afternoon of August 4, and died from his injuries several days later.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strike Force Brens, which was established following the alleged murder, has restuled in charges laid against seven people.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Those charged in relation to the incident include two boys aged 14 and 15, two aged 13, a 15-year-old girl, a 19-year-old woman, and a 29-year-old man.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All those charged remain before the courts.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/news/news_article?sq_content_src=%2BdXJsPWh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGZWJpenByZC5wb2xpY2UubnN3Lmdvdi5hdSUyRm1lZGlhJTJGOTc5ODQuaHRtbCZhbGw9MQ%3D%3D" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">statement</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> released through NSW Police, Jason’s mother Rachel thanked the public for their support and called for justice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This is still something that I can’t believe happened, I’m still coming to terms with the fact that I will never see my precious son Jason again, and that his life was taken at the age of 16,” she said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Jason was such a kind person with a happy spirit; he was loving and generous and helpful to his sisters and to his family and friends.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It is just so utterly devastating and heartbreaking that his future has been taken away from him.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We have all lost the biggest part of us that can never be replaced, and I would like to ask that the community please continue their support to fight for Jason so that justice is served.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strike Force Brens are continuing their investigations and have released new CCTV footage in a bid to identify two men walking in the area who may be of assistance.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The second man can be seen wearing black pants, a red-and-black jumper, and carrying an item that is black, red and blue.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844920/doonside2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/b50500536690471ea7d41490d7daee06" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">The two men police believe have vital information relating to the investigation. Image: NSW Police</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The two men were walking in the vicinity of the Doonside home around the time of the assault.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blacktown Police Area Commander, Superintendent Steve Egginton, said the men may have vital information regarding the events leading up to Jason’s death.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Strike Force Brens detectives have worked tirelessly to investigate the alleged murder of Jason and will continue to follow all lines of inquiry relating to this matter - leaving no stone unturned,” Superintendent Egginton said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant you believe it to be, to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Police are urging anyone with information to contact Blacktown Police Station or Crime Stoppers.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: NSW Police</span></em></p>

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Gold Coast hoon bashed by good samaritan

<p>Two Gold Coast hoons reportedly crashed their black Ford into a woman’s Honda SUV on Township Drive in Burleigh Heads, then tried to flee the scene.</p> <p>But an onlooker who saw it all unfold stopped and viciously intervened as one of the youths tried to escape – all while other bystanders praised his wild actions.</p> <p>Video footage of the scene shows the two men sitting in the wreckage as the woman filming confronts them.</p> <p>A male onlooker comes onto the scene and tries to stop the pair of hoons from attempting to flee the scene.</p> <p>The onlooker or ‘good samaritan’ as some have dubbed him, starts punching the driver in wild scenes. The hoon pleads for help but eventually runs away.</p> <p>Queensland Police are investigating the incident but no arrests have yet been made.</p> <p>The video footage posted online shows two young men sitting in the wreckage of their crumpled black Ford after colliding with a Hyundai SUV on Township Drive, in Burleigh Heads, about 6.30 am Saturday. </p> <p>Approaching their vehicle, the woman filming confronts the pair as the driver revs the engine in an alleged attempt to flee the scene.</p> <p>“What are you guys doing?” the woman asks.</p> <p>One of the youths says: “I don’t know what happened there,” as he gets out of the crumpled Ford.</p> <p>“Well you looked like you were trying to escape,” the woman responds.</p> <p>A male bystander watching the commotion walks over to the them as the woman explains the pair had hit her car.</p> <p>“I know exactly what is going on,” the man says as he storms over to the driver, who had just stepped out of his car.</p> <p>“Hey, where the f*** do you think you’re going?” he asks the driver as he grabbs hold his jumper.</p> <p>After a wild scuffle with the hoon, the man asks the woman: “You got him [on camera]?”</p> <p>“Yes, thank you,” she replies. Check out the<a rel="noopener" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9966095/Gold-Coast-hoon-allegedly-crashed-womans-car-bashed-good-Samaritan.html" target="_blank"> full video here.</a></p> <p>It is understood the vehicles collided when the Ford Falcon crossed into an oncoming lane.</p> <p>Queensland Police have reported they are conducting investigations to locate the occupants of the vehicle.</p> <p><em>Image: Video footage</em></p>

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Blind grandad brutally bashed by teens

<p><span>Horrifying footage has captured the moment a partially blind grandad was set upon by a group of teen gang members in a Melbourne Park.</span><br /><br /><span>The 63-year-old was walking near Pelister Place in Sunshine West when the young boys dragged him onto the oval and repeatedly kicked and stomped the man before stealing his phone and shoes.</span><br /><br /><span>The sickening attack occurred at around 1.50pm.</span><br /><br /><span>“I feel sick when I see that type of offending,” Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Rick Nugent said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Just a vicious attack on a person that’s going about their business.”</span><br /><br /><span>Three other people were attacked that day,<em> Nine News</em> reported.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7840330/mick-fuller-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/cc799337089a491f92e9bf3f5440dc81" /><br /><br /><span>This included a university student who was punched in the face and had his laptop stolen.</span><br /><br /><span>Police said all of the victims were vulnerable as they were targeted in a public place while waiting for public transport.</span><br /><br /><span>Four people, with two of them being juveniles, were arrested over attacks.</span><br /><br /><span>A 16-year-old boy was convicted of assault but hit with a youth attendance order, meaning he will spend no time behind bars.</span><br /><br /><span>Another 16-year-old boy was sentenced to six months in jail but with time served was released in January.</span><br /><br /><span>Ramzy Mohammedali, 20, was sentenced to eight months, while 18-year-old Amanniwal Nyieker – pictured in the video wearing a white hood and white trackpants – was jailed for two years.</span><br /><br /><span>Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack told Nine News that the boy’s sentences were a slap in the face to the victims.</span><br /><br /><span>“I think they feel really betrayed and I think it would impact on their sense of safety,” she said.</span><br /><br /><span>“Such serious violent crimes … that needs to be taken really seriously by the system.”</span></p>

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"She didn't deserve this": Grandmother bashed while opening church

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>An elderly grandmother has been violently bashed while opening her local church in Melbourne.</p> <p>Penelope Katsavos was attacked while opening the Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox church at 6 am on Saturday morning.</p> <p>The grandmother of six recalled seeing a man standing by her shopping trolley that doubles as her walker.</p> <p>She asked the man what he was doing and he started yelling at her.</p> <p>"She couldn't understand what he was saying ... she put her hand on the trolley and he hit her in the face," daughter in law Erin Katsevos said.</p> <p>"He punched her once and she didn't fall, so he pushed her to the ground and she remembers him kicking her."</p> <p>Penelope was left on the ground for half an hour before anyone saw her and passed out following the assault.</p> <p>She now has a fractured pelvis, broken wrist and two bleeds on her brain.</p> <p>Her daughter-in-law said that the family is heartbroken.</p> <p>"We are so upset ... couldn't believe someone could do that to her," Erin Katsavos said.</p> <p>"She's the best ... she's everything you could want in a mother in law or a grandmother."</p> <p>"She didn't deserve this."</p> <p>Penelope has been a member of her church for the last 40 years, and Erin says she has no words for the offender.</p> <p>"Nothing you can say to them ... what can you say to someone who could do something like this?</p> <p>"She loves that church more than anything ... for her to be like that in a place that she is so dedicated to and loves so much ... it's awful."</p> <p><em>Photo credit:<span> </span></em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/elderly-woman-assaulted-at-melbourne-church/19f5134c-3146-44ad-95f5-4f3c1919d82e" target="_blank">9NEWS</a></em></p> </div> </div> </div>

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City's fury as bashed grandfather wakes from induced coma

<p>Perth is in shock as an 84-year-old grandfather was bashed outside his own home in the city's south west.</p> <p>Emiliano Lombardi's story and images of him bruised and bloodied on his bed shocked Perth, but his children were just as shocked by the outpouring of community support.</p> <p>"We've all got a dad… it hit home because it could be anyone," son Don Lombardi said.</p> <p>Strangers have volunteered to look after Emiliano's dogs as well as sending dozens of get well cards to him while he's recovering in hospital.</p> <p>Tradies are repainting and replastering his home for free while other local businesses are supporting him by providing new furniture and bedding.</p> <p>"Suddenly we get this flood of emotion and support from everybody that wanted to tell us the world is good, wanted to tell us that Perth is good and it is," Don Lombardi said.</p> <p>"There's good in this community, just a few little percentage that have lost their way, but the majority of people are always there for you and do the right thing, it's good to see," his son Carlo Lombardi said.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height:281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7837527/body-old-man.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/0f3bbae722234015b1d5cb80a17e03bb" /></p> <div class="body_text "> <p>The 84-year-old lived alone and loved to garden, who would often share his fruit and vegetables with his neighbours.</p> <p>However, it is unknown whether he will feel safe living home alone.</p> <p>"I don't want him to be fearful, he's got a nice community and we are fearful he's going to lose that," his daughter Laura Hussein said.</p> <p>Quade Karsum Jones, 28, has been charged over the alleged random and unprovoked violent attack.</p> <p>Not wanting to be a bother, the stoic grandfather went to bed after the alleged assault and tried to sleep it off.</p> <p>If it wasn't for persistent police officers who repeatedly knocked on his door, he may never have woken up.</p> <p>"If it wasn't for those two and being persistent that my father was safe, he wouldn't be here today," Don Lombardi said.</p> <p>Emiliano Lombardi spent a week in an induced coma and recently underwent facial surgery.</p> <p>His children want to share a simple message to the community: "Thank you Perth."</p> <p><em>Photo credits: </em><em><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/perth-grandfather-bashing-community-reaches-out-to-family/9e323228-3e5b-482f-a147-0d4179dc3523" target="_blank" class="_e75a791d-denali-editor-page-rtflink">9News</a></em></p> </div>

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Teens from prestigious school guilty of bashing stranger for his bag and shoes

<p><span>Five teenage boys have admitted to bashing a man at Perth’s Stirling train station so badly doctors were forced to put him in a coma, after pleading guilty to downgraded charges.</span></p> <p><span>The five, who cannot be named, were students of Churchlands Senior High School and beat 20-year-old Matthew Henson (pictured) on February 13 just before they stole his shoes and bag.</span></p> <p><span>Mr Henson suffered severe head injuries and was initially placed in an induced coma at Royal Perth Hospital.</span></p> <p><span>After spending weeks in intensive care and another specialised ward, he was transferred to Fiona Stanley Hospital to start rehabilitation.</span></p> <p><span>The five boys, aged between 15 and 16, were charged with aggravated robbery and causing grievous bodily harm. </span></p> <p><span>But those charges were quickly dropped by the Perth Children’s Court on Thursday, including for one boy who had already pleaded guilty.</span></p> <p><span>All of them pleaded guilty to a new, lesser charge of intent to harm, doing an act as a result of which Mr Henson’s life, health or safety was, or was likely, to be endangered.</span></p> <p><span>They also pleaded guilty to stealing his shoes and one of the boys pleaded guilty to stealing his bag.</span></p> <p><span>All charges were dismissed against a sixth boy and not replaced with any new charges, resulting in him walking free from court.</span></p> <p><span>Psychological and juvenile justice reports will be prepared for most of the boys before their sentencing on August 18.</span></p>

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“You destroyed my life”: Widow’s heartbreaking reply to man who killed her husband

<p>A man who bashed a grandfather in Adelaide to death with a hammer in front of his wife has been ordered to spend the rest of his life under mental health supervision.</p> <p>In May 2018, Steven Berg stormed the house of the couple and attacked 74-year-old Deon Hewitt who was cooking dinner with his wife, Patricia. The attack ended in death.</p> <p>Patricia saw the horrific crime and said to Berg in court that he “destroyed my life”.</p> <p>"You destroyed my life. I couldn't even say goodbye to the man I spent the best parts of my life with…. For this I will never forgive you."</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2F9NewsAdelaide%2Fvideos%2F1434612646686069%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>Berg was found not guilty of murder due to mental incompetence as the court was told he was suffering delusions at the time of the unprovoked and random attack.</p> <p>"My husband was my best friend, taken from me in the most horrific way - You have inflicted more pain on my family than any sentence can on you - until my final day I'm to live without my husband, stuck with the memory of that night," Ms Hewitt said.</p> <p>Five victim impact statements were read out in court by family members of Leon, as his grandchildren outlined their grief and the toll his passing had on their mental health.</p> <p>"When we were feeling down, we had Pop to call," they said.</p> <p>Leon and Patricia’s daughter Vanessa said that as long as Berg is detained “society is a safer place”.</p> <p>"the day you took dad from us, we lost a mother as well - I fear for the day Berg is released - While he is detained, society is a safer place,” she said.</p> <p>Berg is being held in the secure mental health facility of James Nash House.</p>

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Shocking new details emerge of elderly woman who was bashed at her retirement village

<p>The daughter of an elderly woman who was attacked in her bedroom in a retirement village says that her mother “doesn’t want to be in this world anymore” as she feels so unsafe.</p> <p>Patricia, 84, had only just moved to the North Turramurra facility six weeks ago and came face-to-face with a stranger when she returned to her room on Saturday afternoon.</p> <p>The man assaulted her before fleeing, but she was left with a fractured nose, bleeding on her brain and cuts to her face, chest and arms.</p> <p>She was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition and continues to undergo treatment at Sydney Adventist Hospital.</p> <p>Patricia’s daughter Caroline said that her mother was recently widowed and had arrived back to her new home just before the attack.</p> <p>"This has been a very, very shocking and distressing event in our family and mum is a very, very strong lady, and we will help her get over this, hopefully, and get her home again," she told<span> </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://au.news.yahoo.com/woman-bashed-sydney-retirement-village-recently-widow-065130154.html" target="_blank">reporters</a><span> </span>in Sydney on Wednesday.</p> <p>"But this should never, ever, ever happen to the most vulnerable of vulnerable in our community and we are absolutely outraged, appalled."</p> <p><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fnswpoliceforce%2Fvideos%2F415655339127292%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" width="560" height="315" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p> <p>Caroline also mentioned that Patricia’s husband died in April, which is an event that she is still grieving over.</p> <p>"And now she's got to grieve the loss of her independence and her safety and her security in a home that she'd just moved into. She'd only been there six weeks," Caroline said.</p> <p>"I feel so sad that my mum, who is 84, who's just lost her husband, is now in a position where she just doesn't want to be in this world anymore because she just feels so unsafe."</p> <p>Investigators are now seeking further assistance from the community and would like to speak with anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the area.</p>

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“You knew exactly what you were doing”: Talk show host bashes Duchess Meghan

<p><span>A talk show host has bashed Duchess Meghan, just days after the royal’s interview about her mental health and public scrutiny went viral.</span></p> <p><span>In the new documentary <em>Harry &amp; Meghan: An African Journey</em>, the Duchess of Sussex said living in the public eye as a new mother is “a struggle” and “not many people have asked if I’m okay”.</span></p> <p><span>“It’s hard,” the Duchess told journalist Tom Bradby. “When I first met my now-husband, my friends were really happy because I was so happy, but my British friends said to me, ‘I’m sure he’s great, but you shouldn’t do it, because the British tabloids will destroy your life’.</span></p> <p><span>“I would say, any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging, and then when you have a newborn, you know – and especially as a woman, it’s a lot.”</span></p> <p><span>TV personality Wendy Williams hit out at the Duchess on Tuesday in a segment on <em>The Wendy Williams Show</em>.</span></p> <p><span>“Meghan, nobody feels sorry for you. You knew what you were signing up for girl!” Williams said.</span></p> <p><span>“You knew exactly what you were doing. And I applaud her plot-ation on the royal situation. But please, don’t try to garner sympathy from us. You knew what you were doing.”</span></p> <p><span>The host added, “Don’t be surprised that the paparazzi are everywhere, of course, because you’re now a royal.”</span></p> <p><span>In the interview with Bradby, Duchess Meghan responded to critics who argued that media scrutiny is just a <a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/tradition/a29551042/meghan-markle-responds-critics-media-scrutiny-documentary/">part of life as a public figure</a>.</span></p> <p><span>“I never thought that this would be easy, but I thought it would be fair,” the 38-year-old said. “That’s the part that’s really hard to reconcile.</span></p> <p><span>“When people are saying things that are just untrue, and they’re being told they’re untrue, but they’re still allowed to still say them, I don’t know anybody in the world that would feel like that’s okay.”</span></p> <p><span>At the end of the interview, the Duchess expressed gratitude for her family.</span></p> <p><span>“The good thing is I’ve got my baby and I’ve got my husband, and they’re the best.”</span></p> <p><span>Earlier this week, a royal source told <em><a href="https://www.etonline.com/wendy-williams-calls-out-meghan-markle-nobody-feels-sorry-for-you-134831">ET</a> </em>that the Duchess and her husband Prince Harry “are expected to take some extended family time off starting in November”.</span></p>

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Paramedic bashed during charity ride holds no grudge against teen attackers

<p>Off-duty paramedic Daniel Mansbridge was seven kilometres into a 1000-kilometre charity ride for children’s cancer when he was pushed off his bicycle and beaten up by a group of teenagers on the south coast of New South Wales.</p> <p>The ambulance officer, who has 16 years’ experience was riding on the Windang Bridge, south of Wollongong when a teenager pushed him off his bike just after 11:00 am on Friday.</p> <p>According to Mr Mansbridge, he approached the teenager to inform him how dangerous his actions were and followed him down some stairs under the bridge.</p> <p>“His other two bigger mates saw me as a threat or something and started to punch me out, and when they finished I said to them I just wanted to have a word.”</p> <p>He is now dealing with bruising on his face and a fracture under his eyes that requires surgery.</p> <p>“I’m not going to hit kids,” said Mr Mansbridge, who went on to say that he finds it hard to understand what’s happening.</p> <p>“Bloody hell this isn’t good – they were just kids. I was shocked, I didn’t know what to do. I was just setting out for a big long ride and the next thing I know I was in the hospital.”</p> <p>He believes his attackers were also taken aback by the incident.</p> <p>“Afterwards, they actually went and got my bike and brought my bike down and made sure I was OK.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fabcillawarra%2Fposts%2F2569580803087757&amp;width=500" width="500" height="757" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></p> <p>“They said they were sorry and felt bad and helped me gather my things.</p> <p>“It was very confusing,” he said.</p> <p>“I think once I said to them, I just want to have a chat about how silly it was, they might have realised they’d gone too far.</p> <p>“I think, to be honest, it started off with a kid showing off to his mates and this is the consequence.”</p> <p>Mr Mansbridge said he chose not to retaliate and doesn’t want the kids to be charged.</p> <p>“We all make mistakes … we can learn a lesson and just be a bit more tolerant of people and aware of the consequences of your actions.”</p> <p>Chief Inspector Terry Morrow from the NSW Ambulance Service said the attack was extremely disturbing.</p> <p>“We are really proud of Daniel and other people in our service, out there riding for the community to raise money for kids with cancer and these sort of things,” he said.</p> <p>“All of a sudden to have one of our officers randomly hit on his bike trying to do the right thing, to receive the injuries that he has sustained, we are appalled by the whole situation.”</p> <p>Mr Mansbridge said that once he recovers from the attack, he plans on completing the charity ride.</p>

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Perth woman bashed 50 times after selling car on Gumtree

<p>A Perth woman has been bashed and robbed while attempting to sell her mother’s car online on classified community site Gumtree.</p> <p>Tanika Capaldi was at home with her four-year-old daughter and mother in Parmelia when she and her mum were attacked by two people who were posing as buyers.</p> <p>“I can’t believe that this has happened – and for my daughter to be at home when it happened as well,” Ms Capaldi told 9NEWS.</p> <p><img width="462" height="260" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264622/1_462x260.jpg" alt="1 (3)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>The 28-year-old woman claims she was punched by one woman, who asked to test drive the car, up to 50 times outside her home before the attacker stole the car keys.</p> <p> “I was trying to run and she grabbed me by the hair and started punching me in the face,” Ms Capaldi said.</p> <p>“I ended up lying on the gravel face down just to try and protect my face.”</p> <p><img width="471" height="265" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7264623/2_471x265.jpg" alt="2 (1)" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"/></p> <p>Her mother was also punched in the head by a male accomplice who was hiding nearby.</p> <p>Police are searching for the pair who stole the 2000 gold Ford Falcon.</p> <p>The woman’s image was captured on CCTV set up at the home.</p> <p>Following the incident, Ms Capaldi is warning others against the dangers of online selling.</p> <p>"Protect yourself," she said.</p>

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