Ear 'bitten off' in priest v priest fight

AN 81-year-old man allegedly had part of his ear bitten off during a brawl with another elderly man over a parking bay on Friday.

It is alleged the pair got into a fight over a parking space at their block of units in Dianella on Friday afternoon.

The spat turned ugly when an 80-year-old man allegedly bit the ear of the other man outside the Chester Avenue apartment block.

A police spokesman said it was not until the victim got back to his unit that he realised his ear was missing, and the item he picked up at the scene of the fight was his ear.

An 80-year-old man will appear in East Perth court today charged with Grievous Bodily Harm.
 

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Life for murder at Jessie J show

Chilling CCTV footage show the horrifying moment convicted murderer Ashley Charles who snatched a bottle from drinker and moments later slashed his throat.

Ashley Charles, 26, attacked Phillip Sheriff in front of horrified revellers after the 37-year-old made "some inoffensive joking remarks" about a girl, the Daily Mail reported. Source: Supplied

AN art director who slashed the throat of a telecoms boss with a broken bottle at a Jessie J gig has been jailed for life.

Ashley Charles, 26, attacked Phillip Sheriff in front of horrified revellers after the 37-year-old made "some inoffensive joking remarks" about a girl, the Daily Mail reported.

The event was sponsored by mobile phone manufacturer BlackBerry, where Mr Sheriff was an executive.

The blow, which was caught on CCTV, severed his carotid artery and jugular vein and caused massive blood loss. Partygoers desperately tried to save the married father of two by using clingfilm to stem the bleeding, but he died four days later.

Charles denied murder and claimed he had only lashed out with the bottle because he feared Mr Sheriff was going to attack him.

But he was convicted after a two-week trial at the Old Bailey and jailed for life, with a minimum of 14 years.

Ashley Charles (left) has been jailed for life for the murder of BlackBerry executive Phillip Sherriff at an event featuring pop singer Jessie J. Pictures: Police handouts Source: Supplied

Mr Sheriff's widow Jane was in court throughout the trial and sobbed and embraced members of her family as the verdict was delivered.

Judge Paul Worsley told Charles: "You took a life for no better reason than that your victim may have pushed you at a crowded bar and made some inoffensive joking remarks to a girl who was talking to you.

"You destroyed by your actions so much that was good in that family."

Mr Sheriff had travelled from his home in Preston, Lancashire to attend a party organised by his employers at the Pulse nightclub on London's South Bank last April.

Charles, from Leicester, launched his attack shortly after midnight while jostling for space at the event's free bar after Jessie J had finished her performance. The killer had been talking to a girl and asked Mr Sheriff for some space. He replied: "She doesn't want to be talking to you. She'd much rather be talking to me, wouldn't you, love?"

After pushing and shoving between the men, Charles grabbed the older man's bottle of beer before swinging it at his neck.

In a statement to the court, Mrs Sheriff, whose children are aged five and eight, addressed Charles directly, saying: "You took an amazing man away from us so brutally and no one will forget that. I spent four days watching my husband die.

"I was with him when his body turned blue and he took his last breath. I will never forget that."

Charles, who had no previous arrests or convictions, is a Loughborough University graduate who worked at a design agency.

Jessie J cancels all her Perth performances. Source: No Source

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Elton to become a dad again: report

Elton John and partner David Furnish already have a son, 23-month-old Zachary. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

AS Sir Elton John kicks off his Australian tour in Perth tonight, a report back in England says he is to become a dad again.

The Sun newspaper says Sir Elton, 65, and partner David Furnish, 50, will become fathers again next year.

The couple already have a 23-month-old son, Zachary, born on December 25, 2010, via a surrogate.

The tabloid newspaper says the couple plan to use the same surrogate who gave birth to Zachary.

Sir Elton's agent refused to comment, the report says.

Elton John tells of his joy for newborn son Zachary

 

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CIA boss resigns over affair

CIA Director David Petraeus has resigned from his post, citing an extramarital affair.

CIA Director David Petraeus has resigned after admitting an extramarital affair. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Source: AP

THE head of the CIA has resigned over an extramarital affair, bringing an abrupt end to a brilliant career that saw him serve as military commander in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

CIA director David Petraeus resigned in a letter to US President Barack Obama dated Friday (local US time) and was accepted by the White House, NBC reported. 

In the letter, Petraeus noted that he had been married for 37 years and had exercised "extremely poor judgment' in conducting an extramarital affair.

Petraues took over as head of the CIA in September of 2011 following his tour as head of allied forces in Afghanistan.

General David Petraeus, the new head of US and NATO forces in Afghanistan, assumes command during a ceremony in Kabul yesterday. Source: AFP

The revelation shocked Washington just three days after the re-election of US President Barack Obama and shortly before Petraeus had been due to testify on the CIA's alleged failure to properly protect a US consulate in Libya.

"After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair,'' Petraeus said on Friday in a message to CIA staff, released to the media.

"Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organisation such as ours.''

It was unclear why Petraeus felt he had to step down over the affair, and whether his liaison presented a purely personal problem or raised security issues that could affect his work at the spy agency.

NBC television and other US media reported that the FBI was investigating Paula Broadwell, who is co-author of a detailed biography of Petraeus, "All In,'' for improper access to classified information.

The resignation comes amid criticism in some quarters of Petraeus over his response to a deadly attack in September on a US consulate in Benghazi, which killed the US ambassador to Libya and three other Americans.

Petraeus was due to face a tough grilling in a series of closed-door classified meetings in Congress next week, with some MPs questioning the former general's handling of the incident.

Michael Morell, Petraeus' deputy at the country's lead spy agency, will serve as acting director and Obama expressed his "utmost confidence'' in Morell's leadership.

The most celebrated military officer of his generation, Petraeus, 60, took over at the CIA just over a year ago after retiring as a four-star general.

Obama accepted the CIA chief's resignation after meeting with him on Thursday, hailing his ``extraordinary service''.

"By any measure, he was one of the outstanding general officers of his generation, helping our military adapt to new challenges, and leading our men and women in uniform through a remarkable period of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he helped our nation put those wars on a path to a responsible end,'' he said.

Senator John McCain, a loyal supporter who championed the general's surge strategy in Iraq, heaped praised on Petraeus for his tenure as commander there.

"General David Petraeus will stand in the ranks of America's greatest military heroes,'' he said.

"His inspirational leadership and his genius were directly responsible - after years of failure - for the success of the surge in Iraq.''

Intensely competitive, he graduated from the US Military Academy at West Point in 1974, where he met his wife, Holly, the daughter of West Point's superintendent.

Petraeus' resignation letter:

HEADQUARTERS Central Intelligence Agency

9 November 2012

Yesterday afternoon, I went to the White House and asked the President to be allowed, for personal reasons, to resign from my position as D/CIA. After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair. Such behavior is unacceptable, both as a husband and as the leader of an organization such as ours. This afternoon, the President graciously accepted my resignation.

As I depart Langley, I want you to know that it has been the greatest of privileges to have served with you, the officers of our Nation's Silent Service, a work force that is truly exceptional in every regard. Indeed, you did extraordinary work on a host of critical missions during my time as director, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.

Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing. I will always treasure my opportunity to have done that with you and I will always regret the circumstances that brought that work with you to an end.

Thank you for your extraordinary service to our country, and best wishes for continued success in the important endeavors that lie ahead for our country and our Agency.

With admiration and appreciation,
David H. Petraeus

Holly Knowlton Petraeus holding the family bible as her husband David Petraeus is sworn in by Vice President Joe Biden as CIA Director, in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington. Petraeus has resigned as director of the CIA after admitting he had an extramarital affair. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Source: AP

 

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Register to help violence victims delayed

A register to help victims of domestic violence will be delayed. Picture: Thinkstock Source: Supplied

A NATIONAL register to help victims of domestic violence flee abusive partners will be more than a year late.

Key aspects of the register have yet to be devised despite promises from former federal attorney-general Robert McClelland that it would be in place last year.

Two years ago the attorneys-general from each state and territory agreed on a national scheme that spared victims the trauma of applying for a new Violence Restraining Order when they moved interstate.

The register was also supposed to make identifying repeat offenders for police more efficient and give them greater powers to arrest perpetrators from other states.

A spokeswoman from the Attorney-General's Department said the commonwealth remained committed to the register but the initiative could not proceed until "all states agree to the details of the reform".

She said Victoria was the only state which had committed to the scheme "in its current form" and was developing an options paper on "information sharing".

Details of the paper will be considered at the next Standing Council on Law and Justice meeting in April.

 WA Attorney-General Michael Mischin told The Sunday Times the Barnett Government was committed to a "simple, efficient system".

He said his office was still working with the other states and territories on finalising the details.

"The framework and information/data sharing mechanism to support the national recognition of domestic violence orders is still being developed but information on repeat offenders will be a consideration," Mr Mischin said.

WA Police received more than 800 reports of domestic violence a week last financial year.

Anne Moore, chairwoman of the Women's Council for Domestic and Family Violence, said the scheme would give more protection to victims.

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Police Union attack Quigley over chase laws

OUTRAGEOUS: WA Police Union boss George Tilbury attacks shadow Attorney General John Quigly over his comments about police pursuit laws. Source: PerthNow

THE WA Police Union has labelled shadow Attorney-General John Quigley's criticisms of new pursuit laws as "outrageous" and nothing more than "political grandstanding".

Union President George Tilbury has reinforced his support of the emergency driving legislation after seeking urgent legal advice about claims made by Mr Quigley in Parliament this week.

The new laws are designed to protect officers from prosecution while carrying out a chase and deter drivers from evading police, with hoons facing a minimum six months' detention if they drive recklessly while fleeing police

But Mr Quigley told parliament late on Tuesday that the legislation put the burden of proof on police officers, who would now have to prove in court they believed they were driving safely.

The union has rejected the Opposition's claims.

"Our position has not changed and we fully support this Bill which is in the best interests of our members," Mr Tilbury said.

"This Bill provides additional protection to the hard working police officers across the State and does not remove any of the existing defences already contained within the Criminal Code.

"Mr Quigley's outrageous claims amount to nothing more than political grandstanding. "

Police Minister Liza Harvey introduced the legislation last month, which is expected to be passed in the final sitting days of Parliament this year.

The proposed legislation also hands drivers who kill or injure other road users while being chased by police a minimum 12 months in jail.

ashlee.mullany@news.com.au

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Motorcyclist dies in Lower Chittering crash

FATAL: A motorcyclist has been killed in a crash at Lower Chittering this afternoon.   Source: PerthNow

A MAN has died in a motorcycle accident in Lower Chittering this afternoon.

Police said the single vehicle crash happened about 1.40pm near the intersection of Muchea East Road and Chittering Road.

The age of the man is not yet known.

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Taxi driver jailed over sex attack

A PERTH taxi driver who sexually assaulted a sleeping female passenger in his cab has been sentenced to three years' jail.

Sumudu Rangana Bamunu Arachchige, 28, was sentenced in Perth's District Court on Friday after pleading guilty to two counts of indecent assault and one charge of sexual penetration without consent.

Arachchige picked up the 34-year-old victim around 10.30pm on July 7 from Mt Hawthorn.

She was intoxicated and fell asleep in the passenger seat during the journey but woke to find him rubbing her leg.

The woman shrunk away from him and texted a friend: "The driver felt me up.''

She fell asleep again and woke to find him caressing her thigh with her skirt lifted higher.

After brushing his hand away, the woman vomited out the window and fell asleep again.

She woke again to find him digitally penetrating her and slapped his hands away.

When he dropped her home, the woman called police and Arachchige was arrested shortly after.

Arachchige's lawyer argued that his client suffered from amnesia, low self-esteem and heard a voice in his head after being sexually abused by a woman as a child.

Judge Philip McCann said Arachchige had committed a "particularly serious breach of trust''.

He said general deterrence for taxi drivers was paramount.

Arachchige is Sri Lankan and had been living in Australia on a student visa for five years.

Judge McCann dismissed the voices in Arachchige's head as "internal dialogues'' that most people had, but he accepted that Arachchige had been abused as a child and suffered chronic depression.

He said there was a medium-to-low risk of Arachchige reoffending.

The sentence was backdated to July 8 when Arachchige was taken into custody.

He will be eligible to be considered for parole in January 2014, and upon release will likely be deported.

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CCC critic compared to Collingwood fans

CCC Commissioner Roger Macknay has hit back at criticism from Ron Davies at a parliamentary inquiry. Source: PerthNow

THE head of Western Australia's Corruption and Crime Commission has hit back at one of the watchdog's fiercest critics, Ron Davies QC, comparing the lawyer's backing of the police to the fanaticism of a Collingwood AFL supporter.

Commissioner Roger Macknay today gave more evidence to a state parliamentary inquiry investigating how the CCC handles allegations of misconduct by police.

Answering criticisms from current and former senior police, the WA police union and Mr Davies, Mr Macknay claimed the critics were either out of touch or out of line.

At previous hearings, Mr Davies labelled the CCC's methods 'oppressive', claimed the watchdog had a poor culture and attitude, and said only new legislation could improve the investigative body.

Mr Macknay did not hold back in his opinion of Mr Davies' evidence.

"It is bar talk,'' he said.

"We would challenge that he is in a position to speak for the legal community.

"If the police were a football team and Mr Davies was a supporter, then Collingwood is the team that springs to mind.''

The parliamentary inquiry specifically convened the sitting to allow the commissioner to air his responses to various criticisms, including attacks on the CCC by former deputy police commissioner Murray Lampard.

Mr Lampard has claimed the CCC does not show enough trust of police and says the force has no faith in the commission's ability to investigate.

Mr Macknay pointed out that Mr Lampard had not been a policeman for four years.

"He is quite erroneous in terms of his perception. I did not feel any level of concern about his evidence. Four years is a long time to be out of any organisation,'' Mr Macknay said.

He also sought to cast doubt on a police union survey that questioned whether officers would report misconduct to the CCC.

The chairman of the committee, Liberal Nick Goiran, said he would expect police to report misconduct to a superior officer.

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Paramedics stunned at pilot's crash escape

The pilot of a light plane has miraculously survived a crash which destroyed his plane near Wungong Dam, Bedfordale.

The light plane crash near Wungong Dam in Jarrahdale. The pilot suffered minor injuries. Photo: RAC Rescue helicopter. Source: PerthNow

The light plane crash near Wungong Dam in Jarrahdale. The pilot suffered minor injuries. Photo: RAC Rescue helicopter. Source: PerthNow

THE pilot of a light plane who miraculously survived a crash that destroyed his plane has revealed he had purchased the plane only hours earlier.

The male pilot crash-landed his single-engine Jabiru aircraft on the bank of the Wungong Dam in Bedfordale, about 45km south-east of Perth at about 9.15am.

The plane, which was carrying a full tank of fuel that was leaking, suffered major structural damage in the crash but he escaped with little more than a scratch.

Paramedic Jason Boschin told Nine News he was amazed that the pilot came away virtually injury-free.

"We've been to a few aircraft mishaps in the past and the injuries have been severe, so we were preparing for the absolute worst," he said.

"We were quite elated when we flew over the top and he was waving at us."

The grandfather, a pilot of four years, did not speak on camera but told Nine News he bought the $30,000 aircraft that morning from a deceased estate.

He said it came with a full safety inspection report but just minutes into a flight to York, the engine cut out while flying at about 610m and he couldn't restart it.

Footage of the aircraft's landing, the only clear piece of land amongst dense forest, showed it came to rest just metres from a stump on the rocky bank of the catchment dam.

The plane was fully insured.

The pilot arrived at Jandakot Airport at about 10.20am but did not require assistance from St John Ambulance.

WA police officers were tonight securing the crash scene, with Recreational Aviation Australia, the regulatory body for light aircraft in Australia, likely to carry out a review of the possible causes of the engine failure.

with AAP

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How Americans re-elected a dead senator

Mario Gallegos posthumously beat a Republican challenger in the Texas state senate. Source: news.com.au

A DEAD candidate has been elected to the the Texas state Senate in Wednesday's US election, just weeks after he passed away.

Mario Gallegos posthumously beat a Republican challenger on Wednesday after his friends and family continued to campaign on his behalf after his death last month.

His widow, Theresa Gallegos spoke to website Click2Houston after the victory, emphasising the win was very important to her.

"It's been very bittersweet the last couple of weeks, the loss of my husband and all the people coming out to support him".

She said that her family worked together until the last vote was counted to ensure a victory.

Ms Gallegos said that before her husband died, he had asked her to keep his legacy alive by keeping the district in the hands of a Democrat. She added he had even pre-selected candidate Carol Alvardo to run in a special election after his death.

Ms Alvardo said:  "I think everything with Mario was out of the norm, in the way he was an activist for his community and the way he fought on so many issues, so many battles, which is why the people of this district came out to support him,"

Mr Gallegos was first elected to the state senate in 1994.

Texas Governor Rick Perry will now have 20 days to call for a special election.

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Already stalled Oakajee port 'slowed down'

SLOW DOWN: Oakajee Port & Rail's proposed port and rail project north of Geraldton, appears to be on the backburner. Source: Supplied

MITSUBISHI has decided to "slow down'' work to revive the stalled Oakajee port project in WA's mid west region after talks with potential joint-venture partners languished.

The project came under the full ownership of the Japanese trading giant in February after its Crosslands iron-ore mining joint-venture partner, Murchison Metals, admitted it didn't have enough cash to fund the $6 billion development.

Oakajee was to export iron ore from the magnetite-rich mid west, given the nearby Geraldton port is congested, but that part of the sector has fallen out of favour with a slide in iron-ore prices and wavering Chinese demand.

John Langoulant, the CEO of Oakajee Port and Rail (OPR), which manages the project, said Mitsubishi's decision to ``slow down'' responded to current economic circumstances and the need for ``prudent'' spending.

``Our decision to reduce costs is not taken lightly,'' Mr Langoulant said.

``It's no secret that the current economic environment is creating challenges in the mining sector, with many WA companies and producers scrutinising their capital management.''

WA Premier Colin Barnett has for some time been trying to drum up Chinese investment in the project, while Mitsubishi itself has been unable to finalise talks with potential partners.

Mr Langoulant said funding discussions with potential partners had progressed in the past 18 months but the current external environment had made it difficult to complete negotiations.

Mitsubishi still had long-term confidence in the project, as well as an expansion of its now closed Jack Hills mine, he said.

It would continue to invest funds into studies for both projects while monitoring the economic environment closely, ``with a view to ramping up once conditions improve and equity discussions progress to a satisfactory stage'', Mr Langoulant said.

Before the downturn in the iron-ore market, Mr Barnett described Oakajee, one of Australia's largest infrastructure projects, as the state's most important development for the next 50 years as it would open up a second major iron-ore province, behind the Pilbara.

The ``slow down'' could mean job losses.

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Three kids dead in horror smash

Friends of three people killed in a horrific crash in Melbourne's north have visited the scene of the accident.

TEARFUL friends have gathered at the scene of a horror crash that killed a 12-year-old boy and two teen girls in Melbourne's north overnight.

The trio and three others - all aged 12 to 16 - were in an overloaded stolen car that lost control on a slight bend and then slammed into a concrete wall on Pascoe Vale Rd near Barry Rd in Coolaroo just after midnight.

The 16-year-old female driver from Sunbury, a 12-year-old Preston boy, and a 14-year-old girl from Pascoe Vale died at the scene.

A 16-year-old boy from Broadmeadows is in a critical condition with head and leg injuries at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.

A boy, 15, from Dallas, and a 14-year-old Lalor boy are at the Royal Children's Hospital in a stable condition.

Three teens died at the scene. Picture: Andrew Brownbill

Police said the vehicle was believed to be stolen from a Coolaroo address last night.

In emotional scenes this morning, friends of the victims hugged and laid flowers at the crash site.

"I met her through friends of friends about four years ago and we became really close," said Shinae Brown, 14, speaking about the 14-year-old victim.

"She would come to my house every day. She would always have a smile on her face and make me laugh. We only had good times.

Friends of the victims mourn at the crash scene this morning. Picture: Jason Edwards

"I'm miserable. There is nothing I can do. She's gone now."

Shinae's mum, Robyn, said she broke the news to her daughter after hearing about the tragic accident on Facebook.

"She was only young, so young," she said.

"People are criticising saying they were in a stolen car ... but all kids make terrible mistakes. You hope to guide them in the right way and that they learn from them. You don't expect death."

Tragedy on the streets of Melbourne this morning, with three young people killed in a horrific car crash

Friend Nadine Pettingill expressed surprise the 14-year-old girl was in the stolen car.

"She was a very bubbly girl, loved by many. She had a lot of friends. I'm very, very surprised. She spoke up for what she believed in, there was no beating around the bush with her," she said.

"I just wanted to come here to lay flowers - she's going to be missed."

Siyar Bagdas came to the crash site after hearing his friend was seriously injured.

Friends of the victims mourn at the crash scene this morning. Picture: Jason Edwards

He collapsed on the ground and sobbed as he was surrounded by more people, unable to speak.

Others clung to a metal fence, unable to stand. Others just stood silently, staring bouquets of flowers left at the scene.

Do you know anyone involved in this tragedy? Contact our newsdesk on 03 9292 1226 or email news@heraldsun.com.au

Major Collision Investigation Unit Detective Sergeant Mark Amos said the car was travelling faster than the 80km/h speed limit and that alcohol had not been ruled out as a factor.

Little is left of the car after smashing into the wall on Pascoe Vale Rd. Picture: Jason Edwards

Mr Crisp said one passenger was known to police.

Det Sgt Amos said: "The greatest sad thing here is that all the occupants were teenagers and young teenagers at that.

"Now we have to go tell families substantially the worst information they will ever receive.

"Young teenagers are in a car at midnight on a Wednesday night. They should be tucked up in bed with their families and going to school the next day.

"Whenever there is children involved it is a drain on (police). We will all take something away from this forever."

Neighbour Sevda Ucar said she and her husband rushed to the wreckage after hearing the crash.

"I am still shaking - it was devastating," she said.

"I called the police and went out there and one boy was standing there ... He was in shock.

A young man who knew the victims. Picture: Jason Edwards

"I couldn't look in the car, my husband said the ones in the back were still moving. He said it smelt of alcohol."

Premier Ted Baillieu said it was an avoidable tragedy, and that educating young people about the dangers of getting behind the wheel needed to continue.

He said his heart went out to the families of the teenagers.

"As a father you just despair at moments like this and you just feel for parents," he told ABC radio.

Police gather evidence to help determine what caused the accident. Picture: Jason Edwards

"Any parent who's got kids of that age would be choking I think about the news this morning."

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Crisp said at the scene this morning: "Just after midnight last night a Toyota Camry sedan was travelling south on Pascoe Vale Rd.

"As it approached the entrance of the Coolaroo railway station on a slight right-hand bend it appears there that the driver has started to lose control of that vehicle.

"About 100m further it's collided with a fairly substantial brick wall.

Skid marks can be clearly seen on the road and grass. Picture: Jason Edwards

"At that point we are aware there was six people in the vehicle, and as a result of that impact, there are three deceased young people.

"We also have one young person with life threatening injuries and two in a stable condition at hospital.

"Any scene where you've got a loss of life, let alone the three we've had in this situation can only be described as horrific.

"At this stage it's early days of the investigation but again looking at the distance travelled, the condition of the vehicle, we would certainly say that speed was a certainly a factor in this collision."

The crash happened on Pascoe Vale Road in Coolaroo just after midnight. Picture: Brownbill Andrew

Google Street View of the accident scene. The scene was taken before the wall was built.

View Larger Map

Mr Crisp said the driver, who was too young to have her licence, may have lost control "given (her) age ... and just general inexperience travelling at speed".

"Who knows what was going on in the vehicle at that time, there could have been people moving around, she could have been knocked, I just don't know, it's all conjecture at this stage," he said.

"This isn't the first time this has happened, and we can all think back to similar triple fatalities, or the serious fatalities we've had in recent years.

"As police officers, whether the most junior attending these scenes or the most senior ... we take these personally, and we shake our heads when we see these sorts of situations.

"We know that some young people engage in risk-taking behaviour, it's about what we can all do as a community as family, as friends, to try and protect, discourage and support young people that might engage in this sort of activity."

Mr Crisp said police were investigating what the teens were doing before the accident.

Det Sgt Amos said the message about not speeding, drinking, or taking drugs when driving was still as relevant as ever.

The road toll stands at 242, eight more than this time last year.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au.

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Aussie trio wounded in Afghanistan

The wounded Australians were in a Bushmaster vehicle caught in the blast of a roadside bomb. File picture Source: news.com.au

THREE Australian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan after their armoured truck hit a roadside bomb.

The soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment Task Group, were moving between bases in the Oruzgan province when their Bushmaster hit an improvised explosive device on Tuesday (local time).

They got first aid at the scene before being evacuated by helicopter to Tarin Kowt with minor wounds, said Captain Michael Spruce, acting director general of operations, Joint Operations Command.

Two have been discharged while the third has been transferred to Kandahar Air Field for further treatment.

All three are now in satisfactory condition.

They have told their families about the incident.

This year, 32 Australian soldiers have been wounded in Afghanistan.

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Police close down St Georges Terrace

THERE was confusion in the CBD after police closed down St Georges Terrace and evacuated buildings in the area. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

Workers return to their buildings after being evacuated by police today. Source: PerthNow

Police direct traffic on St Georges Terrace after an incident today. PICTURE: Andrew Nelson / Twitter Source: PerthNow

THERE was confusion in the CBD after police closed down St Georges Terrace and evacuated buildings in the area.

City workers were evacuated from two buildings on St Georges Terrace, one of them the Westpac building, while police investigated.

A Sunday Times photographer said thousands of city workers left the Westpac building on St Georges Terrace about 1.30pm and there was much confusion in the CBD area.

Another eyewitness in a nearby building said a woman was on the roof of the Westpac building and appeared to be squatting down.

Police closed down St Georges Terrace between Barrack Street and Milligan Street but began letting workers back into their offices just before 2.30pm.

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Nine ways Romney put himself in a binder

Mitt Romney's remark about women during the second presidential debate was a gift to the internet. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

THIS should have been a walk in the park for Mitt Romney.

Barack Obama's approval rating was below 50 per cent, more and more Americans believed he was pushing the country down the wrong path and - crucially - the unemployment rate was a frightening 8 per cent throughout most of his presidency.

The last president to get re-elected on worse job figures was Franklin Roosevelt; history and the economy were against Obama.

Yet, Romney never managed to deliver the killer blow. Obama was still in the game throughout the entire campaign, and despite hysterical Republican calls to the contrary, the momentum was with him, not Romney.

Here's how Romney blew it:

1. Say anything

Romney looks like a movie president: chiselled good looks, dazzling white teeth and perfectly coiffed hair. He's just the sort of candidate you'd expect on the Republican ticket but the GOP hummed and hawed about Romney throughout the primaries. Party members flirted with a pretty strange and unelectable bunch - Michele Bachmann, Rick Perry, Rick Santorum and Herman Cain - before settling on Romney. But to get the party's seal of approval, Romney, who had been a moderate while governor of Massachusetts, had to shift ever more to the right and ditch everything that would make him appealing to independent voters. He suddenly became the Etch-a-Sketch candidate who would do or say anything to get elected.

2. $10,000 bet

Romney is rich, richer than a lot of rich Americans, so even before the White House race started, he should have known his wealth was going to be a problem. Obama's strategy was to show Romney to be an out-of-touch plutocrat, a predatory capitalist who didn't care about the struggles of ordinary Americans. Romney should have worked hard to avoid this but he let it become an issue when he bet rival Republican candidate Rick Perry $10,000 over a disagreement over healthcare. Romney's team insisted the bet was a joke but it seemed the kind of flippant remark that spoke heaps about Romney's attitude to money. In the same category was comment that he liked firing people.

3. Taxing issue

Throughout the campaign Democrats called into question Romney's tax affairs, with some claiming that the multi-millionaire had avoided paying the correct amount. Romney repeatedly refused demands to publish his tax returns and the issue dragged on and on, making it look like he had something to hide. He didn't acquiesce until quite late in the day, and although the returns showed he paid no less than he was required, they did remind voters of the huge amounts he had in his bank accounts.

4. Golden gaffe

When you manage to upset America's closest ally, you know you have a gaffe problem. Romney questioned London's ability to host the Games while on a trip to the UK, telling NBC that issues surrounding Olympic security were "disconcerting". Britain's tabloids dubbed Romney "Mitt the Twit" and Prime Minister David Cameron noted that it was more difficult to organise Olympic Games in one of the busiest capital cities in the world than in the "middle of nowhere", a reference to the Salt Lake City Games Romney organised.

5. Clint Eastwood v empty chair

Getting Dirty Harry to endorse him at the Republican National Convention should have been Romney's chance to stick it to left-leaning Hollywood and show America he had a legend on his side. But Eastwood's address made the headlines for all the wrong reasons and gave stand-ups the kind of material they dream of.

6. 47 per cent

This was the defining moment of the campaign: Romney managing to dismiss half of American voters as worthless scroungers. A secret recording of a Republican fundraiser leaked to the media in September has Romney describing non-taxpaying dependents as people who would never vote Republican because they would not "take responsibility for their own lives". "Forty seven per cent of the people who will vote for the president no matter what." He also managed to offend Palestinians and Latinos in the same speech and it shows just how dissatisfied voters were with Obama that Romney managed to claw back in the polls.

7. Benghazi

The attack on the US embassy in Benghazi on September 11 and the deaths of the US Ambassador to Libya Chris Stevens and three others should have given Romney the chance to skewer Obama on security. Romney criticised the White House for not properly recognising the threat in the region but his attack, just hours after the deaths, seemed opportunistic and un-presidential. Although he was right to highlight the failure of the Obama administration to be straight on the issue, Democrats were able to paint him as a candidate who was "working hard to exploit" American deaths.

8. Binders full of women

Romney was ahead. Obama had stuffed up the first debate and for the first time Romney didn't look like a crazy guy who would take America over the edge. He seemed like a moderate Republican, the sort of politician he had been when he was in office. Obama was a disaster and had looked half asleep. All Romney had to do was avoid saying anything controversial and he would be home free. But then he went and coined one of the best phrases of the campaign: "Binders full of women." The comment, made while Romney was trying to show he furthered women's careers while he was governor, made him look like a reactionary Republican who lived in the 1950s.

9. Sandy, Mike and Chris

All campaigns are hostage to freak events and Sandy was the biggest freak event of them all, ripping the eastern seaboard to shreds, killing 110 people and leaving hundreds of thousands of people without power or clean water. It stopped any momentum Romney had been building and showed Obama at his best - as a president who could quietly get things done and hold the nation together. But superstorm Sandy battered Romney in other ways. It brought the little-discussed issue of climate change to the fore and Romney's current position did him no favours. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, a former Republican, endorsed Obama because Romney had flip-flopped on the environment:

"Mitt Romney has reversed course, abandoning the very cap-and-trade program he once supported. This issue is too important. We need determined leadership at the national level to move the nation and the world forward.

"I believe Mitt Romney is a good and decent man, and he would bring valuable business experience to the Oval Office. He understands that America was built on the promise of equal opportunity, not equal results. In the past he has also taken sensible positions on immigration, illegal guns, abortion rights, and health care. But he has reversed course on all of them, and is even running against the health-care model he signed into law in Massachusetts."

Hurting Romney further was the praise Republican Governor of New Jersey Chris Christie was heaping on the president for his actions during the hurricane. Photos of the two together, shaking hands and smiling, were a gentle reminder that Obama was a man the Republicans could do business with.

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Venom the new legal high for WA miners

A NEW version of a synthetic drug is on WA streets and is favoured by mine workers, according to a retailer.

A NEW version of the synthetic drug known as Venom is on West Australian streets and is being favoured by mine workers, according to a retailer.

A Perth tobacco retailer, who did not want to be named, said he had heard several stories about the drug being produced as a cottage industry by people who imported the chemicals from China.

The drug was proving popular with mine workers in places like Karratha and Geraldton because it could not be detected in drug tests.

"It's like the next generation of Kronic,'' he said.

"God knows what's in it.''

The tobacco retailer, who also sells smoking pipes, said customers had asked for Venom but the retailer did not sell it.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan blamed the Barnett government for its "band-aid solution'' to synthetic drugs, saying it continued to play catch-up with drug manufacturers.

The WA government last year listed several synthetic cannabis products, including Kronic, Voodoo and Mango Kush, as illegal substances.

But new, legal versions are constantly being developed.

Mr McGowan said the government should have had a clear, long term strategy to deal with legal highs.

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Couple appalled at eviction for kissing

APPALLED: Freedom Bradbury and Meagan Bousfield say they were eveicted form a concert for sharing a kiss. Picture: inmycommunity.com.au Source: PerthNow

A FEMALE couple has expressed their shock at being evicted from a concert by a security guard for sharing a kiss.

Balga residents Freedom Bradbury and Meagan Bousfield said they could reach no conclusion other than they were the victims of discrimination while on a date at a Kelly Clarkson concert recently.

The pair told the Eastern Reporter that after they shared a kiss during a favourite song, they were tapped on the shoulder by a security guard and asked to leave.

Ms Bradbury said she went into a state of shock, but left the venue as asked, deciding not to let the incident ruin what she said had been a great evening.

After looking back and examining the incident, she could reach no other conclusion but discrimination.

"When was the last time you saw a man and woman escorted out of a venue by security for kissing in public," she said.

"I can definitively say that is something I have never witnessed."

VenuesWest chairman Graham Partridge said he was outraged to hear of the alleged discrimination and would closely at the matter.

Read more at www.inmycommunity.com.au

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Drug tests land Mercanti in jail

BEHIND BARS: Troy Mercanti has had his bail revoked after an alleged positive drug test. Source: PerthNow

FINKS bikie Troy Mercanti will spend the next week behind bars after an application for fresh bail was adjourned following his alleged breach of strict bail conditions by using illicit drugs.

Mr Mercanti, who is awaiting trial for alleged domestic violence against former partner Tammy Kingdon, was yesterday arrested and his bail revoked after police alleged he was under the influence of methamphetamines.

State prosecutor Justin Whalley told a hearing in Perth's District Court this afternoon that a urine test of Mr Mercanti on November 2 detected the presence of methamphetamine, and a follow-up test confirmed the result.

He said Mr Mercanti should remain in custody because it breached a bail condition.

Mr Mercanti's defence lawyer, Shane Brennan, told the court Mr Mercanti denied knowingly ingesting the drug.

"He did not, he instructs, ingest any narcotics whatsoever," he said.

Mr Brennan told the court at an earlier hearing this morning that Mr Mercanti was suffering depression, was not physically well, and had been having counselling with his parish priest.

He said he should be released on bail again to prepare for his trial.

In September, Justice John McKechnie released Mr Mercanti into home detention pending his trial for the alleged attacks on former long-term partner Ms Kingdon, who is the mother of his children.

Mr Mercanti was placed on strict bail conditions, including drug testing, surrendering his passport, and having no contact with witnesses or members of outlaw motorcycle gangs.

The senior bikie is facing a string of charges and is accused of repeatedly beating his partner of 16 years in front of their two children on January 6 this year, as well as on two other occasions.

He was arrested in January after going on a bender when he discovered Ms Kingdon had left him and allegedly trying to smash his way into a Duncraig house.

Chief Judge Peter Martino adjourned today's bail application until next week to give Mr Brennan time to examine the drug tests.

Mr Mercanti was remanded in custody until his next court appearance.

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Stars gear up for charity beach run

GOOD CAUSE: West Coast physiotherapist Chris Perkin, pictured with his children, is the brainchild of the Sunshine Beach Run. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast's Matt Priddis and Daniel Kerr have witnessed the tragedy of a family losing a child. It hit close to home three years ago.

Eagles physio Chris Perkin faced the life-changing event when he lost both wife Cindy and unborn child Jake suddenly in 2009.

The couple, along with their two sons Ben, 9, and Sam, 7, initially lost their child and brother, before Perkin was heartbreakingly forced to farewell his wife a week later.

Perkin responded by creating the Sunshine Beach Run, an event dedicated to anyone touched by the death of a child, with aims to raise funds for research into SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and SUDC (Sudden Unexpected Death of a Child), while providing grief counseling for those affected by the loss.

The second installment of the run will be held on Sunday, February 10, with distances ranging from 1km run/walk to 5km run/walk.

Priddis, who with wife Ashleigh last month welcomed the birth of his first child, daughter Nala May, said the entire playing group had rallied following the tragedy of someone so close to the team.

"It crosses your mind, because you're so paranoid at the start," Priddis said of the fear of SIDS and SUDC.

"It was very tragic to see someone so close to the playing group go through something as tough as that.

"You want to make sure you're doing everything right and make sure they're so safe, but, really, you're learning on the job as a parent.

"At the start, every noise you hear, you jump out of bed to make sure they're ok.

"I think you relax as you evolve with the job and you want to enjoy the experience instead of worrying what can go wrong, so as long as you do all the little things right; sleep them on their back, burp them as they feed, those things can help."

Kerr, whose one-and-a-half year old daughter, Lola, is about to become a sister, with the midfielder's wife Natasha only a fortnight off giving birth to the couple's second child, said it was an important cause for the players and public alike to get behind.

"I was involved last year with Chris and it was an event close to Chris' heart, with the sad passing of his wife and baby," Kerr said.

"It's a charity that's close to my heart, because I've got a young kid and another kid on the way in a couple of weeks and you hear some terrible stories about what can happen.

"It really is in the forefront of your mind when you have a newborn; even when you have one (as old as Lola), you're always going in and checking on them.

"Anything we can do to help, we try to do."

For more information, or to register, see www.sunshinebeachrun.com.au
 

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Abramovich's plane spotted in Perth

Roman Abramovich, Russian oligarch and owner of the Chelsea football club. Source: Bloomberg

SPECULATION is swirling as to why the private jet of Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich flew into Brisbane and Perth in recent days.

The tycoon owner of 2012 Champions League winners Chelsea FC - currently the 50th richest person in the world with an estimated fortune of $US19.6 billion ($A19 billion) according to the 2012 Forbes list - appears to have made a flying visit to Australia at the weekend, jetting in from Hawaii and leaving for Dubai.

Mr Abramovich's luxurious Dassault Falcon 7X jet - with the distinctive registration LX-MES - was logged as having landed at Brisbane airport from about 11.30am (AEST) last Thursday, according to flight tracking website www.flightaware.com.

The jet left for Perth on Sunday morning, landing at Perth International airport at around 2.50pm and staying overnight.

The $50 million aircraft left Perth on Monday night bound for Dubai.

Plane spotters in Brisbane and Perth had also reported seeing Abramovich's sleek private jet.

Queensland based-billionaire Clive Palmer said he knew nothing of the Russian's visit.

"I didn't even know he was here," Mr Palmer said.

In June, it was reported that Mr Abramovich was in talks with mining giant BHP Billiton to set up a joint venture to develop a potentially massive gold and copper mining project in Russia's far east.

Mr Abramovich's private company Millhouse Capital and BHP Billiton are said to be keen to develop a project in the Baimskaya region that reportedly has potential reserves of 27 million tonnes of copper and 1600 tonnes of gold.

Late last month, Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was left with legal bills of tens of millions of pounds after losing a High Court battle with Mr Abramovich.

Mr Abramovich also has history with Tony Sage, the multimillionaire owner of A-League soccer club Perth Glory and mining company Cape Lambert.

The Russian bought about 16 per cent of Cape Lambert shares through his Evraz Group in 2008.

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Rescued abalone hunter to be deported

DEPORTED: An abalone fisherman who was rescued from Yanchep on Sunday will be deportated. Another man is still missing, presumed drowned. Source: PerthNow

A MALAYSIAN man who was rescued in treacherous conditions on an abalone hunt north of Perth has been detained for overstaying his visa.

He was one of three abalone fishermen rescued after being swept into heavy seas by a strong rip in Yanchep Lagoon, 55km north of Perth, on Sunday.

A 20-year-old Malaysian man who had been with the trio is still missing.

One of the three rescued, a 29-year-old Malaysian man, was taken to an immigration detention centre after being checked at Joondalup Health Campus, an immigration department spokesman said on Tuesday.

He had overstayed his visa and would be returned home.

A police spokeswoman said the search for the missing 20-year-old had been scaled back to a shore patrol.

Hopes were fading that the man had survived because he was believed to be a poor swimmer.

The group was searching for the expensive delicacy on the first day of the heavily restricted recreational fishing season.

The accident triggered calls for metropolitan abalone fishing spots to be closed in dangerous weather.

Department of Fisheries principal management officer Martin Holtz said the agency would consult with public safety authorities and the peak recreational fishing organisation, Recfishwest, to advise the state government on action that may be taken.

"We understand powers already exist which enable local government bodies and members of Surf Life Saving WA to close beaches for safety reasons," Mr Holtz said.

The department had issued a media release on Friday warning of a weather forecast for Sunday that could make it dangerous for abalone fishing.

"Rough sea conditions over the reefs can make them very dangerous to fish on," he said.

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Saltwater croc spotted near Onslow

PILBARA CROC: Authorities have warned people around Onslow's Beadon Creek to be on alert for a 2m-3m saltwater crocodile seen in the area. Source: The Courier-Mail

VISITORS and residents of Onlsow are being warned to watch out for a 2m-3m crocodile seen in Beadon Creek.

The 2-3m crocodile was first spotted last week near the mooring area upstream from the boat launching area and was confirmed by authorities today.

Saltwater crocodiles are rarely seen in the Pilbara, with their common range being further north in the Kimberley.

DEC wildlife officer Chris Roy said officers would conduct boat patrols in the area later this week and he encouraged people to report any further sightings to DEC or local Police.

"There are warning signs in the area and people need to exercise caution and take care around Beadon Creek and when using other waterways in the region," he said.

"Saltwater crocodiles live in coastal rivers and swamps and often occur in the open sea and around islands. They also extend well inland along major rivers, floodplain billabongs and into freshwater rivers, creeks and swamps.

"People are advised to take care in estuarine environments, especially near the water's edge and if the water is discoloured.

"They should ensure their activities are not an invitation to crocodiles, such as cleaning fish near the water's edge and entering the water when launching and retrieving boats."

Mr Roy said DEC officers would determine a course of action once the animal was located. 

Sightings of saltwater crocodiles in the Onslow area should be reported to DEC on 9182 2000. Crocodile sightings are recorded and assessed on a case-by-case basis for further action by DEC staff.

Saltwater crocodiles are protected under the Wildlife Conservation Act and may not be killed or taken from the wild, or kept in captivity without a licence.
 

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Murder accused 'sent fake cards, letters'

A murder trial has heard a man told police he left his mother lying in a cold running shower for a week.

Ah Bee 'Pauline' Mack, who disappeared in September 2008. Her son is on trial charged with murder. Source: PerthNow

A PERTH man told police he left his mother lying in a cold running shower for a week with her wrists slashed before disposing of her body, a murder trial has heard.

Brent Donald Mack, 27, is accused of murdering his mother, Ah Bee, between December 18 and 29, 2008.

Ms Mack, who also went by the name of Pauline, was last seen alive in September 2008, but the 56-year-old's body has never been found.

Mack, who appeared at his judge-alone Supreme Court trial today via video link from Hakea Prison, kept his head down during proceedings.

Prosecutor Dave Dempster said in his opening address that Ms Mack was shy, had few friends and was married to a wealthy man who died in August 2008.

"She didn't go out. She didn't socialise,'' he said.

Mr Dempster alleged Mack's motive for murdering his mother was strong and he planned to obtain the money she received after her husband's death.

He said evidence would be presented that showed Mack transferred her funds into his own bank account by falsifying her signature.

The prosecution alleges there were several aspects of the case that displayed a consciousness of guilt including lies Mack told that his mother was living with someone else, and sending fake cards and letters from his mother.

Mr Dempster said Mack told his brother their mother was a "psycho'' and told police his mother was alive but could not say where she was.

Mack later told police he had found his mother in the shower with self-inflicted knife wounds to her wrists.

The court heard Mack left her in the shower for a week with the cold water running but the cause of Ms Mack's death remained unknown.

Police descended on Lake Gwelup earlier this year in the hope of finding human remains but were unsuccessful.

Ms Mack's friend said in a statement that she was very shy, reserved and uncomfortable in large company, but was better in one-on-one situations.

The friend described Mack as a "friendly boy'' who kept to himself as a child.

But she saw little of him after childhood until his father's funeral, she said.

The woman said she became suspicious when she did not receive her annual Christmas card from her friend and said they did not keep in touch while her husband underwent treatment for an illness.

She said she and her husband visited Ms Mack's home and spoke with Mack, who told them his mother did not want to talk to them and was living with someone else.

The woman finally received a card from her friend but became suspicious because the handwriting was different and she signed it "Ah Bee'' instead of "Pauline'', prompting her to report Ms Mack missing.

The week-long trial before Justice John McKechnie continues.

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Opposition reservations over pursuit laws

RESERVATIONS about proposed new laws handing a mandatory minimum jail term to drivers who kill or injure someone while fleeing police have been aired in Western Australia's parliament.

After a recent series of shocking deaths during police pursuits on Perth roads, WA police minister Liza Harvey last month introduced new legislation designed to protect officers from prosecution if they injured or killed another person during a chase - as long as they were driving reasonably and in accordance with force guidelines.

Under the proposal, drivers who kill or injure other road users while being chased by police would face a minimum 12 months in jail.

A minimum six months' detention would apply to those charged with reckless driving while fleeing police, which is defined as exceeding the posted speed limit by 45km/h or more or driving over 155km/h.

Opposition police spokeswoman Michelle Roberts said Labor supported rapid passage of the bill, but it still had reservations.

Ms Roberts has repeatedly asked for an example of anyone in WA who had received less than the proposed mandatory sentences for hurting or killing another road user during a police chase.

Opposition spokesman for state development and energy Bill Johnston told parliament he understood there were no such examples, and invited to be corrected.

"As the member for Midland (Ms Roberts) outlined, actually the (proposed) minimum sentence is less than the person would get anyway in the circumstance of these sorts of tragic accidents,'' Mr Johnston told parliament today.

"The penalties are already above the minimum in any case.

"This law makes some small changes around the edges that allows the minister to say that she's acting.''

Ms Roberts said it was important to deal with the bill today because it was in the interests of police officers and it was the last opportunity to pass it in the final sitting days of parliament for the year.

The police union had previously threatened to suspend themselves from any more pursuits if new laws were not brought in.

The legislation will become law next week if it is passed late today, as expected.

Ms Harvey said drivers who fled police didn't tend to do so because they were panicking, rather they had no drivers licence, had criminal convictions or were under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

RECENT CAR CRASHES FOLLOWING POLICE CHASES:
- Mother Sharon Ann D'Ercole died in April when a police vehicle ploughed into her car while chasing a stolen car in the Perth suburb of Dianella.
- Last month, taxi driver Kuldeep Singh and his passenger, British scientist Sean Barrett, both died after their cab was struck by a stolen car that had earlier been pursued by police.
- On Friday, a 20-year-old passenger died and the driver was critically injured after officers tried to stop a car in Northam, 100km northeast of Perth, before it crashed into a power pole.
- Less than 24 hours later, an unmarked police car was rammed in Midland following a pursuit, leaving one officer with a knee injury and another with bruising to his face, chest and legs.

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Share plunge as Essel rejects Northern Iron

NORTHERN Iron shares have plunged by more than 30 per cent after a would-be suitor withdrew its takeover offer for the company.

India's Essel Mining had been conducting the second stage of its due diligence, after launching a takeover offer for Northern Iron in July.

However, Northern Iron learned on Saturday that Essel had walked away from a deal.

"On 3 November 2012, Essel Mining advised Northern Iron that following its stage two detailed due diligence investigations it was not in a position to submit a stage two proposal at this time,'' Northern Iron said in a statement today.

Northern Iron shares were at 39 cents, 37.1 per cent lower than Friday's closing, just before 1pm WST.

Essel Mining said its decision related to the continued variability in production at Northern Iron's Sydvaranger Project in Norway and the impact on costs.

Production performance for October at Sydvaranger had been hit by a delay in dewatering a pit and the failure of a clutch on a secondary mill, which restricted throughput rates.

Northern Iron said both issues had been rectified.

"Nevertheless, Essel Mining has advised the company that it will continue to monitor Northern Iron's progress with a view to assessing whether at an appropriate time, a level of interest may materialise,'' Northern Iron said.

On Friday, Swiss-based trading company Prominvest said it was continuing to work on a proposal but it did not submit a final bid in line with the timetable provided to the bidders by the company.

Still, Northern Iron said it is open to other offers, but it has concluded its strategic review.

The board said Northern Iron had a sound future as an independent company and that it is appropriately capitalised to pursue its near term objectives.

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Police retrieve body in Geraldton fire

POLICE have found a body believed to be that of a local real estate agent whose Geraldton home went up in flames on Friday night.

Local real estate agent Nora Allen has not been seen since fire engulfed her George Road home on Friday night causing an estimated $1 million damage.

Overnight, police found the body of a person inside the home, believed to be the occupant.

"Police can confirm that overnight officers located the remains of a person believed to be the 55-year-old female occupant in the George Road, Geraldton house," a police spokeswoman said.

"No formal identification has taken place."

Police will continue to conduct a crime scene examination of the house today in an effort to find out more about how the fire started.
 

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Cyclists take to the road for Tim Anderson

GRIEF-STRICKEN: Tim Anderson's parents speak to the media after the driver who killed their son Tim was jailed. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

POPULAR: Tim Anderson, 26, was killed when struck from behind during a training ride in Mosman Park in March. Source: PerthNow

MORE than 350 cyclists will take to the road this weekend in memory of Tim Anderson, who was run over and killed on his bicycle this year.

Mr  Anderson, 26, was killed by a drunk driver who slammed into him while he was riding along Curtin Avenue in Mosman Park.

On Saturday, more than 350 cyclists will ride from the Perth CBD to Curtin Avenue to honour his life.

"One of the main aims of the ride is to highlight the need for safe cycling and for motorists to be aware that cyclists are sharing the roads" Tim's father Ian Anderson said.

"Tim was such a vibrant young man with his whole life ahead of him.

"No family should have to go through the pain and suffering of losing someone is such tragic and avoidable circumstances."

Funds raised from the ride will go towards establishing a scholarship in Tim's name at Youth Focus, a group dedicated to helping vulnerable young people in Western Australia.

Tim Anderson had just completed a training ride for the Ride for Youth charity ride for Youth Focus when he was fatally struck in March this year.

The drunk driver who killed him, former army soldier Ross Thomas Murray, 28, was jailed for more than five years after admitting a series of charges, including aggravated dangerous driving causing death, driving under the influence of alcohol, failing to render assistance after an accident, failing to stop and driving without a licence.

A number of high profile people will be participating in the ride this weekend including professional cyclist Sam Davis, former AFL footballer Matthew 'Spider' Burton and former West Coast Eagles coach Ron Alexander.

People wishing to make a donation to the Tim Anderson Scholarship program can do so by contacting Youth Focus on 6266 4333 or visiting www.youthfocus.com.au.

For more information about this weekend's ride visit www.timsride.com.au.

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Rayney not cleared for court work - yet

BACK TO WORK: Cleared of a murder charge, barrister Lloyd Rayney wants to get back to work as soon as possible. Source: PerthNow

BARRISTER Lloyd Rayney may not be free to pick up his legal career where he left off just yet.

The Legal Practice Board of WA - which governs who can practise law in the State - is examining the judgement handed down in Mr Rayney's murder trial last week.

And the WA Bar Association, a professional body for barristers, said it would also consider the judge's findings.

In a brief statement today, Legal Practice Board of WA chairman Ian Weldon confirmed the board's move.

"The judgement in the case of The State of Western Australia v Rayney will be considered by the board,'' he said.

Mr Weldon said Mr Rayney had been banned from conducting jury trials until after his own trial ended.

Whether or not that condition - which was imposed on his practising certificate - lapsed with his acquittal last week appears to be a legal question.

The New South Wales Director of Public Prosecutions Office could not comment today on whether it was likely to appeal the judge's decision.

On Thursday, Justice Brian Martin, QC, found Mr Rayney not guilty of the wilful murder and manslaughter of his wife Corryn Rayney, but found he had engaged in "discreditable conduct'' by having the family's home telephone tapped.

He also found Mr Rayney had given false evidence to a Magistrate's Court hearing over other recordings of conversations.

"The accused has engaged in discreditable conduct, including knowingly arranging for illegal telephone interception, making a false declaration and giving deliberately false evidence to a court while on oath,'' he said.

In relation to the phone tap, Justice Martin said he was satisfied that Mr Rayney removed the recorder and digital notetaker from the roof of the family home and that he destroyed or placed the CDs of the recordings "beyond the reach of police''.

The false evidence related to a claim Mr Rayney made for professional legal privilege over conversations with his wife which were recorded on a dictaphone.

"The accused knew that the recordings were not protected from disclosure by reason of legal professional privilege and he knowingly made a false claim for that privilege,'' the judge said..

"The accused compounded his false claim by swearing an affidavit that was false in material aspects and followed up with false evidence.''

The WA Legal Practise Board has statutory responsibility for the regulation of all legal practitioners in WA.

Meanwhile, WA Bar Association vice president Peter Quinlan, SC, said the association was also set to consider the judge's findings.

"The decision....will be the subject of consideration by bar council as to whether any action should be taken by the WA Bar Association Inc,'' he said.

"Any action by the association in relation to one of its members must take place in accordance with the association's constitution and rules.''

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Murder trial told of gay love triangle

A MAN repeatedly broke down in a Perth court while talking about his part in a gay love triangle that ended in the death of one lover and a murder charge against another.

William Benjamin Campbell shed tears several times in Western Australia's Supreme Court today as he gave evidence about the death of his partner of 17 years, Kenneth Horack.

Qatar-born Mohammed Ahmed Almansouri is on trial over the fatal stabbing Mr Horack at the home the three men shared in Perth's western suburbs on August 4, 2011.

Almansouri kept his head down during proceedings until Mr Campbell was called to give evidence, briefly looking up at him before looking down again.

Mr Campbell told the court he lived in Texas with Mr Horack but moved to Qatar for work in August 2007, which was where he met Almansouri via a website in 2009.

He said both partners knew about each other and Mr Horack, who remained in Texas, was sad about his relationship with Almansouri.

"Kenny said 'when you're at home you sleep with me','' Mr Campbell said.

Almansouri accompanied Mr Campbell to Texas in April 2011 and stayed at the couple's home in a separate bedroom.

When Mr Campbell moved to Perth in June 2011, Almansouri set up the two-bedroom unit.

Mr Campbell said Almansouri complained about the living arrangements and said: "Why can't you just love me now?''

Mr Campbell was supposed to go to dinner with Mr Horack the night he died to celebrate his partner's 21 years of alcohol sobriety, but couldn't because he had a work meeting and later received a call from Almansouri around 7.15pm.

"He said 'You need to come home. I killed Kenny','' Mr Campbell said.

Under cross-examination, Mr Campbell said Almansouri often said to him: "Don't break up with Kenny. I don't want that.''

Mr Campbell said he and Mr Horack had undergone counselling and Mr Horack had asked him to break up with Almansouri, which he refused to do because he wanted to keep both relationships.

Almansouri was supposed to go home to Qatar when Mr Horack came to visit about a month later because Mr Campbell said he wanted to spend quality time with his partner.

Mr Campbell said Almansouri appeared to have gone missing for a few days around July 18, which prompted him to send a series of text messages asking Almansouri to come back because he was worried and felt like he was "dying''.

Earlier, in her opening address, prosecutor Laura Christian said when police arrived at the house around 7.30pm on August 4, 2011 they found Mr Horack slumped over and covered in blood with a knife nearby.

Mr Horack suffered 14 stab wounds, three of which were fatal on their own, including wounds to his head, neck, chest, arm, leg and shoulder.

It was not a pre-meditated attack but Almansouri's "pent up jealousy and anger boiled over'' and he attacked an unarmed Mr Horack, Ms Christian said.

In his opening address, defence lawyer Laurie Levy said his client did not act in a "jealous rage'' but did have a confrontation with Mr Horack.

He said it would be alleged that Almansouri was stabbed in the buttocks first and his client acted in self defence.

The trial continues.

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Abalone fisherman missing at sea in tragic season opener

THE opening of the abalone fishing season appears to have ended in tragedy after a 20-year-old man was washed away into rough seas while trying to snare the rare marine delicacy.

Despite high winds and rough seas, dozens of people were on the shoreline at Yanchep Lagoon and Mullaloo north of Perth early on Sunday, as one of the world's shortest recreational fishing seasons opened.

And the fears of surf life savers, who posted personnel at both spots in case of emergency, were realised after 15 people had to be rescued from the waters - and one remained missing.

A search involving three helicopters, specialist police divers, local police and marine rescue volunteers was launched, and continued all day.

It is understood the missing man, a Malaysian, was not wearing safety equipment when he was washed away.

The search was hampered by winds reaching 30 knots and swells up to 2.5m high.

The search was set to continue until dark, and then recommence on Monday morning, depending on conditions.
Police said the man, who was in a group of four, went missing between 7:30am and 8am (WST) after getting caught in a rip.

The three male survivors, two aged 29 and the other 24, were taken to Joondalup Health Campus and kept overnight.

Yanchep Surf Life Saving Club president John Heesters said another four people had to be rescued in the first 10 minutes of the abalone season opening, with 12 rescued at the shoreline 55km north of Perth.

Mr Heesters said the missing man was abalone fishing with a group of other people when he got into trouble.

"We had massive amounts of people go on to the lagoon reef to get their abalone," Mr Heesters said.

"Due to the conditions (and) a lot of people who fish for abalone can't swim, we did four rescues within the first 10 minutes of the season opening and another eight on top of that.

"Three of those required oxygen treatment and two needed to be taken away by ambulance.

"There is a really strong current out there, a permanent rip flows out of the lagoon all the time."

Mr Heesters said surf lifesavers tried desperately to find the missing man after one of his friends was brought back to shore with help from members of the public.

"I was treating a patient on oxygen here (on the beach) and members of the public are running down at the beach," he said.

"This guy (I was treating) was blue but he was breathing with oxygen so I thought right, I had to leave him and take off.

"I've run down the beach about 150m with my rescue board…I was knackered when I got down because we've been rescuing people all morning.

"This guy (the missing man's friend) has managed to get himself to shore, saying 'My friend, my friend' and pointing to where he was.

"He actually had got to the beach, seen that his friend was in trouble and went back to rescue him and then he got into trouble.

"I've paddled out to where he was pointing and sat in the same rip so I would drift in the same direction.

"I lasted about 12 minutes before was getting exhausted. I had to make a decision: Do I keep searching or save myself, so I came back to the beach."

Three more people were rescued at Mullaloo.

Abalone are reef-dwelling marine snails, and in WA are the target of a lucrative export commercial fishery as well as the restricted recreational fishing season.

The Department of Fisheries decreed this year's season would consist of a one-hour window from 7am to 8am on the first Sunday of every month until March 2013.

A licence to fish for abalone is required, with about 20,000 recreational licences issued each year.

WA Emergency Services Minister Troy Buswell said it was essential for fishers to ensure their own safety.

``Our coastline is very dangerous in Western Australia. The sea is very unpredictable and people need to be extremely cautious,'' he said.

"The sad reality is a number of people are lost at sea on an annual basis in our state.''

 

Office in charge of Yanchep Police Station Sergeant Peter Reeves said this afternoon there was still hope the man could be found alive.

"We will continue searching until we lose the light and then we will review the search and look at what we can continue on with,'' Sgt Reeves said.

"The conditions are not favourable, it's very rough out there - high winds.

"But we hold hope that he could come up further up the coast and we obviously have our search efforts involved in locating him.

"We always hold hope."

The RAC rescue helicopter, Two Rocks Volunteer Marine Rescue and Whitfords Volunteer Marine Rescue are among the emergency services helping search for the missing man.

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Man hit by car on Beaufort St

A MAN is in hospital with serious injuries after he was run over by a car on Beaufort St in Perth last night.

The incident happened about 10.40pm when a Hyundai Getz travelling north on Beaufort St hit the man who was crossing the road about 20m north of James St.

The pedestrian, who is believed to be a 55-year-old man, suffered serious injuries and was taken to Royal Perth Hospital by ambulance where he remains today.

Anyone with information regarding the crash or who saw the vehicle or the pedestrian involved prior to the incident are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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WA police pursuits in the spotlight again

SPOTLIGHT: A man has died and two officers were injured in separate police  pursuits in 24 hours. Picture: Michael Milnes Source: The Advertiser

POLICE pursuits in Western Australia will again come under scrutiny after one man was killed and two police officers were injured following two separate chases in less than 24 hours.

One man died and another was critically injured after police attempted to stop a white Holden Commodore sedan in Northam, around 100km northeast of Perth, on Friday night.

After failing to stop, the car crashed into a power pole, with the 20-year old male passenger dying as a result. The driver was admitted to Royal Perth Hospital in a critical condition.

Police immediately announced an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the initial attempt to stop the vehicle.

Less than 24 hours later, one officer was left with a knee injury and another bruising to his face, chest and legs, after an unmarked police car was rammed in the Perth suburb of Midland following a pursuit.

Police said that around 5.15pm (WST) on Saturday, an unmarked police car spotted three vehicles travelling in convoy, two of which did not have number plates.

Officers sounded lights and sirens, but all three cars sped away.

After two of the cars did come to a stop, the third rammed the police vehicle in an attempted to escape.

All three alleged drivers, which included two teenage boys, were arrested and charged with various offences including reckless driving and failing to stop.

The latest incidents come just days after WA Police Minister Liza Harvey revealed new proposed legislation following a spate of fatalities following police pursuits.

Mother Sharon Ann D'Ercole died back in April when a police vehicle ploughed into her car while chasing a stolen car in the Perth suburb of Dianella.

And last month, taxi driver Kuldeep Singh and his passenger British scientist Sean Barrett both died after their vehicle was struck by a stolen car which had earlier been pursued by police.

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Times jounalists scoop the pool

SCOOP: The Sunday Times news editor Anthony DeCeglie is named Journalist of the Year at the WA Media Awards. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: PerthNow

THE Sunday Times news editor Anthony DeCeglie was named the state's Journalist of the Year at the WA Media Awards last night.

Reinforcing the newspaper's credentials as the state's leading newsbreaking organisation, The Sunday Times dominated the prestigious awards, picking up more prizes than any other media outlet, including the top awards in the news, sport, editing and photographic categories.

A series of breaking news stories about preventable suicides at Fremantle Hospital and the conduct of WA's Police Commissioner during the Hills bushfires secured DeCeglie the top prize, the Daily News Centenary Award for WA Journalist of the Year.

The judges said his work was "well out in front, doing investigative reporting that upheld the finest traditions of the craft".

DeCeglie also won Best Print News Coverage and Best Health Report.

Narelle Towie won two awards for her coverage of environmental issues in The Sunday Times, Best Environment Report and best Science Report.

Education reporter Yasmine Phillips won Best Indigenous Affairs Report for "Desert Dreams".

Photographer Daniel Wilkins secured the prized pictorial award of Best News Photographer for a dramatic image of a child refugee arriving at Christmas Island.

Multi-award winning cartoonist Greg Smith confirmed his funnyman status  by taking out Best Illustration.

Glen Foreman won Best Sports Award for a series of Hopman Cup scoops revealing the battle for WA's most prized tennis tournament.

And wordsmith David Cusworth was named WA Sub-Editor of the Year for the best three newspaper headlines.

The Sunday Times editor Chris Dore said: "It is fantastic to see the brilliant work recognised of so many of our dedicated and talented people. Our dominance in all the key newsbreaking categories clearly shows that while our newspaper is renowned for being a great relaxing read on a Sunday, it is also setting the news agenda in the state week after week through high-quality reporting and serious investigative journalism.

"The fact that The Sunday Times is recognised for dominating the media landscape while publishing just one day a week is a tribute to the exceptional standard of the paper every Sunday."

The columnist award named in honour of the late Matt Price, the legendary journalist from The Sunday Times and
The Australian, went to Andrew Probyn from the Canberra bureau of The West Australian.

The Clarion Award for Outstanding Contribution to Journalism was awarded to The West Australian's Steve Pennells.

The top TV news award went to Grant Taylor, from Seven News.

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Prospector missing in remote east

POLICE are searching for a man who went missing while prospecting near Menzies, 728km east of Perth, yesterday.

The man was with friends about 7km south of Menzies riding motorcycles and prospecting when he was last seen about 3pm heading into bushland.

He was reported missing to police last night after his friends could not locate him.

Leonora Police conducted a search of the area and were joined by police officers from Kalgoorlie who searched through the night.

An aerial search has not located the missing man.

SES volunteers and additional police officers from Kalgoorlie are heading to Menzies, which has a population of about 200.

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