Sex offender shown door to freedom

A DANGEROUS child sex offender imprisoned for the past seven years will be released under a supervision order after a WA Supreme Court judge ruled that the community could be protected.

Peter Lewis Dunne, 50, was jailed in 2006 after pleading guilty to luring a 14-year-old boy to a derelict building in the southern Perth suburb of Rockingham before blindfolding and assaulting him.

The sentence also incorporated a 1988 offence against a 10-year-old relative, for which the charges were not laid until 2004.

Justice Lindy Jenkins ruled today that, despite Dunne being a "serious danger to the community'', he could be released with a strict supervision order.

The 41 conditions for his release include electronic monitoring, counselling and trialling anti-libidinal medication if he was a suitable candidate.

Dunne abused another 14-year-old boy while the teenager was living with Dunne's parents.

He pleaded guilty in 1998 to 112 offences against that victim including 23 counts of sexual penetration and two counts of threatening to kill.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison but released on parole in 2002.

"His offending has always been at the more serious end of the range of offences of their type,'' Justice Jenkins said.

"In each case, there has been some degree of threats or coercion.''
But Justice Jenkins noted that Dunne had undertaken counselling and courses to rehabilitate himself.
``When he was subject to parole, he complied with his parole conditions and did not re-offend,'' she said.
Justice Jenkins said she accepted psychiatric opinions that the courses had some, but limited, effect in reducing Dunne's risk of re-offending and further courses in custody were unlikely to assist his rehabilitation.
She said if Dunne was not subject to a continuing detention order or a supervision order, there was a significant risk that he would re-offend.
``He will be under very close supervision by the authorities,'' Justice Jenkins said

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Crowley not fussed by 'enemy' tag

Fremantle's Ryan Crowley (right) received a hostile reception from Hawthorn fans. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE hard nut tagger Ryan Crowley clearly noticed, but is not fussed that he is Hawthorn's public enemy No.1 ahead of a historic Dockers grand final at the MCG tomorrow.

And important Dockers defender Zac Dawson gave a clear indication that veteran Luke McPharlin is the likely match-up for powerhouse Hawks scoring force Lance Franklin.
 
Dawson, 27, who heads into his fourth grand final after playing in three at St Kilda for two heart-breaking losses and a draw, conceded that he expects to take on resting ruckman David Hale or this year's Coleman Medal winner Jarryd Roughead.
 
Dawson revealed that he has been approached by some young Dockers this week for pivotal advice on how to handle the surge in hype and anticipation ahead of a title play-off.
 
"I'm happy to pass on advice. I've been through it so I tell them to really relax and really embrace this," Dawson said.
 
"Embrace the parade, embrace the support and then get down to business."
 
Crowley, 29, is widely tipped to take on Hawks gun midfielder Sam Mitchell in one of the most anticipated individual shootouts of the potentially tight and close finishing title showdown.
 
The tough Dockers enforcer was heckled and jeered by Hawks faithful during today's parade through the streets of Melbourne and conceded the attention is more than he usually cops.
 
"It's been a big build-up for everyone, but maybe a little bit different for me," Crowley confessed.
 
The hard-nut defensive on-baller said he wasn't fazed with prospects of heavy physical attention from Hawks enforcers in a tactic intimidation to throw Crowley off his vital duty to nullify Mitchell.
 
Geelong premiership hard-nut Cameron Mooney even called for Hawks heavy hitters to "take Crowley out" as a means of putting the tough Docker off his game and tagging assignment.
 
"It's a bit different because it's been a bit more public," Crowley assessed.
 
"All the teams are going to try and look after their gun midfielders.
 
"It does seem like it's been a bit more of a crazy week."
 
Crowley could also be assigned to dynamic Hawks running back Shaun Burgoyne, who was also in stunning form in Hawthorn's narrow win over Geelong last week.
 
McPharlin, 31, confirmed that he is fully recovered from calf and groin problems that appeared to trouble the key defender in last weekend's stirring win over Sydney in Perth.
 
"I'm 100 percent," he confessed.
 
"I trained fully yesterday and I have pulled up really well," he revealed.
 

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Milne to miss Grand Final tribute

Stephen Milne will not take part in a tribute to retiring players at the Grand Final. Source: HeraldSun

OUTGOING St Kilda star Stephen Milne will be a Grand Final no-show at the MCG for the tribute to retiring players.

Confusion surrounded the circumstances behind his absence.

A Saints spokesman said: ''The decision for Stephen not to take part in the cavalcade was made mutually by the AFL, the St Kilda Football Club and Stephen Milne.''

But the AFL told the Herald Sun it was Milne's decision not to take part.

''An invitation was extended to Stephen Milne and declined,'' a league spokesman said.

Milne is believed to have been told he may be able to take part next year.

It came as Saints chief executive Michael Nettlefold yesterday announced he was quitting the club.

Retiring AFL players include Milne's teammates Justin Koschitzke and Jason Blake, Jude Bolton, Martin Mattner, Chad Cornes, Andrew Embley, Graham Johncock, Shane Tuck, Aaron Davey and David Hille.

Milne, 33, was charged with four counts of rape in June over an alleged incident at a Highett home on March 15, 2004.

The married father of two retired after 270 games for the Saints at the end of this season.

His rape case was abandoned in 2004 when the Director of Public Prosecutions decided the brief of evidence would not support a conviction, but it was reopened last year following an Office of Police Integrity report recommending a review of the evidence.

Milne has consistently maintained his innocence.

He will face a committal hearing in Melbourne Magistrates Court on November 12.

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1D boys start swinging in Perth

Harry shows his style - with club in hand - as he prepares to hit a shot. PICTURE: Courtesy Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

Harry hits the pedal on the golf cart at Lake Karrinyup Golf Course today - where there wasn't a red light in sight. PICTURE: Courtesy Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

One Direction's Harry Styles hits Lake Karrinyup Golf Course today. PICTURE: Courtesy Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

Another member of the band tees off at Lake Karrinyup. PICTURE: Courtesy Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

There were reportedly calls of 'FORE' after Harry hit this shot. PICTURE: Courtesy Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

One Direction's Harry Styles hits Lake Karrinyup Golf Course today. PICTURE: Courtesy Nine News Perth Source: PerthNow

IF his career in the music industry ever fails, there may be a future on the fairways.

One Direction's resident swinger, Harry Styles, has been spotted on an Australian golf course for the second time this week, this time at the prestigious and usually very private Lake Karrinyup.

And while the city around him donned purple to celebrate Grand Final fever, so did Styles (pictured above).

The teen heart-throb, who is in town with his band for two concerts at Perth Arena this weekend, took advantage of some rare sunshine in the west of late to hit the northern suburbs course, which regularly hosts some of Australasia's biggest tournaments, including the upcoming Perth International.

After a rather controversial entry into Perth - the band faces a police investigation after their entourage allegedly sped through red lights on enroute to the band hotel on Wednesday night - Styles showed more control on the golf course - although he was sporting an orange golf bag.

On Monday, Styles and Niall Horan spent the relaxing day in the Barossa Valley ahead of the start of their Australian tour, playing a round of golf at the Tanunda Pines Golf Club.

The boys play Perth Arena on Saturday and Sunday nights.

@winestein32

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Candlelight vigil for Jill Meagher

A young girl at Jill Meagher's vigil. Source: News Limited

Jill Meagher. Source: Supplied

A MODEST gathering attended a candlelight vigil to remember women affected by violence on the first anniversary of Jill Meagher's death.

The Brunswick Baptist Church hosted the wake on Friday night after receiving requests from community members to mark a year passing since Ms Meagher's murder.

Well-wishers created a makeshift remembrance for Ms Meagher at the Sydney Rd church after the 29-year-old went missing in September last year.

Church secretary Ilsa Hampton said a small group of people attended the vigil to light candles, leave flowers and reflect.

"Some people really appreciated the opportunity to do that," she said.

Ms Hampton said Ms Meagher's death still affected Brunswick residents.

"People came from all walks of life to the vigil last year," she said.

"We had family groups, women, men, people bringing their children; their daughters.

"What happened to Jill touched a chord in everybody because the unfortunate reality is that violence against women is far too common."

Brunswick Baptist Chuch administrator Ruth Sandy said the vigil would allow people to "pray, pause, reflect" and "strengthen our resolve to do all we can to protect women in our community".

"We've all done this. We all did what she did - walk home by ourselves, and we feel we have the right to do it," Ms Sandy said.

"What happened to Jill tapped into every woman. It made us more cautious.

"(But also), there's a strong feeling across the community that we're not gonna accept this."

A second peace march through Brunswick is planned for Sunday, starting at noon at the corner of Sydney and Moreland Rds.

Ms Hampton said the church would be throwing open its Sydney Rd doors, usually closed against the noisy street, to the community and some church members would be attending the march.

More than 30,000 people attended last year's rally.

samantha.landy@news.com.au

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Freo win to avoid embarrassment

A win for Fremantle Football Club this weekend means Premier Colin Barnett could avoid embarrassment. Source: The Sunday Times

COLIN Barnett dissing the west and throwing his support behind Hawthorn this weekend?

Well, not exactly, but the Premier will be forced to spruik Melbourne and wear the brown and gold if the Hawks win the AFL Grand Final this weekend against Fremantle at the MCG.

Mr Barnett has taken a bet with Victorian Premier Dennis Napthine with high stakes riding on the outcome.

If the Dockers take the flag, Premier Napthine has agreed to hand out tourism brochures spruiking WA - in a Dockers jumper - in Federation Square.

Mr Barnett, meanwhile, has accepted the challenge to do the same for Victoria – in Hawks gear – in Perth's Hay Street Mall if Hawthorn gets up.

"In the remote possibility that the Hawks win, I'll go and hand out brochures in the Hay St Mall telling people to go to soggy Melbourne," he said.

"But I'm optimistic the Dockers will come out on top."
 

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Property bubble fears ‘overstated’

Second win in a row for local stocks

ANZ Australian chief executive Phil Chronican says we need more houses and apartments. Source: News Limited

CONCERNS rising property prices are fuelling a property bubble are "overstated" as there is a two-year shortfall of new homes in the system to meet existing demand, one of the nation's leading lenders said.

ANZ Australian chief executive Phil Chronican said the almost 6 per cent lift in house prices nationally over the past 12 months — to their highest level in three years — is likely to continue for the rest of the year as official interest rates are likely to remain at their record 53-year low.

Strong population growth however means the demand is much stronger than supply.

But the boss of the nation's fourth biggest lender — with a $180 billion mortgage book — admitted over the long-term the country is not immune and it is critical more houses and apartments are built to curb price rises.

"I think the concern (of a property bubble) is overstated," Mr Chronican said.

"At least part of the recent strength has simply been a rebound in housing market activity after an unusually extended period of subdued housing market sales.

"To stop this demand exacerbating the rising price trends though, we need to see a supply response. This will be good for the economy and employment — we need more houses and apartments."

The remarks came after the Reserve Bank raised concerns cashed-up self-managed superannuation funds may be overheating the housing market, as the market grows at a faster pace than wages.

But new data from credit rating agency Moody's released today shows the lower interest rate setting has helped push down residential mortgage arrears in five of eight states and territories in the 12 months to April this year.

Only Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory registered a lift in 30-day mortgage arrears.

Nationally 30-day delinquencies fell to 1.59 per cent this year from 1.81 per cent last year.

Mr Chronican said the single biggest factor driving housing demand is population growth.

"What has protected Australia from a sharp downturn has been the absence of an excess supply and continued steady demand from a consistently growing population," he said.

"No excess supply and no collapse in housing demand; therefore no price collapse."

The maintenance of prudent lending standards by the majors is also vital if Australia is to avoid a property bubble, Mr Chronican said.

The latest official data shows Australia's population grew by almost 400,000 people in the 12 months to March, pushing the population past 23 million.

Overseas migration constituted more than 50 per cent of the population growth in that period.

But home building activity in Australia has remained largely unchanged at around 145,000 new homes per annum over the past 30 years, Mr Chronican said.

"ANZ estimates there's a shortfall of around 270,000 dwellings — equivalent to 20 months of housing construction," he said.

"So if population growth stalled it would take almost two years to eliminate the current underlying housing shortage."

The increase in offerings of risky 95 per cent loan-to-value-ration offerings — which allows borrowers to provide only a 5 per cent deposit has however seen the RBA and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority recently warn all the major financial institutions not to grow market share by relaxing their lending standards.

Self-Managed Superannuation Funds were singled out as needing particularly close monitoring in the coming months as they often invest around 15 per cent of their portfolios directly into the property market.

SMSF's represent about one-third of the $1.6 trillion superannuation sector — up from 9 per cent in 1995.

This spike in the housing market is causing major headaches for the RBA as it tries to use lower interest rates to push down the Australian dollar and boost growth in the non-mining sectors of the economy while not inflating a property bubble.

The central concern is prices in Sydney, where the auction clearance rate is almost 90 per cent, and RP Data shows house prices have risen by more than 1.5 per cent in the past month.

But concerns about property price rises are not likely to subside anytime soon as Westpac chief economist Bill Evans — the most successful interest rate tipper in recent years — expects the strong Australian dollar will force the RBA to cut again as early as Melbourne Cup Day with a follow-up cut of another 25 basis points in the first quarter of next year.

Official interest rates are tipped to then stay at 2 per cent throughout 2014.

stephen.mcmahon@news.com.au

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O'Callaghan not happy with 7am GF booze plan

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan is not impressed with plans for Fremantle pubs to open at 7am on Grand Final day. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

LIQUOR licensing laws allowing Fremantle pubs to open as early as 7am may be changed after the weekend Grand Final revelry, Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan says.

Mr O'Callaghan also told a budget estimates hearing today that the first time he knew of the plan - which will allow football fans to down booze as breakfast - was when he saw it on the front page of a newspaper.

``We will be revisiting or visiting the trading hours in Fremantle after this matter,'' Mr O'Callaghan said.

"I've been saying for a long time that if we need to change the culture of drinking in Western Australia, and particularly binge drinking, we need to send the right messages to the community. I don't think opening up at 7am on any day is a very responsible thing to from a licensee's perspective," Mr O'Callaghan said.

"If it's history then I think it's time to revisit it, to think if it's appropriate trading in today's environment. I don't see any reason for people to be drinking alcohol at 7am in the morning and I'll bet the community doesn't either. I don't think it's responsible for licensees to open at that time.

"It's too late to try and intervene in this process now. We have the right police contingent to deal with what might happen on Saturday."

WA is currently undergoing a review of the Liquor Control Act. Mr O'Callaghan is a vocal campaigner against excessive drinking and alcohol advertisements targeting young people.

He said he had not been consulted about the 7am opening hours by the minister responsible for racing, gaming and liquor, Terry Waldron, despite the move requiring substantial additional police resources in Fremantle.

But Deputy Commissioner Chris Dawson said the licensing laws that allowed such early boozing applied only to Fremantle and were a historical legacy to benefit wharfies, so pubs could simply opt to exercise their right to open.

Mr Dawson said the heavy police presence would include mounted police, dogs, air support and licence enforcement officers.

Mr O'Callaghan said police would have to mount a major operation to ensure lawfulness in the Dockers homeland, and the early pub openings meant it would take far longer.

``It's likely we'll be doing that a lot earlier in the morning than we otherwise would have planned to do,'' he said.

This weekend is a long one, with WA celebrating the Queen's Birthday on a different date to the rest of Australia, and also marks the start of the week-long Perth Royal Show.

Police Minister Liza Harvey said there was no excuse for excessively drinking and driving because there would be extra trains and buses, particularly in Fremantle.

``We want people to have a really good time,'' she told Fairfax radio on Thursday.

``But please be responsible about the way that you behave.''

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Aussie cop blasts 1D over wild ride

Boy band mania is at fever pitch in Adelaide with just hours before One Direction takes the stage for its first concert on a nation-wide tour

One Direction in concert at Adelaide Entertainment Centre. Source: News Limited

POLICE have signalled they will investigate allegations One Direction's entourage ran three red lights on the way to their hotel in Western Australia.

WA Assistant Commissioner Nick Anticich tonight said it's "unacceptable behaviour'' - rock stars or not.

"I have been made aware of it and I've asked our traffic enforcement group to have a look at it. We need to determine the facts and obviously if there's any evidence supporting the allegations," Mr Anticich said.

"It's unacceptable behaviour. It breaches the law and we will deal with every person in the same way. By virtue of the fact that they are rock stars is no licence to break any laws or be any different from anyone else.

"One Direction they may be, but the only direction in relation to this type offending will be to the courts."

FAN TALES: Wrong direction not One Direction

FAN TALES: Ticket scalpers one direction of greed

Fans await the airrval of One Direction in Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

Earlier today, WA's Police Minister told the One Direction entourage to "pull their heads in".

Police Minister Liza Harvey said: "It's an operational matter for police but I would encourage One Direction to pull their head in in Western Australia and set an example for their predominantly young fans.

"It's a clear message for everyone who uses our roads. We have really strong legislation in this state and that applies to everybody who visits here.

"We extend a warm welcome but when you're here we expect you to apply the same standards that we apply to our community."

It was a hostile reception for One Direction fans hoping to greet the British supergroup, who flew in to Perth airport by private jet at 1.30am this morning.

The boy band's security guards photographed the faces of young fans, who dared to follow their dangerous car ride to Crown Perth — during which they ignored sets of red traffic lights.

The teenage heart-throbs were whisked away in a convoy of three Mercedes vans, with dark tinted windows, bypassing the group of less than 15 fans waiting to lay eyes on their idols

One Direction fans in Perth. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

It was a far cry from the 200 fans at Adelaide Airport, who the band dodged on Sunday citing safety reasons.

Yet the convoy sped down Great Eastern Highway, running at least three red lights.

A procession of fans in about eight vehicles followed, some of them also running red lights.

Fan Ben Blakeley, 22, described the race from the airport as "epic".

"It was the whole Princess Di thing," he said, referring to the 1997 Paris car crash in which she died.

"I was wondering what was going to happen.

"Everyone was speeding and running red lights except us and one other car because my friend's Mum was driving.

"She was like having a nervous breakdown."

One Direction check into their Perth hotel. Picture: Channel Nine Source: Channel 9

The chase halted when the vans pulled into a Belmont petrol station and about six security guards emerged — all clad in black.

One guard proceeded to intimidate fans and photographers by leaning into their cars and photographing their faces with a camera phone.

He also snapped their numberplates and demanded they stop following, in an aggressive tone.

One Direction fan Eve Michele said she was shocked by the behaviour.

"They were just rude," she said.

"I didn't expect that sort of behaviour.

"That's just not right that they're guests in our country and they can treat us like this."

The 22 year old said he had been "stalking" celebrities at airports since she was 12 and had never encountered such aggressive behaviour from security staff.

"I'm put off trying to meet them ever again," she said.

Paige Stepanoski. Picture: Bohdan Warchomij Source: News Limited

But it didn't deter fan Paige Stepanoski.

The 17-year-old lifeguard said she would like to give One Direction member Harry Styles mouth to mouth resuscitation.

"We're going to get married anyway so we will be able to do it all the time," she said.

She even plans on booking a "pool entry room" at Crown Perth, now that she knows the band are staying there.

"Because Liam (Payne) uses the pool all the time," said Miss Stepanoski, who will also travel to their Sydney show next week.

One Direction will perform at Perth Arena on Saturday September 28 and Sunday September 29.

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The biggest Wear Purple to Work day

Crawley statue Eliza shows her support for the Fremantle Dockers. Picture: Supplied. Source: PerthNow

THERE is just one more sleep until that one day in September - the day that the Fremantle Dockers run out on the MCG for their first AFL Grand Final.

PerthNow is calling on readers to support the Fremantle Dockers by donning purple one last time on Friday.

Send us your best photos of you and your friends and family supporting the team in all manner of purple finery.

Post pictures of yourself on Twitter wearing purple on Friday with #PurpleFriday. PerthNow will be collecting the best and add them to a growing gallery.

Pictures: #PurpleFriday

Alternatively, send your photos to readerpics@perthnow.com.au.

Woodside workers get behind Fremantle and our Wear Purple To Work campaign. Picture: @WoodsideEnergy/Twitter Source: PerthNow

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