Category Archives: headline

Fourth man charged over missing Queensland man's murder

A fourth man has today been charged with murder as part of a police investigation into the disappearance of Queensland man, Lachlan James Griffiths.

Mr Griffiths, 35, was reported missing by his family on January 26.

He was last known to be residing in different hotels in the Brisbane area and his current whereabouts remains unknown.

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His disappearance has been linked to an investigation into a Coopers Plains business, where the body of Andrew Christopher Walsh was found encased in concrete in March.

Today, police charged the 39-year-old Thagoona man with one count of murder in relation to Mr Griffiths.

On March 14, the same man was charged with accessory after the fact to murder and misconduct with Walsh's corpse.

To date, three people have been charged with accessory after the fact to murder and misconduct with a corpse in relation to Walsh's death.

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Detectives have previously charged a 40-year-old Tingalpa man, a 40-year-old Carrara man, and a 28-year-old Stafford man with murder in relation to the disappearance of Mr Griffiths.

The man is expected to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on May 9.

Hundreds of stolen goats seized by police in rural crime blitz

Eight people from western and southern parts of NSW have been charged with drug and rural crime offences following investigations which began in May last year.

PolAir raided multiple properties — across about 48,500 hectares (120,000 acres) — in the Murrumbidgee earlier this week, covering Bundure, Kidman Way at Mount Hope, Illawong and Landervale.

Officers found roughly 700 goats believed to be stolen.

Search warrants at properties in Cobar, Hillston and Mount Hope yesterday led to the arrest of eight people.

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Police seized more than 700 stolen goats in NSW.Investigation into the supply of prohibited drugs led to the arrest of eight people in NSW.

Four of the properties in Cobar contained methylamphetamine, cannabis plants, cannabis leaf, prescription medication, drug paraphernalia, property suspected of being stolen and liquid believed to be GHB.

At a Hillston property, officers seized methylamphetamine, cannabis, ammunition, and more than $7000 cash.

Four men from Cobar, two men and one woman from Hilston and one man from Mount Hope were each charged with multiple offences.

The 33-year-old man Mount Hope man is believed to be involved in the theft and illegal trade of goats.

https://twitter.com/nswpolice/status/1517373759904432129Eight charged after major police operation.

Murrumbidgee Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Eugene Stek, said rural crime in New South Wales is a significant issue and has a huge economic impact.

"It's costing millions – not only in the theft of stock, but through the theft of other farming equipment, fuel and machinery, damaged fences, loss of income and it also introduces biosecurity risks," Inspector Stek said.

"What police will allege occurred here is that the goats were stolen from several properties and sold illegally.

"Farmers are the backbone of our country; this joint resolution shows that police will come at rural crime and drug offenders from all angles, and deal with them under the full force of the law."

A giant swap to help rhinoceros species survive

The Southern White Rhinoceros is set to have a better chance at survival thanks to a new Australian breeding program.

Zoos SA and Taronga Western Plains Zoo joined together to exchange Southern White Rhinoceros breeding bulls to ensure breeding success and genetic diversity within the population.

Zoos SA Monarto Safari Park's 29-year-old Satara made the trip to Dubbo while Taronga Western Plains Zoo's 27-year-old Umfana made the trip to South Australia as part of the program.

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Keepers and staff last week undertook a 13-hour road trip to move the 2000 kilogram rhinos

Senior Keeper at Monarto Safari Park Mark Mills said the arrival of Umfana was a vital continuation of the breeding program.

"I was here when Satara first arrived at Monarto Safari Park and then was here to load him on the trailer for the next part of his journey in Dubbo," he said.

"It's great to now have Umfana here to broaden the gene pool and play an important part in our breeding program of this endangered species.

"He has settled in really well and is now out in his new habitat and is very happy and healthy."

Both bulls travelled well throughout their respective journeys in purpose-built crates, thanks to months of careful planning and preparations, Taronga Western Plains Zoo White Rhino Keeper Bobby-Jo Vial said.

Visitors can now see Umfana near the White Rhino Boma at Monarto Safari Park and keepers will soon introduce him to the female crash; Uhura, Umqali and Savannah.

Southern White Rhinoceros are classified as endangered with around 10,000 remaining in the wild.

One of the biggest threats to the population is poaching for the international rhino horn trade, which commands a high value on the black market.

Teenage dad-to-be killed in Easter Show stabbing farewelled

A funeral has been held for the teenage father-to-be stabbed and killed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show nearly a fortnight ago.

Uati "Pele" Faletolu was knifed in the chest while on a break from working on one of the rides at the event.

Today dozens of loved ones dressed in black gathered at the Hillsong Church in Baulkham Hills, including his pregnant girlfriend.

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Uati "Pele" Faletolu Easter Show stabbing funeralUati "Pele" Faletolu was stabbed and killed at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.

Mourners wore shirts emblazoned with Uati's face and the number 12, which was on his football jersey.

A traditional haka was performed as the 17-year-old's coffin was carried from the church, and family in New Zealand held their own service and released balloons.

Police were stationed around the complex, serving as a reminder that after 11 days the person or people responsible for the 17-year-old's murder have not been found.

A brawl broke out after the stabbing and a 15-year-old was arrested but is not thought to be responsible for Uati's death.

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Uati "Pele" Faletolu Easter Show stabbing funeralUati "Pele" Faletolu Easter Show stabbing funeral

Earlier this week detectives urged anyone who witnessed the fight or was in the carnival area of the Easter Show that night to come forward.

NSW Police Homicide Squad Commander Danny Doherty said investigators have combed through "hours and hours" of video footage since the attack, but have been unable to identify the person or people responsible.

"We can see that there are a significant number of people have their phones up filming this incident, not exactly the murder but at least the brawl straight after," Detective Superintendent Doherty said.

"They may have this image now on their phone and unknowingly recorded who is responsible and have not come forward.

"We are appealing for information not only from people who were present and may have seen something unusual, but who may have actual footage that may be incredibly vital to solving who was responsible for this murder of young Pele."

Cheap pub steaks a thing of the past, as meat costs sky rocket

A hospitality giant has said rising meat prices have forced it to charge pub patrons more for their meals.

The Endeavour Group, which runs 344 hotels and clubs across the country, increased revenue by 3.8 per cent to $405 million in the 13 weeks up to April, as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease.

Chief executive Steve Donohue said that because of soaring red meat prices, they reluctantly passed on the costs to customers.

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"We've had to put up our steak prices by $1 or $2 which we don't like doing," he said.

Mr Donohue said the accommodation and gaming parts of the hotels were the strongest performers.

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"Food's been a bit tougher, and drinks too," he said.

The 258 Dan Murphy's stores, and 1411 BWS liquor outlets under the company suffered a 3 per cent slip in sales to $2.32 billion as more people ventured out to drink, instead of at home.