Category Archives: headline

Gold Coast man charged with wife's murder undergoing drug testing

2021-02-26 FreeNews

An 82-year-old man charged with murdering his wife inside their Gold Coast home is undergoing toxicology testing as authorities investigate whether drug use may have played a role in the alleged attack.

Robyn Beever's daughter discovered her mother's bloodied body inside the garage of the Varsity Lakes home at 1.30pm yesterday during a visit to check on the elderly couple.

The victim's husband Max Beever was taken to the Gold Coast University Hospital where he remains in a stable condition and under police guard.

Overnight, he was charged with murdering his wife.

Speaking at a press conference this morning, Queensland Police's Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said Mr Beever "doesn't have any significant physical injuries" but has undergone toxicology testing.

Detective Inspector Ahearn said the elderly man is "in a distressed state" and has refused to be interviewed by police.

He declined to detail any medical conditions the 82-year-old may have, but said "the physicality of that gentleman is something that continues to be under investigation".

He noted that the toxicology results would likely "give us a clearer picture on what might have gone on".

Neither Mr Beever nor his wife have any criminal history and this is the first time they have had formal contact with police.

The crime scene at Gerona Circuit home will likely remain in place into tomorrow, as investigators comb the home for objects that may have been used during the alleged attack.

An axe and a belt are among the items found at the property currently undergoing forensic examination.

The post mortem of Ms Beever's body, expected to be conducted today, will provide a more exact time of death but Detective Inspector Ahearn said it is believed Ms Beever likely died yesterday, or possibly as far back as 6pm the night before.

Detective Inspector Ahearn has called for anyone who was in the area during that time to come forward, especially anyone who may have heard anything that may assist investigators.

He described Ms Beever's death as "a tragic incident with a tragic outcome".

"Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of this woman," he said.

The couple's daughter who discovered the body is "extremely upset" and is being provided with support.

Mr Beever's murder charge was heard in Southport Magistrates Court today, with the court hearing he remained in hospital and was unable to appear.

No application for bail was made and the matter was adjourned until next March 5.

Anybody with information is urged to contact police at Policelink, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636.

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One of Pompeii's oldest frescoes restored to its former glory

2021-02-26 FreeNews

One of Pompeii's oldest frescoes has been restored to its colourful former glory using the help of laser technology.

The House of the Ceii, excavated between 1913 and 1914, is one of the city's rare ancient domus — single family residences which were built complete with an atrium and peristyle — dating to the late Samnite period in the second century BC, according to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.

The house, thought to have been owned by a local magistrate, was elaborately decorated over several levels.

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Pompeii Fresco

A large fresco "adorns the back wall of the garden and was in view for those entering this luxurious house," Massimo Osanna, interim director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, told CNN.

Mr Osanna added that the picture features an animated hunting scene with wild animals arranged on several levels of the house.

There are images of temples, statues and animals of the Nile Delta, he added.

Created by anonymous artists, the decor "can also be seen on the walls of the Pompeian gardens, in order to create an illusion of enlarging the dimensions of such spaces and evoke an idyllic and suggestive atmosphere," he said.

But over the years, the historic house fell into disrepair.

A lack of proper upkeep and unsuitable restoration practices had seen progressive deterioration of the images, and damage to the frescoes, especially in the humid, lower parts of the building.

Using lasers to clean the painting's pictorial film, experts were able to clean portions of the painting, including the fresco's botanical decoration, while abraded parts of the art were recovered through precise pictorial retouching.

Work on the house started in September, and is ongoing, according to the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.

"In this case, in all probability, the exotic and religious theme of the paintings testified to a link and a specific interest that the owner of the domus had for the Egyptian world and for the cult of Isis (an ancient Egyptian goddess), present in Pompeii in the last years of the city's life due to a very influential college in the city," Mr Osanna added.

The ancient city of Pompeii is one of Italy's top tourist attractions, and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Much of the Greco-Roman city is still covered in debris from when Mount Vesuvius erupted and blanketed the city in ash and pumice almost 2000 years ago.

And experts are still uncovering tidbits that give clues to what life was life when the city was functioning.

In December, archaeologists uncovered a frescoed hot food and drinks shop that served up the ancient equivalent of street food to Roman passersby.

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Investigation into Melissa Caddick's alleged Ponzi scheme to continue

2021-02-26 FreeNews

The investigation into Melissa Caddick's alleged Ponzi scheme is continuing despite her being presumed dead this morning.

DNA evidence confirmed a foot found washed up on a beach on the NSW South Coast was that of Ms Caddick's.

But the Australian Securities and Investment Commission said its investigation into her alleged crimes is continuing.

"ASIC's priority is to seek the return of funds to investors in the most efficient way possible," the statement read.

"ASIC will continue to work with the receivers and provisional liquidators to prepare for the Federal Court hearing listed on 7 and 8 April.

"ASIC's considers the hearing should go ahead as a priority to seek return of funds to investors."

A human foot in a shoe was found by campers on the shoreline at Bournda National Park near Tathra on Sunday.

Analysis using DNA from Ms Caddick's toothbrush matched the foot.

Offshore drift modelling found that a body which entered the water near Ms Caddick's home in Dover Heights in Sydney may have drifted to the South Coast over time.

Ms Caddick, 49, disappeared on November 12 last year after leaving her home for what her husband believed was a morning run at 5.30am.

She and her family lived in affluent Dover Heights in Sydney's eastern suburbs.

She had been under investigation for allegedly running a Ponzi scheme, using millions from investors to make lavish personal purchases.

A bunch of flowers left outside Melissa Caddick's home in Dover Heights.

Her purchases included expensive holidays to the US ski resort town of Aspen, as well as couture gowns, designer clothes, shoes and handbags, and jewellery.

Her five-bedroom home was bought in 2014 for $6.2 million.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) raided her home as part of an ASIC investigation the day before she disappeared.

Further investigations have found neither Ms Caddick nor her business held a current AFS licence, required under Australian law to provide financial services.

Instead of investing funds from investors, Ms Caddick allegedly transferred money from the business into her personal accounts.

It appears Melissa Caddick's remains drifted south from Sydney to the Far South Coast of NSW.

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Premier Brantley welcomes MSR Media’s announcement of six films in Nevis

2021-02-26 FreeNews

Production of six films is discussed by Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, and Philippe Martinez, MSR Media Producer.

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis, has welcomed the announcement by MSR Media producer Philippe Martinez that the UK film and television production company intends to shoot six films on the island.

Martinez’ announcement that six films will be shot on Nevis came while the Premier was visiting the set for the first day of filming of “One Year Off” at Chrishi Beach, Nevis.

“The announcement today that the original two movies to be filmed in Nevis has increased to six movies is great news for the island and the fledgling film industry that we are seeking to develop,” said Hon. Brantley.

“As my government seeks to diversify the Nevisian economy we are happy to have brought MSR Media to the island and appreciate that this industry will benefit the entire Federation with jobs and activity created across St. Kitts and Nevis.”

During the filming of ‘One Year Off,’ left to right, Chad Michael Collins, actor; Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis; Philippe Martinez, MSR Media Producer; and Nathalie Cox, actress, at Chrishi Beach, Nevis.

Martinez revealed MSR Media’s intention to shoot all six movies on the island over the next year.

“We’re going to make more movies here; since we’re here everybody loves it,” said Martinez. “We’re discussing with the Premier about doing six movies over the next 12 months, which is becoming a big partnership.

“But all of that has been possible because of Mark’s vision, so we are the pioneer to make this vision possible,” said Martinez. “It’s a big project for Nevis.”

He thanked Brantley for his hospitality and partnership and extended thanks to the various government ministries and officials who continue to assist the film company’s undertakings.

“I would like to thank Premier Mark Brantley,” said Martinez. “We spoke first right before Christmas in 2020. He told me about his vision to build a film industry in Nevis. I thought it was exciting, because sometimes politicians don’t see the bigger picture of the film industry.

“This is an industry that brings tremendous publicity, we’re creating jobs,” said Martinez. “We brought a team from the UK, from Bulgaria, from the US, and one of the missions of our team is to teach the art of making movies to people from Nevis and people from St. Kitts, so it’s a big thing.”

MSR Media and the Nevis Island Administration signed an agreement for the production of two films in Nevis in 2021, the first being ‘One Year Off,’ which is schedule to finish filming in May.

For the ‘One Year Off’ film, 32 locals and residents have been hired full time with the film crew, eight have been cast for speaking roles in the film, and over 160 persons have secured roles as supporting artistes.

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The timeline of Melissa Caddick's alleged frauds and disappearance

2021-02-26 FreeNews

When Melissa Caddick vanished from her home in Sydney's Dover Heights on November 12, it sparked dozens of conspiracy theories.

And the discovery of her foot on a beach on the NSW South Coast on Sunday has raised as many questions as answers.

But Ms Caddick's story started well before her disappearance, and has not ended now her remains have been found.

The timeline of Melissa Caddick's story

May 6, 2009: Court documents indicate the first of Melissa Caddick's "suspected contraventions" is on this date. That year she sets up her own financial firm, but without the necessary financial services licence to do so.

Over the next 11 years she collects tens of millions from clients, who all believe they are investing.

2013: Ms Caddick marries Anthony Koletti, a hairdresser she met at a salon in Bondi Junction.

2014: Ms Caddick pays $6.2 million for a five-bedroom home in Dover Heights.

August 13, 2020: According to the Sydney Morning Herald, one of Ms Caddick's investors strikes up a conversation with another patient in a dentist's waiting room. The patient tells her Ms Caddick has been using her financial services licence.

The investor later reports Ms Caddick to the Australian Securities Investment Commission.

November 10, 2020: ASIC freezes Ms Caddick's bank accounts and properties, preventing her from leaving the country.

November 11, 2020: Officers from ASIC raid Ms Caddick's home in Dover Heights. The raid takes up most of the day. Officers leave with couture gowns, designer clothes, shoes and jewellery. It is the last day Ms Caddick is seen alive.

November 12, 2020: Ms Caddick's son hears the front door of their home close at 5.30am. He assumes it is Ms Caddick going for a morning run. Her family notes she has left behind her mobile phone, wallet and keys. She misses the 4pm deadline to surrender her passport and any plane tickets to police.

November 13, 2020: Ms Caddick is reported missing to police by her husband, 30 hours after her disappearance.

February 21, 2021: Campers find a shoe containing a decomposing foot on the shoreline south of Tathra, on the NSW South Coast.

February 26, 2021: Police reveal DNA analysis has found the foot is Ms Caddick's.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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Former US cop appeals Justine Ruszczyk murder conviction

2021-02-26 FreeNews

The former Minneapolis police officer convicted of third-degree murder in the 2017 fatal shooting of Australian woman Justine Ruszczyk, who called 911 to report a possible sexual assault, has asked the Minnesota Supreme Court to hear his appeal.

Mohamed Noor has filed a petition asking the state's highest court to overturn his conviction in the death of Ms Ruszczyk, after a Court of Appeals panel upheld the jury's decision earlier this month.

Some legal experts say the third-degree murder charge applies only when a defendant's actions put multiple people at risk, but the appellate panel said it can apply when a defendant's actions are directed at one person.

LIVE UPDATES: Body of missing woman and fraudster Melissa Caddick found

Former Minnesota policeman Mohamed Noor is asking the state's Supreme Court to hear his appeal.

The state's Supreme Court must now decide whether it will hear the appeal.

If it does not, the appellate decision will stand, the Star Tribune reported.

Ms Ruszczyk called 911 the night of July 15, 2017, to report a possible sexual assault in an alley behind her house.

Officers Matthew Harrity and Noor were dispatched to the scene and arrived at 11.37pm.

Prosecutors said Noor was sitting in the passenger seat, pulled out his gun and shot across the vehicle to hit the unarmed Ms Ruszczyk, who was outside the driver's side door.

Justine Ruszczyk was shot and killed by a police officer after contacting 911. 190606 Justine Ruszczyk murder shooting death Mohamed Noor suggested jail sentence USA crime news World Australia

Noor admitted shooting Ms Ruszczyk but claimed he did so in fear he and his partner were being ambushed.

Noor is currently serving a 12-and-a-half-year prison sentence for third-degree murder.

Justine Ruszczyk's family received a large payout over her death.

Ties to George Floyd case

The issue could have implications in the upcoming trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in the May 25 death of George Floyd.

The judge in Mr Chauvin's case had dismissed a third-degree murder count last October, saying it didn’t apply because Mr Chauvin’s actions were directed at Mr Floyd alone.

But prosecutors are seeking to have it reinstated, saying the appellate decision shows the third-degree murder count can apply to Mr Chauvin as well.

The case of former police officer Derek Chauvin, who was charged over the death of George Floyd (left), could hinge on the result of the appeal application.

The Minnesota Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear arguments in that case on Monday.

Jury selection in Mr Chauvin’s trial is scheduled to begin March 8.

– Reported with AP

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Russian court sentences Jehovah’s Witnesses to penal colony

2021-02-26 FreeNews

WASHINGTON — The US State Department is disturbed by reports that a Russian court sentenced Valentina Baranovskaya and her son, Roman Baranovsky, to terms of two and six years in a Russian penal colony, respectively, for being practicing Jehovah’s Witnesses. The sentencing of Valentina, a 69-year-old stroke victim, is particularly cruel. It also marks the first time a Russian court has sentenced a female Jehovah’s Witness.

“The decision by the Russian court is the latest development in an on-going crackdown on members of religious minority groups in Russia,” said State Department spokesperson Ned Price. ”Since the Russian Supreme Court designated the Jehovah’s Witnesses an “extremist” organization in 2017, 52 Jehovah’s Witnesses have been imprisoned for exercising their beliefs, including Alexandr Ivshin, who was recently given a record-length 7.5 year sentence for a Jehovah’s Witness by a Russian court.

“We urge Russia to lift its ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses and to respect the right of all to exercise their freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief,” said Price.

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NIA in final stages of renegotiating geothermal arrangement

2021-02-26 FreeNews

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — The Nevis Island Administration (NIA) is in the final stages of renegotiating its current geothermal arrangement, according to Hon. Mark Brantley, NIA Minister of Finance and Energy.

“We had a meeting with the technical team on Nevis, the legal team, Nevis Electricity Company Ltd, (NEVLEC) and others,” said Hon. Brantley. “We are at the end stages now of completing our renegotiation.

“We had some minor points left to renegotiate,” he said. “A new player has come in as an equity partner, a company called Albioma. We are working with different lawyers, and different individuals to ensure we have the best possible deal for the island of Nevis going forward.

“So far, from abandoning the project, we are actually prepared to move forward with the project…The project is definitely on,” he stated.

Brantley pointed out that the government’s pursuit of the renewable energy source did not impede its continued upgrade of the island’s electricity company.

“Notwithstanding that we are committed to geothermal, we have not stopped trying to upgrade NEVLEC, the two things aren’t mutually exclusive.

“We have continued with the upgrades at NEVLEC,” said Brantley. “I would have advised recently that the government took a decision to purchase another Wärtsilä engine to ensure that we have sufficient capacity at NEVLEC to carry the island.

“We are not putting that on hold while we wait for geothermal,” he said. “We should have the capacity and if and when geothermal comes, we do the necessary switching over to renewables. That is the ultimate goal but in the interim we continue to upgrade.”

Brantley previously indicated that part of the renegotiations would see consumers on Nevis paying less for renewable energy when it comes on-stream, compared to the pre-existing arrangement.

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Goat breeding programme successful in producing ‘superior goat flock’

2021-02-26 FreeNews

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts — The Department of Agriculture and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine entered into an agreement in April 2018, to introduce a Goat Breeding Programme with the objective to improve the Federation’s local goat flock.

Director of Agriculture, Melvin James, said the Department of Agriculture is proud to announce successes in the Goat Breeding Programme.

“I am happy to report that we have brought in three males and so far, we are able to get 103 young kids from the breeding programme,” said James. “As we speak about transforming agriculture, one of the things we have to do is to be able to get the animals to have a greater weight gain in a shorter period of time. We introduced a more superior blood, a more superior male that grows faster and puts on weight faster.”

The name of this special type of goat breed is called the Boer which is a goat specialized for meat as it is well-known for putting on weight in a shorter period of time.

“The Federation has 103 improved animals available to it now,” said James. “We will continue to breed, and have 34 males. Those can be used as stud males, some 68 females are available for sale, and folks can have them and improve their stock.”

The Goat Breeding Programme initially began in 2018 at Bayford’s but experienced setbacks from animal sickness, water shortages, and lack of transportation.

The animals were moved to a private farm in Parson’s Village, where the breeding resumed in March.

The overall budget for the Goat Feeding Programme is an estimated EC $18, 663.91.

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Premier Brantley congratulates Four Seasons Resort, Nevis on 30 years of operations

2021-02-26 FreeNews

CHARLESTOWN, Nevis — The Four Seasons Resort on Nevis was congratulated for its 30th anniversary of operations on the island by Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis. The resort opened on February 14, 1991.

Hon. Brantley, who is also the Minister of Tourism, expressed appreciation for the resort while delivering remarks at his monthly press conference in Cabinet Room at Pinney’s Estate on February 25.

“Let me take a moment to congratulate the Four Seasons Resort,” said Brantley. “They have just celebrated their 30th anniversary. I believe the Four Seasons deserves a special word of commendation because they have been here for the past three decades and have contributed tremendously to the life and times of this island.

“Nearly every family on this island has had some contact with the Four Seasons, either as a worker or family member working, or they have been a supplier, a provider, a contractor with the Four Seasons. Our fisher folk, farmers, everybody has had some contact with that resort.”

Brantley stated that the resort has expanded since opening up on Nevis and continues to demonstrate its confidence in the island’s economy.

“When it started it was obviously just the hotel, now they have something I believe, in the region of 60 plus villas that form a part of that as well, and so the vision of Four Seasons is still manifesting itself 30 years on.

“In recent times, this government will have been part of the re-negotiation and sale of that property to a new group and we will all recall that new group has invested upwards of US $60 million in upgrades, again a significant investment which demonstrated confidence in the island of Nevis and the local economy.”

Brantley noted that the Nevis resort was the proprietor’s first property outside of the United States and Canada, and recalled his meeting with the hotel’s founder.

“I think the public should consider Nevis of 30 years ago,” said Brantley. “If you reflect on Nevis 30 years ago, you get a sense of what a quantum leap it must have been for the Four Seasons. “I recall the opportunity that I had to meet with Isadore Sharp, the founder of Four Seasons at his home in Toronto. Sharp said to me when he saw the site he fell in love, and the rest as they say, history. We are grateful to them. I think 30 excellent years, and we thank them for their contribution.”

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