A woman has had her conviction quashed after helping her boyfriend who killed a home invader with a samurai sword.

Hannah Quinn was the victim of an unreasonable verdict over her actions following the unlawful killing of Jett McKee in Sydney's inner west in August 2018, two out of three NSW Court of Criminal Appeal judges ruled on Friday.

She helped her boyfriend Blake Davis after he fatally struck McKee with a ceremonial samurai sword during the incident at their Forest Lodge home.

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A jury convicted her of being an accessory after the fact of the killing, for which she received a two-year community corrections order.

McKee tried to rob Davis during the invasion of the Hereford Street property, punching him before stealing Quinn's handbag.

The home invader was pointing a gun at her when Davis killed him with a single blow from the sword, she said.

Quinn booked hotels and transport, and obtained new clothes before the pair presented to police three days after the death.

She claimed they were not trying to evade arrest but rather were terrified of threats McKee made during the home invasion about people coming after her.

Chief Justice Andrew Bell said the "most persuasive inference" to be drawn was that the methamphetamine-affected McKee had threatened the couple with a gun inside the house and then again in the street as he tried to escape.

In those circumstances, Quinn believed Davis had acted reasonably and necessarily to protect her and therefore was not helping him evade arrest after the fact, Bell said in the judgment.

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The jury rejected the opportunity to find that Davis acted unreasonably when it declared him guilty of manslaughter rather than murder, he said in a decision agreed by Justice Deborah Sweeney.

But Justice Helen Wilson disagreed, saying there was a dispute based on the testimony of witnesses about whether McKee threatened Quinn with a gun in the street.

"Common sense suggests an individual familiar with carrying out robberies would not brandish a firearm on a well-populated public street and that (Quinn) would not have engaged in a scuffle … if she saw (him) holding a firearm," she said.

Wilson said Quinn's guilty verdict was reasonable, but the conviction was overturned by the other two judges, who ordered her acquittal.

Davis was sentenced to a maximum of five years and three months in prison, however he was eligible for parole last month.

A slave who wanted to scare off his dominatrix's boyfriend but snapped and committed bloody murder will spend at least 15 years behind bars.

Stuart Lindsay Heron waited in the shadows of a Melbourne apartment building car park for his target, Nick Cameron, to take his little dog Misty for a walk.

He was holding a hammer and a knife when he pounced on Cameron next to the 39-year-old man's red car.

Heron claimed he brought the hammer to destroy explicit videos that Cameron was threatening to distribute of his master, dominatrix Heide Bos.

But instead, after a struggle Heron snapped and bashed Cameron with the hammer "ferociously and brutally," Justice Michael Croucher told the Supreme Court.

"This went on for 10 harrowing minutes, Mr Cameron had no chance," the judge said on Friday.

Croucher said Cameron's injuries, which included multiple stab and blunt force head wounds, were extensive and shocking.

When he was found by police, wedged between a concrete wall and the car, Cameron was "covered in blood, panting heavily and groaning".

Heron said he had become infatuated with Bos after meeting her on FetLife, a kink and fetish website, about six weeks before the killing.

He became her slave and offered to do "anything at all" for Bos.

Bos told Heron about her relationship with Cameron, including that he was abusive, had raped her and threatened to share intimate videos.

The pair concocted a plan to scare Cameron to ensure he left town.

Heron started surveilling Cameron, visiting his apartment building several times to track his movements and stealing a lockbox with his victim's keys.

After an argument with Cameron, on July 9, 2021, Bos gave Heron the go-ahead to confront him.

She lured her boyfriend out of his apartment, to where Heron was laying in wait for Cameron in the private car park.

Neighbours heard Cameron yell "no, no" and "stop" as Heron attacked him in a "frenzied" and "sickening fashion", Croucher said.

Heron was arrested trying to leave the apartment building via lift, with a blood-soaked knife found on the floor next to him.

He was found carrying a bloody hammer, silver handcuffs, a dog's leash, a multi-tool and a lighter.

Heron pleaded guilty to Cameron's murder about two months before a trial was due to begin.

He was emotionless stared straight ahead at Justice Croucher, as he was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Heron must serve 15 years before he can apply for parole and has already served two years of his sentence. 

Cameron's family hugged each other inside court after hearing his murderer's sentence.

A man yelled at Heron: "That's life for you son, you'll never get out of it, you're a failure."

Bos was jailed for up to six years and three months earlier this year, after admitting manslaughter over her complicity in arranging the attack.

Record-breaking rainfall in Hong Kong caused widespread flash flooding across the financial hub on Friday, with many businesses and schools forced to shut, just days after the city was battered by a typhoon.

The deluge began late Thursday night, with the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) recording more than 158mm of rain between 11pm and midnight, the highest hourly rainfall since records began in 1884, the government said in a news release

The weather bureau issued the highest "black" rainstorm warning and urged people to stay indoors and find shelter, warning the rain could bring flash floods, and that residents near rivers should consider evacuating.

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Photos and videos Friday show parts of the city underwater, with cars struggling through flooded roads, and people wading through murky brown floodwaters.

Authorities had to rescue some drivers stuck in partially submerged vehicles; some parking lots were so flooded car roofs were only just visible above the water.

Footage widely shared online showed a subway station in the northern district of Wong Tai Sin submerged in waist-high water, with floodwater gushing down the stairs.

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Train services to several stops on the same subway line have been suspended "due to flooding in the section near Wong Tai Sin station," said the city's subway operator.

While most other subway operations remain open, bus, tram and ferry services have suspended across the city due to the flooding, according to public broadcaster RTHK.

Early Friday morning, the government announced all schools would also be suspended, and urged businesses to allow non-essential employees to stay in safe places instead of going to the workplace.

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The flooding comes just one week after Hong Kong was lashed by its strongest typhoon in five years.

Typhoon Saola, originally a super typhoon, weakened to the equivalent of a Category 2 hurricane as it reached Hong Kong – but was still potent enough to knock down trees and cause hundreds of flight cancellations.

Eighty-six people were injured from the typhoon, the government said.

Dymocks customers have been told their "customer information may have been compromised" after the bookstore sent an email to their members this afternoon.

The popular Australian store told customers they wanted to get "on the front foot" and were still investigating the security breach.

"For now, we advise you to be vigilant and monitor your accounts for any unauthorised activity, and as a precaution change your password," Dymocks managing director Mark Newman said to members in a letter.

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"We will update you as soon as we have more information to share."

More to come…

A woman who removed a child from William Tyrrell's former foster parents' care says the crying child was told it was not their fault as they hugged their foster mother goodbye.

"I've done something I shouldn't have done," the foster mother told the child, according to the woman who served the paperwork.

The ex-foster parents, a 58-year-old woman and her 56-year-old partner, returned to Parramatta Local Court on Friday facing allegations of assaulting and intimidating the child.

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The foster mother has pleaded guilty to hitting the child with a wooden spoon in January 2021 and kicking them in October, but is fighting two intimidation charges over incidents between January and August that same year.

The woman's partner has pleaded not guilty to allegedly grabbing the child's neck in October 2021 and intimidation in November 2020.

Neither the foster parents nor the child can be identified for legal reasons.

Megan Payne, a NSW Department of Communities and Justice official who served removal papers on the couple in November 2021, said the child began to cry and hugged the foster mother, who comforted the youth before they were taken away.

"(The mother) said: 'It's not your fault … I've done something I shouldn't have done,'" Payne told the court.

Payne monitored a later interview between police and the child during which the child confided to a support person "my dad put his hands around my neck" and claimed the foster father had mental health and anger management issues.

Emma Ballard had counselling sessions with the child in September and October 2021 and told the court the child did not like the foster parents' rules.

The foster mother's lawyer, John Stratton SC, asked the counsellor if the child reported being assaulted, intimidated or verbally abused.

"(They) did not indicate that any of that had happened," Ballard said, although she added that she did not ask directly about those matters.

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The child reported feeling left out and annoyed by the presence of a younger child placed in the home months earlier and responded by refusing to do chores and homework, stomping around the house and slamming doors.

"All of (their) behaviours did seem age-appropriate," Ballard said.

The foster mother's co-worker and friend of more than a decade recalled a distressed phone call in which the parent reported kicking the youth after they tried to trip the younger foster child.

"I questioned that a bit and she said: 'No, I kicked (them) really hard,'" she told the court.

The friend described the foster mother as an ethical person with a lot of integrity who was extremely resilient and intent on providing a safe and secure home.

Stratton asked if the foster mother sounded upset when she reported kicking the child.

"She was distraught," her friend responded.

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A former teacher of the child told the court there were disagreements between the child and the foster father when the child said they did not want to go home one day in November 2020.

"It seemed like a trivial disagreement with a caregiver from what (they) said to me," the teacher said.

She discussed it with an assistant principal, who said it did not warrant further action.

After the prosecution closed its case on Friday, Stratton applied to have the allegations more clearly set out before magistrate Susan McIntyre delivered a decision.

"It is not clear which conduct the finding of guilt could relate to," the barrister said.

William was three years old when he vanished from a Kendall property belonging to his foster grandmother on the NSW Mid North Coast in 2014.

No one has been charged over his disappearance.

Fast food giant KFC has teased the return of its one-time "Krusher" drink following a spate of community intrigue on social media.

KFC stopped selling Krushers – which are crushed ice milkshakes that came in a variety of flavours including Mocha, Golden Gaytime, Kookies 'n' Kream and Chocolate Cornetto – in 2019.

An online petition was started almost immediately after the drinks were pulled from stores, attracting more than 10,000 signatures.

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Fast forward to 2023, and the long-awaited return – or demise – of the KFC Krusher is once again hot conversation on platforms such as TikTok.

Social media influencer Lachy Mac posted a video to his 154,000 Instagram followers begging KFC to bring back the drink, sparking up the debate all over again.

The video discusses what has happened in Australia since the menu item was removed from the menu, and pokes fun at the brand's Cola BBQ wicked wings.

"I think I speak for all Australians when I say KFC, bring back Krushers," he says in the video.

"You had the chance to bring them (Krushers) back, but what did you do? You brought out Cola BBQ wicked wings – who is eating that?" 

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https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwzUVjlBaFN/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Krusher fans were quick to find the video and express their want for the drink's return. 

"They need to be brought back. They should have never been taken away!," one Instagram user commented.

McIntyre, known online as Mac, told 9News.com.au that he decided to make the video because he is a "patriot".

"I was doing what my [Aussie] heroes would want me to do, bring back the Krusher," he said.

When contacted by 9News.com.au for a definitive ruling, a spokesperson for KFC refused to confirm or deny the fate of the Krusher.

"Will KFC's iconic Krushers make a comeback or won't they?" the spokesperson said.

"Few delicious mysteries have captivated Aussie hearts, minds and tastebuds quite like this one.

"We'll never say never, so keep a close eye on our menu to see which mouthwatering treat will drop next!"

It was listed as the worst house in the best street, but it may have turned out to be the best bargain.

The derelict New Zealand house at 78 Creswick Terrace, Northland, Wellington has sold for $AUD 646,000 after multiple offers were received for the deadline sale by listing agent Michael Adams of Ray White Wellington.

The rateable value (RV) is $1.23 million.

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"We had heaps of interest in the property, with enquiries from all around the country," Adams says.

"We even had people flying up from Christchurch to have a look. We had multiple offers and would have had more except I had to let buyers know they were highly unlikely to be able to secure finance for the property. They needed to be cash unconditional."

Adams says not one of the parties genuinely interested in buying indicated they would demolish the house.

"As far as I'm aware, the buyers are not going to demolish. They are keen to renovate."

The property had been in the same family for 70 years, and "untouched for 50 years".

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Massive creepers cover most of the large house except the front, which was tidied up for sale.

When the property was listed Adams said six to eight truckloads of rubbish were taken away from in and around the house. Another two trucks were needed to remove two trees that needed to come down.

He said the family purchased the property around 1950, and converted the lower level after 10 or so years to add a flat. But not long after, it started going downhill after the owner's husband died.

"'Mum' lived here, but has been unable to maintain it," he said.

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"It has been vacant since January. I found it interesting that in 33 years of being an agent and seeing thousands and thousands of old villas, I have never been in a villa that has not been repiled and found the floors are level, as they are in this house."

Photos show rotting and damaged wall linings, with black mould in many of the rooms.

But the bones of the house remain. Adams says there is some smoke damage downstairs in the flat, after an electric blanket caught fire. But there is no fire damage.

This story has been reproduced with permission from Stuff.co.nz.

The Victorian man who won $2.5 million in last Saturday's TattsLotto draw said he didn't know whether to "laugh or cry" on hearing the news.

It was days before the resident of Broadford, in central Victoria, discovered his newfound fortune because the division one winning entry was unregistered.

This meant officials from The Lott had to wait for him to check his ticket and come forward.

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He was overjoyed when they called him to confirm his windfall.

"I don't know what to do though. I don't know whether I should laugh or cry," he said.

"We play most weeks and I've always gone with the philosophy that you have to be in it to win it. "

"You never really expect it to happen though."

He said his priorities now were putting his feet up by retiring early and using some of the winnings to help his children pay off their mortgages.

"I'm going to retire straight away, I think. I've had a good working life, but this has just made it that much easier to pull back and enjoy the rest of my life in a more relaxed manner," he said.

"I'll also pay off my kids' mortgages. It's tough out there at the moment and I can't wait to be able to help them get ahead and prepare for the future."

The man was one of the eight division one winning entries in Saturday Lotto draw 4395 on September 2. Each division one winning entry pocketed $2.5 million.

His division one winning entry was purchased at Broadford Newsagency in Broadford.

The odds of winning division one are more than 8.145 million to one.

If you need help you can call the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.

Hundreds of Queensland drivers have been incorrectly slogged with double demerit points for seatbelt-related offences, prompting an apology from the state's Transport Minister.

More than 1840 motorists were hit with double demerit points for approximately 2500 incorrectly issued seatbelt sanctions, copping four points rather than two. 

Transport officials confirmed that double demerit points should not have been given out for seatbelt offences in a statement to 9News Queensland on Thursday.

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There are 626 drivers had their licenses suspended over the blunder, while 868 are serving good behaviour bonds when they shouldn't be.

Queensland's Transport Minister Mark Bailey said he was "very angry" over the bungle.

"This should never have happened. I am very sorry to every person who has been impacted by this," he said while addressing the media.

"This is our mistake and we will do everything we can to work with impacted people."

Bailey also said the Transport and Main Roads Department was seeking legal advice and would re-issue the incorrectly suspended licences.

A hotline has also been set up for drivers who were incorrectly fined. 

Thousand of drivers have been captured on the mobile phone and seatbelt cameras since their rollout in November 2021.

Fines for driving without a seatbelt can reach as high as $2000 and start at $1000. 

King Charles III has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II's "devoted service" on the first anniversary of her death.

King Charles wrote and recorded the poignant message at Balmoral Castle, the residence where the Queen died on September 8, 2023, at the age of 96.

"In marking the first anniversary of Her Late Majesty's death and my accession, we recall with great affection her long life, devoted service and all she meant to so many of us," he wrote.

"I am deeply grateful, too, for the love and support that has been shown to my wife and myself during this year as we do our utmost to be of service to you all."

An unseen photograph of the late monarch was also released. The image was captured at Buckingham Palace on October 16, 1968.

A new era

Charles became sovereign on September 8, 2022, the day Elizabeth died after more than 70 years on the throne.

The following day, the new king telegraphed much of what has happened since in a speech that paid homage to the way his mother honoured the history of a 1000-year-old monarchy while embracing the changes that transformed Britain after World War II.

"In her life of service, we saw that abiding love of tradition, together with that fearless embrace of progress, which makes us great as a nation," Charles said as he pledged to serve all his people, no matter where they live or what they believe.

Known for speaking his mind during his decades as heir to the throne, Charles also acknowledged that he would have to tone down his support for causes such as conservation and environmental protection.

But he immediately handed that mantle to Prince William, encouraging him to "lead our national conversation" and help "bring the marginal to the centre ground, where vital help can be given".

Charles joined the nation in mourning the late queen at a state funeral that celebrated the life of the only monarch most people had ever known.

After the queen's piper played one final lament, the Westminster Abbey congregation offered a thunderous rendition of the national anthem — though for the first time in seven decades the first line was, "God save our gracious king.''

During the coronation ceremony in May, Charles again balanced the traditions of monarchy against the pressure for change.

As Charles sat in the 700-year-old coronation chair at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury placed a jewel-encrusted crown on his head.

Then he was enclosed behind a screen where he was anointed with holy oil.

But the monarch also made sure there was a role for other religions, with non-Christian faith leaders taking part in the ceremony for the first time.

And while the TV cameras focused on presidents and prime ministers, lords, ladies and royals as they trooped into the abbey, the audience also included dozens of people invited in honour of the work they do for charities, schools and youth programs around the country.

More challenges are to come

The perception of the monarchy itself has changed since Elizabeth took the throne, making it harder for the palace to stick to its mantra of "never explain, never complain" as the media demand more information about royal spending and accountability.

Charles is also facing demands to make the palace staff more representative of modern Britain and to acknowledge the monarchy's role in slavery and imperialism.

Some of those calls come from within the royal family after Prince Harry, and his wife, Meghan, criticised the palace in a book and TV series released earlier this year. But there is also pressure from republican groups that want to get rid of the hereditary monarchy and some of the 14 Commonwealth realms that bridle at the idea of having an English king as their head of state.