An underworld figure has been found guilty of orchestrating the sniper-style assassination of a former friend-turned-rival bikie boss.

David Pye, 43, stood trial in 2025 charged with murder over the December 2020 slaying of senior Rebels bikie Nick Martin at Perth Motorplex.

Pye hired an ex-army reservist, who cannot be named for legal reasons, to carry out the public assassination.

READ MORE: Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria star Eric Dane dies aged 53

West Australian Supreme Court Justice Joseph McGrath today found the bikie guilty on all six of his charges, which included murder.

Pye paid the gunman $100,000 to carry out the hit on his one-time ally, after the relationship between the two bikies soured when Pye defected from the Rebels to the Comancheros.

The shooter, who is serving a 20-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to murder, used a .308-calibre rifle to target Martin 365 metres away while he sat with his loved ones in a spectator area at the racetrack.

The bullet travelled through Martin's body and exited from his lower back before striking another man in his arm, seriously injuring him.

The court was told the assassin later received a message from Pye that consisted of two coffin emojis and a hand clap emoji.

READ MORE: Coroner unsure if boy's death after eating burrito bowl was preventable

"One dead, one serious," Pye said to the shooter.

Pye faced a judge-alone trial in the West Australian Supreme Court after pleading not guilty to six charges, including murder.

The sniper gave evidence at the trial that he visited Pye's home after the shooting, where his cash payment for killing Martin was waiting for him in a Woolworths bag, but only found half of the $100,000 cash.

Pye replied with words to the effect of "the other person didn't put in – it is what it is".

AS IT HAPPENED: 'Where the bodies are buried': Andrew arrest could bring down others

During the trial, the assassin said Pye was the "dodgiest person I knew" and said Pye had told him he wanted to "blow holes" in Martin.

The trained marksman confirmed he described his hit on the bikie boss as a "community service", saying it was "probably my state of mind, yes".

Pye's barrister, David Hallowes SC, argued the shooter was a liar and the bikie never asked him to kill Martin.

Prosecutors also said Pye offered to pay the same shooter to murder his ex-girlfriend and another bikie, but their killings never eventuated.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play

• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here

• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

A former politician accused of sexually abusing a young teen in a car park bathroom has said he did not know the boy was 13 years old when they met.

Rory Amon talked to the alleged victim on a gay dating app and then over Snapchat before meeting at the boy's family home on Sydney's northern beaches.

The former state MP has pleaded not guilty to various criminal sexual acts against the teenage boy in 2017 and faced a NSW Supreme Court jury trial today.

READ MORE: Inside the secret operation to arrest former prince Andrew

Then aged in his mid-20s, Amon initially spoke with the boy on a gay hook-up website after the teen lied about his age to sign up for a free trial, crown prosecutor Meaghan Fleeton told jurors.

Amon and the boy, who was in Year 8 at high school, did not use their real names.

They allegedly met on two occasions in June and July 2017 at the teen's apartment, where he lived with his parents.

The sexual activity took place in a communal bathroom connected to the car park, Fleeton said.

At the first meeting, Amon is accused of placing the boy's hand on his genitals and then directing the boy to have sexual intercourse with him.

On the second occasion, he brought along a towel, which was placed on the floor.

Further alleged sexual assaults took place while the pair were standing and then while they lay down on the towel.

Amon attempted to have sexual intercourse with the teen before telling him to perform another sexual act.

READ MORE: US President Donald Trump says ex-prince Andrew's arrest 'very, very sad to me'

On both occasions, the former councillor left first.

The boy waited a few minutes alone before going upstairs to his home, Fleeton told the jury.

The complainant – who cannot be legally named – then blocked Amon on Snapchat.

He told his teacher, psychiatrist, parents and friends in 2017 about what allegedly happened.

But the teen did not make a formal complaint to police until years later, after Amon became a local councillor and the boy realised his real identity.

Amon was arrested and charged in August 2024.

Now aged 36, the former politician has pleaded not guilty to 10 charges, including five counts of having sexual intercourse with a child and two counts of attempted sexual intercourse with a child.

He also denies indecent assault charges.

Amon admits meeting the teenager on a gay dating app, but it may have been different to the one the Crown alleges was used, defence barrister Matthew Johnston SC told jurors.

The former MP also admitted talking with the teen on Snapchat before going to his home.

TIMELINE: What led to the arrest of a former prince

But Amon denied he knew the boy was 13-years-old as anyone who signed up for the dating website had to be aged over 18.

"At no point in time did (the alleged victim) provide Mr Amon with his real age," Johnston told the jury.

Instead, the 36-year-old had an honest and reasonable belief that the complainant was at least 16-years-old, the jury heard.

"That is an innocent state of mind," Johnston said.

The alleged victim is expected to tell the court he said he was at least 15-years-old.

Amon also disputed meeting up with the teen twice, saying he only went to the apartment block on one occasion, Johnston said.

The trial continues.

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

Four teens have been charged, but as many as five other suspects connected to a string of alleged shootings and an arson attack targeting the family of a former NRL player remain at large, according to police.

Ex-Bulldogs and Wests Tigers winger Matt Utai remains in a critical condition after he was shot outside his family home in Greenacre, in the city's south-west, at about 6am on Tuesday as he was leaving for work.

He was treated by police and paramedics before being taken to hospital in a serious condition. He has since been moved to a different hospital to continue treatment.

READ MORE: Police say 'hope fading' to find kidnapped Sydney grandfather

There is no suggestion of any wrongdoing by Matt Utai, and police say he is not involved in any criminal activity.

Authorities said the alleged gunman fired from an SUV before it drove away on Tuesday.

A short time later, the car, a black Toyota, was found burnt out in the nearby suburb of Wiley Park.

The following night, at about 12.45am, shots were fired at a house in St Clair. A woman in her 50s was uninjured inside.

A second burnt-out car discovered a short time later in Colyton was seized by police for forensic examination.

The morning following the second shooting, at 6.05am, a fire broke out at a Guildford West house and a nearby car was set alight. Firefighters extinguished both blazes, and no one was injured.

Yesterday, officers raided four properties in Riverwood, Guildford, Lilyfield, Villawood and Auburn and seized three vehicles, 1kg of cocaine, knuckle dusters, electronics and clothing.

An 18-year-old man was arrested in Riverwood, and a 19-year-old man was arrested in Villawood.

READ MORE: US President Donald Trump says ex-prince Andrew's arrest 'very, very sad to me'

"We will allege in court that those two men were involved in the firebombing of that home in Hunt Street, Guildford," Detective Acting Superintendent Brad Abdy said.

Both have been charged to appear in court today. 

Police were later led to a 19-year-old man in Guildford and a 16-year-old in Auburn, who they believe were involved in the shooting of the 44-year-old Utai.

"We will allege the 19-year-old picked up the gunman, while the 16-year-old allegedly helped with the handling of the firearm after the shooting," Abdy said.

Both men were also charged to face court today.

READ MORE: Police say 'hope fading' to find kidnapped Sydney grandfather

Abdy said authorities believe some of the alleged offenders are acting "as part of a criminals-for-hire group", and that as many as five perpetrators are still on the loose.

"At this stage, we are still looking for the two primary offenders who are involved in the shooting of the 44-year-old man, at least two offenders involved in the shooting of the house at St Clair, and we believe there may be a third person involved in the firebombing," he said.

"We are concerned that people from overseas are effectively able to task people in Sydney to commit crimes on their behalf while they remain basically tucked away, free from reach," he added.

READ MORE: What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

"That reach doesn't remain free.

"If we can identify them, then there are processes to have them arrested and returned to this country."

Abdy said the people offshore are "too afraid to come to Australia and NSW to commit crime".

"They are using young people to commit crime on their behalf, promising them riches that they will never get," Abdy said.

Police are investigating whether Utai's son, Iziah's alleged links to the Alameddine crime network could have been the reason behind the alleged attacks.

9News understands 24-year-old Iziah is currently overseas.

NSW Police say the younger Utai is currently wanted for "criminal group offences". 

NSW Police set up Strike Force Halesowen to investigate the incidents, all of which are believed to have been targeting Utai's family.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

Actor Eric Dane, known for his roles in Grey's Anatomy and Euphoria, has died aged 53.

The news comes just 10 months after Dane went public with his diagnosis of incurable amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS, formerly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is the most common form of motor neurone disease.

LIVE UPDATES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

Dane's family confirmed the actor died on Thursday, February 19 (local time).

"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS," read a statement from his family to People.

"He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the centre of his world.

"Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight.

"He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he's received."

READ MORE: Police say 'hope fading' to find kidnapped Sydney grandfather

Dane's family asked for privacy in the wake of his passing.

The late star got his start in the '90s with small roles on TV shows including Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, and Roseanne.

He famously played Dr. Mark Sloan (nicknamed 'McSteamy') in the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy and acted alongside Australian heartthrob Jacob Elordi in Euphoria.

Dane married actress Rebecca Gayheart in 2004 and they welcomed two daughters together; Billie, born in 2010, and Georgia, born in 2011.

Gayheart filed for divorce in 2018 but filed to have it dismissed in 2025, around the time Dane shared his ALS diagnosis publicly.

READ MORE: It's about to be a lot easier to get an ADHD diagnosis in NSW. Could Autism Spectrum Disorder be next on the list?

Dane became an advocate for ALS patients after his own diagnosis.

He worked with US charity I Am ALS on legislation and fundraising before he passed.

"I don't really have a dog in the fight, per se, when it comes to worrying about what people are going think about me," he told the Washington Post in October.

This is more of a: 'How can I help? How can I be of some service?'"

"Not to be overly morbid, but you know, if I'm going out, I'm gonna go out helping somebody."

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

The seismic detainment of the King's brother has sent shockwaves throughout the world.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor likely woke on February 19 expecting to celebrate his birthday in private; instead he was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

His arrest may have seemed sudden to the rest of the world but for the officers involved, it would have been days in the making.

And King Charles III reportedly had no idea it was coming. Here's what we know so far about the confidential police operation to arrest a former prince.

LIVE UPDATES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

Inside the confidential operation

The operation would have started with the complaint of misconduct in public office against Andrew, who is still in line to the British throne.

Senior officers at Thames Valley Police would have assessed the complaint and considered the available evidence before applying for a search warrant.

A magistrate or district judge would have to give legal approval for police to raid Mountbatten-Windsor's Wood Farm home on the Sandringham Estate, as well as his former home, Windsor's Royal Lodge.

Once they had the all-clear, planning could begin.

READ MORE: What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

Details of the raid and arrest would have been kept strictly confidential.

The London Telegraph reported that neither Buckingham Palace nor the King were told what was going to happen on the morning of February 19.

A former officer told The Telegraph UK that even the detectives chosen to carry out the confidential operation were probably kept in the dark.

"The team would have simply been told to report to the station in the early hours," he said.

"They may have even been told to hand over their mobile phones before being given the final briefing, setting out where they were going and what they were doing."

Arresting a former royal

In the early hours of the morning (UK time), officers drove about 200km from the police headquarters in Oxfordshire to the King's private Sandringham estate.

The journey would have taken about three hours.

It had just gone 8am when the small fleet of unmarked police cars pulled up at Mountbatten-Windsor's Wood Farm home.

TIMELINE: What led to the arrest of a former prince

About 20 plainclothes officers from Thames Valley Police were involved, as well as some from the local Norfolk Constabulary.

They arrested Mountbatten-Windsor at the scene and took him straight for questioning.

The officer tasked with arresting the former royal would have read him the standard warning delivered to any suspect taken into custody.

"You do not have to say anything," they would have said.

"But it may harm your defence if you do not mention, when questioned, something which you later rely on in court."

After that, Mountbatten-Windsor would have been ushered into the back of one of the unmarked police cars and driven to a police station for a formal interview.

Police also searched his Wood Farm home and his former home at Royal Lodge.

READ IN FULL: King Charles' statement after the arrest of his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in custody

At the police station, the former prince likely would have been processed like anyone else.

He would have been checked in at the custody suite, searched, and asked to hand over his phone, jewellery, watch, belt or tie.

A risk assessment would have been carried out to ensure he was afforded appropriate care in custody with regard to any medical issues.

Officers would have explained his rights and he likely would have been fingerprinted, then led to a cell for a formal interview.

READ MORE: 'This is unprecedented': Police search two royal properties

The cell wouldn't have been anything fancy.

Former officers told The Telegraph UK they usually consist of an "austere" room with a toilet, which may be screened off, and a low mattress.

Mountbatten-Windsor would have been given time to speak to his lawyer and may have been offered something to eat and drink before the interview started.

The details of the police interview and what, if anything, the former prince divulged during it have not been made public.

After 11 hours in police custody, Mountbatten-Windsor was released.

It's unlikely the story will end there.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

He was reportedly his mother Queen Elizabeth II's favourite, but the former prince Andrew has long been a headache for Britain's royal family.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on Thursday, his 66th birthday, on suspicion of misconduct in public office in an inquiry stemming from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. He is the one senior British royal in modern history to be detained by police.

He was born a prince in 1960, the second child of the queen and her husband Prince Philip. His elder brother Charles was destined for the throne. Andrew took a tried-and-tested route for younger royal sons: military service.

LIVE UPDATES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

After 22 years in the Royal Navy, including combat operations as a helicopter pilot during the 1982 Falklands War, Andrew was named Britain's special representative for international trade and investment in 2001. The current police investigation stems from that period.

It follows documents in recently released Epstein files that suggest Andrew passed on official government documents to the late financier when he was a trade envoy.

The former prince has not been charged with a crime. He has long denied any wrongdoing more than his Epstein links.

Mountbatten-Windsor was forced to step down from the trade role in 2011 amid growing concern about his friendship with Epstein, who had been sentenced to 18 months in prison in 2008 after pleading guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

Once a subject of media fascination for his love life, the man the tabloids dubbed "Randy Andy" became a regular source of headlines because of his money woes and links to questionable characters, including Epstein, the American financier and convicted sex offender.

After Epstein was arrested again in 2019, Andrew gave a disastrous interview to the BBC's Newsnight program, in which he tried to explain away his contacts with Epstein.

READ MORE: What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

It backfired – he was widely criticised for giving unbelievable explanations and for failing to show empathy for Epstein's victims.

Amid the backlash, Andrew announced on November 20, 2019, that he was giving up public duties and charity roles "for the foreseeable future".

In August 2021, one of Epstein's victims, Virginia Giuffre, sued Andrew in a New York court, alleging that the prince had sex with her when she was underage. Andrew denied the allegations, but he was stripped of all military affiliations and royal charity work.

Andrew ultimately settled the case for an undisclosed sum. While he didn't admit wrongdoing, Andrew did acknowledge Giuffre's suffering as a victim of sex trafficking. Giuffre died by suicide in Western Australia April 2025, aged 41.

READ MORE: Timeline of events that led to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest

That was not the end of the story. After emails emerged last year showing Andrew remained in contact with Epstein longer than he previously claimed, King Charles III stripped his brother of his princely title and other honours and his home at Royal Lodge in Windsor.

Now he is also in police custody.

He remains eighth in line to the British throne.

If you or someone you know is in need of support contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue. In the event of an emergency dial Triple Zero (000).

King Charles has spoken out about his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest.

The former Prince Andrew was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his new home on the Sandringham Estate on the morning of his 66th birthday.

The monarch said he "learned with the deepest concern" of his younger brother's arrest and "the law must take its course".

LIVE UPDATES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities," he said.

READ MORE: What happens next after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

King Charles' statement in full

"I have learned with the deepest concern the news about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and suspicion of misconduct in public office.

"What now follows is the full, fair and proper process by which this issue is investigated in the appropriate manner and by the appropriate authorities.

"In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and co-operation.

"Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.

"As this process continues, it would not be right for me to comment further on this matter. Meanwhile, my family and I will continue in our duty and service to you all.

"Charles R."

Thames Valley Police full statement

Thames Valley Police has opened an investigation into the offence of misconduct in public office.

As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.

The man remains in police custody at this time.

We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.

Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: "Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.

"It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.

"We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time."

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the brother of King Charles and eighth in line to the throne, has been arrested on the morning of his 66th birthday.

Thames Valley Police confirmed they'd arrested a man in his 60s in Norfolk on Thursday, which British media outlets named as the former Prince Andrew.

While the sight of six police cars at the King's private Sandringham estate – where Andrew now resides after being removed from the Royal Lodge – was a surprise for many, it wasn't entirely unexpected.

LIVE UPDATES: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested

Multiple divisions of policing had said they were investigating if there had been any misconduct in public office following a number of revelations from the latest cache of Epstein files.

Andrew was a friend of the late Jeffrey Epstein – a disgraced financier and convicted sex offender – and some of the emails in the 3 million documents released by the US Justice Department last month raised fresh concerns about Mountbatten-Windsor's time as UK trade envoy.

Claims of information potentially passed to the US paedophile are being investigated by Thames Valley Police.

Andrew has always denied any wrongdoing.

READ MORE: Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

So, how did we get here? Here's a timeline of events dating back more than 26 years:

1999 – 2000

Andrew first met Jeffrey Epstein through his old university friend Ghislaine Maxwell in 1999.

It led to a friendship that included visits to Epstein's homes in New York, Florida and the Virgin Islands.

Epstein and Maxwell also stayed at Balmoral Castle during that time.

2005 – 2008

The first allegations against Epstein emerged in 2005, with claims that he paid underage women to have sex with him from 2002-2005 and he was accused of molesting a 14-year-old girl in his Palm Beach, Florida home.

It's understood Epstein kept this all under wraps and Mountbatten-Windsor, unaware of the allegations, invited Epstein to his daughter Princess Beatrice's 18th birthday at Windsor Castle in 2006.

Epstein reached a secret plea deal on a lesser charge of soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008 and served 13 months of an 18-month sentence.

2010

Mountbatten-Windsor travelled to New York to meet with Epstein after his release from prison – when the famous Central Park photo of the duo was taken.

In an interview with Emily Maitlis in 2019, Andrew said that visit was made to end their friendship.

However, subsequent email correspondence between the pair has been found in the latest trove of documents known as the Epstein Files, including a 2010 invitation to dine with the then-Duke of York at Buckingham Palace.

Also as a result of the emails, we now know Mountbatten-Windsor's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson and their two daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie, visited Epstein at his home days after his release from prison in July 2010.

2011

Virginia Giuffre (nee Roberts) shared a photo of herself with then-Prince Andrew at Ghislaine Maxwell's London home with the press in February, in an effort to share her story.

She said that she was 17 years old when the photo was taken on a disposable camera in March 2001.

Mountbatten-Windsor always denied the photo was real and claimed it was not him in the image. Some emails from the Epstein files appeared to suggest it was real.

In July of 2011, Mountbatten-Windsor resigned from his role as trade envoy – or the UK's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment as it was formally known – a position he'd held since 2001.

His resignation came after scrutiny over his questionable relationships with the likes of Epstein as well as son-in-law of Tunisia's ousted president and the son of Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi.

2014 – 2015

Mountbatten-Windsor was first named in an Epstein case when Giuffre filed lawsuits alleging she was trafficked by Epstein and Maxwell to have sex with people, including the royal.

She claimed she had been forced to have sex with then-Prince Andrew on three occasions while she was underage.

Buckingham Palace and Andrew both denied the claims and labelled them "categorically untrue".

2019

This was when the scandal really erupted after years of simmering.

In new legal documents another of Epstein's alleged victims, Johanna Sjoberg, accused Mountbatten-Windsor of sexual harassment in Epstein's home in 2001. Buckingham Palace denied the claims again.

Epstein faced federal charges of sex trafficking and conspiracy and was denied bail. He was found dead in his New York jail cell in early August while awaiting trial, in what was later ruled a suicide.

In attempting to distance himself from Epstein's downfall, Mountbatten-Windsor said he was "appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes".

"At no stage during the limited time I spent with him (Epstein) did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction," Mountbatten-Windsor later added in a statement of his own.

Following much speculation about Mountbatten-Windsor's relationship with Epstein and the allegations against the royal, he decided to do a tell-all interview with BBC's Newsnight.

November 2019

The interview with Newsnight host Emily Maitlis was conducted inside Buckingham Palace and saw then-Prince Andrew once again deny accusations made by Giuffre.

In the interview, he also claimed he ended his relationship with Epstein in 2010, which was disproven in further email communication between the pair in 2011.

The interview was disastrous for Andrew and the royal family, including accusations of showing no remorse for Epstein's victims and defending his relationship with the convicted sex offender.

The public outrage resulted in the Duke of York stepping down from all his royal duties four days later for the "foreseeable future".

He then stepped away from his 230 patronages, along with several other official and honorary roles at organisations and charities.

January 2020

After Giuffre spoke to BBC's Panorama in December 2019, Buckingham Palace again denied allegations made against Prince Andrew.

Despite the Duke of York saying he would co-operate with authorities, the FBI said in January 2020 he had "provided zero cooperation".

"To date, Prince Andrew has provided zero cooperation," attorney Geoffrey Berman, the top federal prosecutor in Manhattan, said.

May 2020

Prince Andrew Charitable Trust came under investigation from the UK's Charity Commission regarding some regulatory issues over payments to Mountbatten-Windsor's former private secretary Amanda Thirsk.

As the scandal continue to unfold for Mountbatten-Windsor, who was once in the navy, senior military personnel believed he was an embarrassment to the forces and should be stripped of his military roles.

The continued uproar over his Epstein ties prompted the Duke of York to step down from all public roles in May 2020.

2021

Giuffre launched a civil suit against then-Prince Andrew in a New York court in August 2021, accusing him of "sexual assault and intentional infliction of emotional distress".

2022

In January, Queen Elizabeth stripped her second son of all his military titles and remaining royal patronages.

It was also decided he would not use his His Royal Highness (HRH) in any official capacity but he was not stripped of the title at the time.

This was followed by an out-of-court settlement between Mountbatten-Windsor and Giuffre in February, which is understood to have been worth £12 million ($22 million).

2025 – 2026

Just when Mountbatten-Windsor thought there might be a chance of a royal comeback, attending more official events under his brother's reign, the Epstein files started being released.

In October, an email communication from 2011 between Epstein and Mountbatten-Windsor came to light, contradicting his statements on Newsnight.

"We are in this together and will have to rise above it," the prince told the convicted sex offender, a year after he said he'd ended their friendship.

Later that month, on October 30, King Charles announced his brother would cease using his Duke of York title, was struck off the peerage roll and his HRH and prince titles were taken away.

Mountbatten-Windsor and his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson were banned from attending the royal family's gathering at Sandringham Estate.

Mountbatten-Windsor was also booted out of Royal Lodge in Windsor, to live at a cottage on the King's private estate in Sandringham, which he moved to on February 3, 2026 – where he was arrested weeks later, on February 19.

His arrest has nothing to do with Giuffre's allegations and are currently solely based on allegations he passed on sensitive documents to Epstein during his official role in public service, as trade envoy.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play
• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here
• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here

Former South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to life in prison for his brief imposition of martial law in 2024.

Yoon fell from office after an ill-advised attempt to overcome an opposition-controlled legislature by declaring martial law and sending troops to surround the legislature on December 3, 2024.

Judge Jee Kui-youn said he found Yoon guilty of rebellion for mobilising military and police forces in an illegal attempt to seize the liberal-led National Assembly, arrest politicians and establish unchecked power for a “considerable” time.

WATCH: Robots perform backflips and advanced martial arts in stunning show

Yoon is likely to appeal the verdict.

A special prosecutor had demanded the death penalty for Yoon, saying his actions posed a threat to the country’s democracy and deserved the most serious punishment available, but most analysts expect a life sentence since the poorly-planned power grab did not result in casualties.

South Korea has not executed a death row inmate since 1997, in what is widely seen as a de facto moratorium on capital punishment amid calls for its abolition.

READ MORE: eBay to buy Depop in $1.7b move to reach Gen Z and Millennials

As Yoon arrived in court, hundreds of police officers watched closely as Yoon supporters rallied outside a judicial complex, their cries rising as the prison bus transporting him drove past. Yoon’s critics gathered nearby, demanding the death penalty.

The court also convicted and sentenced several former military and police officials involved in enforcing Yoon’s martial law decree, including ex-defence minister Kim Yong Hyun, who received a 30-year jail term for his central role in planning the measure and mobilizing the military.

Yoon, a staunch conservative, has defended his martial law decree as necessary to stop liberals, whom he described as “anti-state” forces, from obstructing his agenda with their legislative majority.

READ MORE: Supermarket giant 'genuinely cares' about customers, court hears

The decree lasted about six hours before being lifted after a quorum of lawmakers managed to break through a military blockade and unanimously voted to lift the measure.

Yoon was suspended from office on December 14, 2024, after being impeached by lawmakers and was formally removed by the Constitutional Court in April 2025. He has been under arrest since July while facing multiple criminal trials, with the rebellion charge carrying the most severe punishment.

Last month, Yoon was sentenced to five years in prison for resisting arrest, fabricating the martial law proclamation and sidestepping a legally mandated full Cabinet meeting before declaring the measure.

The Seoul Central Court has also convicted two of Yoon’s Cabinet members in other cases. That includes Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, who received a 23-year prison sentence for attempting to legitimise the decree by forcing it through a Cabinet Council meeting, falsifying records and lying under oath. Han has appealed the verdict.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.

• Download the 9NEWS App here via Apple and Google Play

• Make 9News your preferred source on Google by ticking this box here

• Sign up to our breaking newsletter here