Train rage woman dumped on platform

A woman has attacked a group of men on a Sydney train, spitting, cussing and challenging them to a fight. Unimpressed, they removed her from the train.

The abusive young blonde woman on a Sydney train who passengers kicked off after 10 minutes of torment. Picture: YouTube Source: Supplied

A YOUNG woman filmed swearing and abusing people on a train in Sydney was thrown off and dumped on the platform by other passengers.

The video, which was been posted on YouTube on October 26, shows the blonde woman in a red top spitting, swearing and hitting rail commuters, Mail Online reported.

Commuters initially try to ignore the woman's rants as she spits at them and shouts "f*** off you c****, come on you little dogs step up!"

After 10 minutes of non-stop abuse, the patience of passengers runs out.

A middle-aged man standing nearby attempts to calm the woman down, but instead she begins to hit him.

Shortly afterwards as the train pulls into a station, five of the abused passengers decide to take action.

They gather her bags and throw them onto the platform, swiftly followed by the woman herself.

After landing on the platform floor on her bum the woman stares sheepishly at the vigilante travellers in disbelief who in turn laugh and cheer in triumph.

Eventually as the video ends a security guard at the station escorts the woman away.

The video has provoked fairly strident responses.

A user, called Nik Nak, posted: "If she wants to act like a bloke and get in their faces and spit on them she should be treated like a bloke and get knocked out.

"I dont (sic) promote violence against women at all but in circumstances like this the first time she spat on me I would've knocked her out."

Craziewill wrote: "She deserves it and there is nothing un-gentlemen or violence in this."

Warning: Explicit Language

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Man injured after hotel brawl

A MAN received serious facial injuries after a brawl at a Bassendean hotel on Friday night.

The victim was punched several times to the face after he became involved in an argument with another man at the Ambassador Hotel.

The 35-year-old was treated at Swan Districts Hospital for serious facial injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

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Asylum 'hijackers' sent packing

Customs vessels intercept asylum seekers boats. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

FOURTEEN asylum seekers who allegedly hijacked a ship off the Sri Lankan coast in a bid to reach Australia have been found and sent home, the Department of Immigration says.

The group of Sri Lankan nationals was detected and intercepted northwest of the Cocos Islands by Australian authorities late on Thursday.

There were 15 people on board the vessel Chejan, which was involved in the allegedly hijacking incident on October 13.

Fourteen of them were returned to Sri Lanka from the Cocos Islands on a charter flight on this afternoon.

One of the Sri Lankans was not able to be sent home today, but the department indicated he will be deported in coming days.

The Sri Lankans held no visas and made no claims for protection or raised any issues that engaged Australia's international obligations.

The boat had been missing until it was interceptedlate on Thursday north-west of the Cocos Islands by ACV Hervey Bay.

Australia's territorial waters. Graphic: Matt Pike

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Beach weather hits Perth

Sisters Shiyi and Sze-Ying Lin enjoy their first day at an Australian beach. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

SURF life savers have been kept busy at Perth beaches today with busy crowds, rescues and two shark sightings.

A tagged great white shark was detected just before 5am at Mullaloo beach this morning morning, while a fishermen spotted a 2-metre shark off the coast of Hillarys at about 10.45am.

Thousands flocked to beaches around the Perth metropolitan area to make the most of the warm weather today, which reached a top of 33 degrees just after 3pm.

St John Ambulance was called to City Beach at about 11am after life savers pulled a 32-year-old man from the water with suspected spinal injuries.

He was taken to Queen Elizabeth II medical centre for treatment.

Three people were also questioned by police for allegedly stealing bags at Cottesloe beach.
 

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Further drug raids planned for regional WA

Police have seized thousands of dollars worth of drugs and weapons in a major operation to target street-level drug dealers.

CRACKDOWN: Police raided this Bellevue home and allegedly found 47 bags of Cannabis, each worth $25, as well as cash and a smoking implement. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

Inspector Rob Anderson looks over drugs and weapons seized as part of Operation Crackdown. Picture: Nicole Cox. Source: PerthNow

Drugs and weapons seized as part of Operation Crackdown. Picture: Nicole Cox. Source: PerthNow

MORE drug raids are planned by West Australian police after a one-day blitz in metropolitan and regional areas that led to 86 arrests.

Operation Crackdown was undertaken in the metro area yesterday morning, targeting street-level drug dealers who encouraged and facilitated crimes among drug users such as burglaries, police said.

"Significant intelligence on drug dealers has been gathered, which will lead to further drug operations across regional WA,'' WA police said today.

Fifty properties in Rockingham, Inglewood, Morley, Balga, Bellevue, Trigg, Girrawheen and Padbury were searched as part of the sting, dubbed Operation Crackdown.

In country WA, police conducted 42 simultaneous raids from Eucla to Kununurra, Albany to Broome and major coastal towns.

Police said cannabis, methamphetamines, amphetamines, cocaine and psylocibin (mushrooms) had been seized during the raids.

In addition, a cache of weapons including a sawn-off rifle, throwing knives, axes, a crossbow, butterfly knife and samurai sword were also allegedly located during the raids.

Operational Commander Inspector Rob Anderson today said the operation aimed to conduct a large number of drug search warrants across the metropolitan area in a single day to disrupt and dismantle these dealers' activities.

"WA Police are committed to making the communities a safer place,'' Insp Rob Anderson said..

Across the metropolitan area, police made 63 arrests and issued 104 summons for 217 charges from metropolitan raids. During the suburban search warrants $85,000 in cash was seized and stolen property valued at $56,000 was confiscated.

Regionally, officers laid 120 charges, made 22 arrests and summonsed 23 people to court on a range of drug, stolen property, unlicensed firearms and weapons charges.

Insp Anderson said the operation was to "send a loud and clear message to those drug dealers that if you participate in this behaviour...WA Police will find you. They will execute search warrants at your premises, maybe not tomorrow, maybe not next week, maybe not next month but we will find you and we will target you.

"There is no doubt that drug dealers and those people involved in drugs are also involved in other crimes as well.''

Insp Anderson said it was concerning that children had been found at some of the alleged drug dens raided by police yesterday.

"There's no ethics amongst drug dealers,'' he said.

In Donnybrook, police found a suspected clandestine drug lab in bush land.

At a home in Bellevue officers allegedly seized 47 individual bags of cannabis in a tin canister on a bedside table.

While at one property in Trigg, 133 cannabis plants worth $200,000 were uncovered.

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One in three to join $70m jackpot hopefuls

One in three people expected to snap up a ticket for next week's $70m OZ Lotto jackpot. Source: Herald Sun

MORE than $100 million is up for grabs in the Lotto next week.

On Tuesday night, OZ Lotto's $70 million jackpot will be drawn.

It is the second highest amount the game has ever jackpotted to and would make Australian history if one Lotto player takes out the big prize.

Lotterywest spokeswoman Pina Compagnone said the record amount won was $58.7 million by a Melbourne syndicate of four in 2008.

"The jackpot is certainly generating excitement and anticipation across the nation, with one in three adult Australians expected to pick up a ticket in this draw," she said.

Thursday will see the draw of the $15 million Powerball jackpot, and the week will end with the $21 million Saturday Lotto Superdraw.

Ms Compagnone said there were 59 Division 1 winners in Western Australia so far this year.

Tickets for next week's draws are available from Lotterywest retailers across the state or online at www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au.

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Indecent assault on boys in Hyde Park

HIGHGATE: Police believe this man may have been in the vicinity of an indecent assault at Hyde Park today. Source: PerthNow

TWO young boys were indecently touched by an older man while playing at Hyde Park this afternoon.

The boys were playing in a water feature at the Highgate park about 1pm today when they were indecently touched by a man, who left the area shortly after.

Police would like to speak to the man pictured, who was seen in the area at the time and who they believe can assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being about 70 to 80 years of age, with a slim build, white hair and a moustache.

He was wearing a red, white and blue checkered shirt with blue shorts and a black leather belt.

Anyone who can identify the man or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Skateboard crash claims life of Italian man

A 23-year-old man has died after falling from a skateboard on a steep hill in Bicton.

The descent at Braunton Street, Bicton, where a skateboarder died last night. Source: PerthNow

A YOUNG man from Italy has been killed after he came off his skateboard and crashed into a pole at a popular skate spot in Bicton.

Nine News reports that the man, 22, had only been in living in Perth for a few months after coming out from Italy.

Last night's tragic accident on Braunton Street occurred just before 7pm, when he clipped the curb and came off his longboard, crashing into a light post.

Nearby residents rushed to the man's aid and he was taken to Fremantle Hospital but died from his injuries.

One of the first people on the scene, Damian Kelly, told Nine News: "I ran down and found a young skateboarder lying on the ground, bleeding from the head unconscious.

"He had a very faint pulse, we monitored his vital signs and put a blanket on him, we didn't want to shift him due to risk of spinal damage."

Police believe the man was travelling at more than 50km/h as he came down the hill and its understood he was not wearing a helmet.

Local resident Barbara Dickinson told Nine News it was a dangerous area: "They simply come off their boards, they are either going too fast or they try to come round the corner too quickly."

Police are using Interpol to contact the man's family in Italy.

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Beware: Magpies on the swoop

GOTCHA: A woman is attacked by a swooping magpie in NSW. Picture: John Grainger Source: The Daily Telegraph

BEWARE: It's that time of the year again when swooping magpies become a menace across WA.

The Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) is reminding people to be on alert for swooping magpies, after  several reports of magpies displaying aggressive behaviour towards people.

DEC South West Region wildlife officer Pia Courtis said magpies were most active at this time of year.

"We expect that the number of calls from concerned residents who encounter an aggressive magpie will rise sharply as we approach summer," she said.

"Male magpies are territorial and may swoop at people if they think their nest or offspring are being threatened but they are only doing what comes naturally to them when defending their young ones.

"Tall trees in the suburbs provide the perfect environment for magpie nests and the best way to avoid being swooped is to find an alternative way of passing their breeding sites for the six to eight weeks that magpies usually defend their nest.

"We also encourage people to protect themselves by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses to conceal their face and eyes.

"People should not look towards swooping magpies and they should ensure that children do not throw rocks or sticks at the birds, as this will only exacerbate their attacks.

"If you are riding a bike and you are swooped, consider attaching cable ties to your helmet as a deterrent or even dismount and walk your bike through the area. You may find you will not be swooped if you walk."

If magpies pose a serious safety risk to people, a dangerous fauna licence may be issued to remove the offending bird.

If you are concerned about aggressive magpies in your area, contact DEC's Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 or your nearest DEC office.
 

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Woman hit, threatened with gun at Coles

A composite image of the man sought by police. Source: PerthNow

A 27-YEAR-OLD woman has been threatened with a gun and punched in the face outside a Coles supermarket in Perth's northern suburbs.

The woman was walking home in Maylands last night about 11pm when she was approached by a man demanding money.

When the victim said she did not have any money, the man punched her in the face and revealed a silver hand gun.

He fled the scene shortly after.

The man was described as being of Asian appearance, aged 20 to 25 years, and about 160cm tall.

He was wearing a light coloured t-shirt and light coloured jeans.

Anyone with information should contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

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'Crackdown' raids across Perth

Police have seized thousands of dollars worth of drugs and weapons in a major operation to target street-level drug dealers.

CRACKDOWN: Police raided this Bellevue home and allegedly found 47 bags of Cannabis, each worth $25, as well as cash and a smoking implement. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

POLICE have seized thousands of dollars worth of drugs and weapons after dozens of homes were raided in a major operation to target street-level drug dealers.

Homes in Rockingham, Inglewood, Morley, Balga, Bellevue, Trigg, Girrawheen and Padbury were raided as part of the operation, dubbed "Operation Crackdown."

Drugs, stolen property and weapons, including a sawn-off rifle, were seized in the raids.

At a home in Bellevue this morning, police allegedly seized 47 individual bags of cannabis in a tin canister on a bedside table.

There were numerous people inside the home, including children, when police arrived about 7.20am.

Two people, a 33-year-old woman and a 34-year-old man, will be charged by summons over the alleged cannabis find.

It is understood as many as 130 cannabis plants were also found at a property in Trigg this morning.

A police spokeswoman said today the operation was carried out in an effort to target street level drug dealers who have a negative effect on the community they live in.

"The operation intent was to conduct a large number of drug search warrants across the metropolitan area in a single day to disrupt and dismantle these dealers' activities, at the same time...reassuring the community that police are committed to making their community a safer place," the spokeswoman said.

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Burnt firefighters stable ahead of inquiry

FIRE VICTIM: One of the firefighters injured in a fire near Albany arrives at Jandakot. Picture: Jordan Shields Source: PerthNow

AN investigation into a bush blaze near Albany that left a firefighter with life-threatening burns is set to begin within a week.

The bushfire at Two Peoples Bay began on October 12 and was fully extinguished five days later.

A 45-year-old firefighter was badly hurt in the blaze, suffering burns to 60 per cent of her body, and was in a critical condition for several days.

She is now in a critical but stable condition, a Royal Perth Hospital spokesman said.

Another firefighter, a 24-year-old woman, received burns to 40 per cent of her body and remains in a stable condition.

Emergency Services Minister Troy Buswell said today the Fire and Emergency Services Authority, Department of Environment and Conservation and local government in Albany had appointed an independent person to undertake an investigation into fire.

"This person will be commencing work within the week,'' Mr Buswell said in an emailed statement.

It's already known that a sudden change in wind direction turned the fire on the truck carrying the two firefighters.

Mr Buswell told parliament today that the women would have been trained to stay inside the truck and cover themselves in a fire blanket, but training and resourcing for bushfires was constantly evolving.

He said he was "absolutely sure'' lessons could be learnt from the Albany fire.

"Fires of that nature are a dynamic and volatile environment,'' he said.

"I believe that from just about every single fire event that we attend, we can learn something new so we do it better next time.''

Mr Buswell warned that conditions were dry as the bushfire season approached.

"It's dry in the Great Southern, it's dry in the South West, it's dry across the metropolitan area,'' he said.

"In Mundaring, they are on the verge of stopping controlled burns because controlled burns in October are starting to crown - that's when the fire goes up into the top of the trees.

"So we have some big challenges.''

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Top cop does not expect Barnett apology

Police Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan. Source: PerthNow

POLICE Commissioner Karl O'Callaghan does not expect or want an apology from Premier Colin Barnett over his controversial "clip around the ears'' comments.

Mr Barnett last week told Fairfax Radio that Police Minister Liza Harvey was justified in giving the state's top cop "a clip around the ears'' after he expressed concern to a Parliamentary hearing about a planned hiring freeze and other budget cuts to the police force.

The hiring freeze has since been shelved and the budget cuts greatly reduced.

Today Mr Barnett backpedalled on ABC radio.

The Premier said he did not say the Commissioner deserved a clip around the ears for voicing his concerns, rather that he got a clip around the ears from Ms Harvey for not bringing up the matter privately.

"There's a clear distinction here,'' Mr Barnett said.

"I'm not talking about Karl O'Callaghan, I'm talking to all senior public servants.

"If they appear before a Parliamentary committee, they are required to answer questions truthfully and factually.''

Mr Barnett said when it came to issues of policy making and funding of police, that was a matter for government to handle, not people in chief executive roles.

Mr O'Callaghan said he did not hear Mr Barnett's original comment but had seen a transcript.

"As far as I'm concerned, that matter's dead and gone,'' he said today.

"It's just an issue on the day.

"I'm not looking for any apology. I'm quite happy to just get on with the job.''

Mr O'Callaghan said he had a "thick hide'' and was not concerned by the Premier's comment.

"I've been working in policing for many, many years,'' he said.

"I've been called lots of names. It doesn't bother me.''

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Grieving parents issue heartfelt advice

Peter Gelissen told Channel 9 he wished his son had had a chance in life. PICTURE: Channel 9 Source: PerthNow

Lee-Ann Gelissen said the family was heartbroken over the tragedy. PICTURE: Channel 9 Source: PerthNow

The parents of a five-year-old child who died after a television set fell onto him speak about their loss.

THE grieving family of a five-year-old boy who died in a freak accident in Collie yesterday has urged parents to "treasure" their children.

Peter Gelissen was killed at his family home yesterday morning when a television set in his bedroom fell from a chest of drawers and crushed him.

Mother Lee-Ann Gelissen told Channel 9 the family was heartbroken over the tragedy.

"I wouldn't want any person to go through that because it's horrendous," she said.

"It's not something that you want to see happen to your child."

Mrs Gelissen said parents should treasure the time they have with their children.

"Treasure every single second you have with your children because they could be gone, taken so suddenly," she said.

"Treasure them because they're so precious."

Her husband Peter told of his love for his boy.

"Only five, that's the hardest thing, never got a chance," he told Channel 9.

"I love him so much."

A report is being prepared for the State Coroner.

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Bali bomb threat delays plane

Andrea Giovanni Sorteni, 48, is escorted by police in Yogyarkarta, following his arrest in Denpasar. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

AN ITALIAN painter has been arrested on the Indonesian resort island of Bali for allegedly making a hoax bomb threat to a flight after his wife failed to get a seat on it, police say.

Andrea Giovanni Sorteni, 48, could be charged with terrorism offences over the bomb threat, which sparked panic and caused the flight from Yogyakarta in central Java to be delayed by several hours.

Indonesia has been hit by deadly bombings over the past decade and the hoax came at a sensitive time - two days after Bali marked the 10th anniversary of Islamist attacks that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

The artist, who denies making the threat, became upset when his Indonesian wife was not allowed on the flight after low-cost domestic carrier Lion Air said her ticket was out of date, according to police.

"He was very angry knowing that his wife could not fly back home and called Lion Air and said there were explosive materials on the flight to Bali,'' Yogyakarta police spokeswoman Ani Pudjiastuti told AFP.

Passengers waiting for the October 14 flight to take off became panicky on hearing about the threat, but a police search of the plane turned up no explosives, she said.

Sorteni was arrested on October 17 in Denpasar on Bali, where he was living with his wife, after he was tracked down through the mobile phone he allegedly used to make the threats, police said.

He was taken to Yogyakarta and remains in custody while the police investigation continues, the spokeswoman said.

She said he could be charged under terrorism laws or under laws that ban spreading false information through electronic means.

Lion Air spokesman Edward Sirait said the incident was regrettable. "We're an industry which is highly sensitive to any information that could risk our passengers' safety,'' he said.

The Italian embassy in Jakarta would not comment when contacted by AFP.

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Fortescue can ask for relief: Barnett

Andrew Forrest CEO Fortescue Metals Group and WA Premier Colin Barnett at a conference. Source: PerthNow

PREMIER Colin Barnett says Fortescue Metals Group is entitled to seek financial relief from the State Government to defer royalty payments if necessary

It has been reported that with Fortescue's desire to proceed as soon as possible with its Kings iron ore project, it may seek to defer state royalty payments.

The Financial Review today reported a "rumour'' that Fortescue last week sought the postponement of two quarters of royalty payments, which would probably total more than $200 million.

The September quarter royalty payments are due by October 30.

Answering a question from the Opposition in Parliament today, Mr Barnett said he would not make a comment on the financial position of a publicly listed company, but said Fortescue was allowed to seek relief from the government if necessary.

"It's no secret that a number of companies were hit by the very sharp fall in iron ore prices and there's been a lot of commentary in the financial media about that,'' he said.

"If a company were to come to the government and seek some sort of relief, then the government would consider that on merit and it's not without precedence.''

Mr Barnett said such assistance had been granted in previous years, including to the mineral sands sector and Rio Tinto's Argyle diamond operation.

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Spare jail beds claim 'demonstratively false'

Union officials have rejected claims that there is spare capacity in WA's jails, such as Hakea Prison. Source: PerthNow

CLAIMS of spare beds in Western Australia's prison system have been vehemently rejected by a union official.

WA Prison Officers Union national secretary John Welch said Corrective Services Minister Murray Cowper was wrong in saying there were 247 surplus beds in the state's prison system, labelling the claim "spin-doctory gone mad''.

The system was actually more than 1500 beds short and was the most overcrowded in the country, Mr Welch said.

"The idea that we are not overcrowded or not short of staff is demonstratively false - we currently have 4900 prisoners in a system for 3500,'' he said today.

Mr Cowper today said in a statement there were currently 5136 "operational'' beds available in the state and 4889 prisoners incarcerated.

Mr Welch said the government was fudging the numbers because "operational'' levels were effectively for emergencies.

WA prisons had exceeded the recommended capacity through double-bunking - having two beds in a single cell designed for one person, he said.

The practice caused problems for prison staff because it angered prisoners, Mr Welch said.

"The reality is those people are angry, cranky, frustrated. Who deals with that? The prison officers.''

Mr Welch said 13 out of WA's 14 prisons were chronically overcrowded, with some running at 140 to 150 per cent of capacity.

Mr Cowper said the government's infrastructure program would add 2600 beds to the prison system and followed eight years under the Labor government in which there were only 300 new beds.

"It is a reality that double-bunking exists in most prison systems across the world,'' Mr Cowper said.

"We don't apologise for this. These offenders are not at a hotel - they are in prison.''

Mr Welch said the previous government did not resolve the issue of overcrowding in state prisons but the current government was not fixing the problem either, and even when current development projects were completed, there would still be a shortage of 1200 to 1700 cells.

The union recently launched their 'Respect the Risk' campaign, asking for a 15 per cent pay rise over three years for prison officers as well as safer working conditions.

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Man facing charges over Embleton siege

A man allegedly involved in a siege in Embleton today has been charged by police.

ARREST: Heavily armed police have arrested a man at a siege in Embleton following reports the man threatened a woman with a gun. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

ARREST: Heavily armed police have arrested a man at a siege in Embleton following reports the man threatened a woman with a gun. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

ARREST: Heavily armed police have arrested a man at a siege in Embleton following reports the man threatened a woman with a gun. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

ARREST: Heavily armed police have arrested a man at a siege in Embleton following reports the man threatened a woman with a gun. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

A MAN allegedly involved in a siege in Embleton today has been charged by police.

The 38-year-old has been charged with making threats to injure, endanger or harm a person after heavily armed police stormed his home.

Police will allege the man threatened a 40-year-old woman when she returned to the house with a friend this morning.

Officers, including police from the elite Tactical Response Group, were called to the Collier Rd house at 9.45am after reports that the woman was being holed up by a man with a gun.

After a stand-off, the man was arrested by police just before 1pm and taken in for questioning.

But it is understood a search of the property by police did not uncover a firearm.

A police spokeswoman said the incident was domestic related.

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WA gears up for $70 million jackpot

MAGIC MILLIONS: OZ Lotto's $70 million dollar draw is back. Source: Herald Sun

THE OZ Lotto Division 1 jackpot has rocketed to $70 million, the second-highest prize to be offered in the game's history.

The monster jackpot was announced after tonight's Oz Lotto draw failed to produce any Division 1 winners across the country, although more than 127,000 people won prizes in lesser divisions.

Lotterywest spokesperson Pina Compagnone said Lotterywest expects to sell about 850,000 tickets in WA for the $70 million draw.

As the game has jackpotted over the last seven weeks, soaring ticket sales has also helped Lotterywest to raise an almost $10 million for the WA community.

Lotterywest expects next week's draw will raise a further $6 million for the local community.

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Camilla our Melbourne Cup coup

Charles and Camilla will take part in festivities at Flemington. Source: HWT Image Library

THE Melbourne Cup will be a royal affair, with Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, presenting the Cup to connections of the winning horse.

In a major coup for Victoria, Prince Charles and Camilla will make a flying visit to Melbourne as part of their Pacific tour of Papua New Guinea, Australia and NZ.

The royal couple will spend the afternoon at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day, along with other celebrities including Mischa Barton, Delta Goodrem and Brynne and Geoffrey Edelsten.

Prince Charles and Camilla are expected to arrive in the early afternoon and take a tour of the mounting yards and facilities at the course before watching the race.

The action today moves to the Geelong Cup, where former Home and Away actor Esther Anderson, will be among the stars trackside.

- with Kim Wilson

 

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Sneak peak at WA's top 50 gold-medal wines

Chief judge Nick Bulleid has his work cut out with another top flight of potential gold-medal reds. Source: PerthNow

Chinese judge Fongyee Walker gets stuck into some wine judging in Mt Barker for the Qantas Wine Show. Source: PerthNow

AS our wine industry prepares to salute the state's best drops at the Qantas Wine Show of WA at the Hyatt this Friday, we can reveal some of the gold-medal winners from the judging in Mt Barker earlier this month.

Judges had their work cut out this year, with more than 1000 wines submitted for entry on the back of another top vintage in the west, with the cabernet, riesling and chardonnay classes particularly strong.

It's not possible for every judge to rate every wine, so they are split into three groups - each panel having two associate judges, a panel leader and two judges scoring around 350 wines over three days.

The state's premier wine show is now in its 35th year and judges the best of WA-grown wines. From only six classes in 1978, the show now includes 42 classes and 17 trophies, including the prestigious best wine of show.

After a class is judged, the panel compares scores and any wine pointed 18.5 or above is re-poured for another tasting and dissection before chief judge Nick Bulleid and the panel decide which win gold.

The whole judging process is neither easy nor that pleasant; swirling, sniffing and spitting 60 cabernets at 8am may sound enticing but teeth go black within hours (and shouldn't be brushed until the next morning) and constant concentration is needed all day.

Luckily experience is always on hand - our panel included James Halliday's right hand man Ben Edwards, 2012 Gourmet Traveller Winemaker of the Year Virginia Willcock from Vasse Felix, riesling maestro Don Young and leading wine critic and judge Peter Forrestal.

* Taste the state's best at the Top 50 Tasting this Thursday, Hyatt Regency, $50. Bookings through wineshowwa.com.au or email suraj.naik@hyatt.com or telephone 9225 1204.

OUR PANEL'S TOP 10 (in no particular order)

Our panel tried only a proportion of the wines but, of the 52 gold medals awarded, we came across 22. Here's our top 10 rated gold medal winners:

2011 Credaro Beach Head Shiraz ($19)
2008 Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Sauvignon ($55)
2009 Evans & Tate Frankland River Riesling ($25)
2009 Palandri 3 Oceans Vita Novus Shiraz ($35)
2010 Deep Woods Reserve Cabernet ($45)
2011 Mandoon Old Vine Shiraz ($22)
2007 Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec ($55)
2012 Plantagenet Riesling ($25)
2011 Gralyn Estate Reserve Chardonnay ($55)
2012 Larry Cherubino Ad Hoc Riesling ($18)
 

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Pamela Stephenson bares all to Perth fans

MY STORY: Pamela Stephenson prepares to address her audience in Perth today. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

DANCE FAN: Pamela Stephenson on hit British reality TV show, Strictly Come Dancing. Picture: Michelle Moore/WireImage Source: Supplied

PAMELA Stephenson has told a Perth audience that the key to a long and happy marriage - she's been married to Billy Connolly for 33 years - is to spend time apart.

The comedian/actress/psychologist/author/mother of three and ballroom dancer - who has spent much of her time in Perth with fellow "lamazouk'' dancers at a venue in Cottesloe -  told 90 guests at a literary luncheon at the  that her marriage has remained strong because she and Connolly have been busy with careers that involve travelling independently.

When asked by someone in the audience for marital advice, she said her own experience was that it was "good to have break from each other and be free to do your own thing''.

"Travelling separately is one of the ways we've been going strong for so many years,'' she said.

Stephenson revealed that Connolly brashly warned her not to take part in British TV's Strictly Come Dancing (the UK version of Dancing with the Stars) because she would "make an arse of yourself''.

She went on to become a finalist in the reality series and her new-found passion for dancing has grown ever since. So much so that her Perth appearance at the Parmelia Hilton featured some impromptu moves.

In a surprise for guests, 20 dancers dressed as businessmen "stormed'' the luncheon - moving furniture and dancing wildly midway through her address.

"Pamela's a passionate dancer so we put on an impromptu dance session,'' publicist Carol Warwick explained.

In promoting her new book The Varnished Untruth - My Story, Stephenson reflected on her difficult childhood - she was kicked out of home at 15 and was blamed by her father for a fatal car accident (she wasn't the driver) - and recounted how she and Connolly "saved" one and other, having both come from troubled pasts.

"You could say we were joined at the wound'' she said.

Stephenson told the audience that when she lost her virginity as a teenager,  "I suppose it was rape. My father told me 'You are no longer my daughter' and kicked me out''.

This recently publicised chapter of her life led to her living for short time on the streets before being sent by her parents to a refuge.
 
Stephenson's Perth appearance was the last in a national tour which started in Brisbane on October 10.

She's heading home to Britain "for a rest" before resuming a new series of Shrink Rap, an offbeat TV series which will feature interviews with Robin Williams, Stephen Fry and Joan Rivers.

The Varnished Untruth - My Story, published by Simon and Schuster, is out now, rrp $29.

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Corryn's family are biased, Rayney lawyers claim

ON TRIAL: Barrister Lloyd Rayney arrives at court with youngest daughter Sarah. Picture: Kerris Berrington Source: PerthNow

VICTIM: Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney, whose body was found in a bush grave in Kings Park in August 2007.  Source: PerthNow

FAMILY members of Supreme Court registrar Corryn Rayney are biased against her estranged husband, barrister and murder accused Lloyd Rayney, Mr Rayney's lawyers have claimed.

As Supreme Court judge Brian Martin, QC, considers his verdict in the long-running trial, Mr Rayney's lawyers have asked him to disregard evidence from some of those closest to his late wife.

In written closing submissions to the court, Mr Rayney's lawyers said there were many examples of Mrs Rayney's sister Sharon Coutinho giving evidence which displayed her ``clear bias'' against Mr Rayney.

In particular, they said Mrs Coutinho had testified that when Mr Rayney telephoned her on August 8, 2007 to tell her Mrs Rayney was missing she ``honestly felt, that he had done something.''

"This evidence was inadmissable and was not in answer to the question,'' Mr Rayney's lawyers told Justice Martin in a written submission which was released today.

Mr Rayney's lawyers also said Mrs Coutinho's husband Rohan ``volunteered a great deal of evidence about Mr Rayney's use and experience with lifting weights in answer to a question that was completely unrelated to the question asked''.

Mr Rayney's lawyers said both Mr and Mrs Coutinho had told the court that Mr Rayney gave the same speech at his wife's funeral as he did at their wedding.

But they said the two speeches only had three matters in common _ when Mr Rayney told of how he first met his wife, of their first date and why he was initially attracted to her.

Mr Rayney has been on trial for more than three months charged with wilfully murdering Mrs Rayney on or about August 7, 2007. He also faces an alternative charge of manslaughter.

Justice Martin will hand down his verdict on November 1.

Both charges carry jail terms if convicted. Wilful murder carries a maximum term of life imprisonment and manslaughter, a maximum penalty of 20 years jail.

In their summing up, Mr Rayney's lawyers said the evidence of Mrs Rayney's father Ernest da Silva was also inconsistent with Mr Rayney's actions following his wife's disappearance.

"The evidence of Ernest da Silva that Mr Rayney could not look at him is inconsistent with the evidence that Mr Rayney asked him to attend the Kensington Police Station to assist with the making of a missing persons report,'' they said.

Mr Rayney's lawyers said the evidence from Mrs Rayney's cousin Kevin da Silva, who lives in Canada, was "ludicrous''.

Mr da Silva testified via video link that Mr Rayney had told him he had a brown belt in karate. He said he had also witnessed Mr Rayney adeptly lifting heavy weights in the gym.

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Freo holiday maker 'left dog to die'

A FREMANTLE man has been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly leaving his dog to die while he went on holiday.

The 46-year-old will appear in Fremantle Magistrates Court tomorrow to face the charge.

It will be alleged that RSPCA inspectors went to his property on January 18 after receiving a complaint about an animal in distress.

They found Bessie, a blue heeler, lying on its side under a tree.

The animal appeared to be gasping for breath with dilated pupils and bright red gums.

The inspectors tried to contact the owner and later found out that he had gone away on holidays.

It was revealed the dog had cancer.

When an RSPCA inspector made contact with the owner later that month, he allegedly told them he had left water and a bone for the dog and had expected the dog to be dead by the time he returned.

He allegedly claimed it would have stressed the dog out to take it to the vet.

A veterinary examination determined Bessie was suffering from a state of infectious shock and she was euthanised.

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Miss Universe hopefuls strut their wares

FAMILY BEAUTY: Miss Universe Australia 2012 Renae Ayris with her sister Rachel Ayris. PIcture:  Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

IN IT TO WIN IT: A Miss Universe WA hopeful struts her stuff. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

FAMILY BEAUTY: Miss Universe Australia 2012 Renae Ayris with her sister Rachel Ayris. PIcture:  Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

IN IT TO WIN IT: A Miss Universe WA hopeful struts her stuff. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

IN IT TO WIN IT: A Miss Universe WA hopeful struts her stuff. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

IN IT TO WIN IT: A Miss Universe WA hopeful struts her stuff. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

IN IT TO WIN IT: A Miss Universe WA hopeful struts her stuff. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

DOZENS of WA beauties flooded the Perth CBD today for their chance to become the next Miss Universe.

Hundreds of young women from all over WA descended on the Murray Street mall this afternoon under a warm and sunny sky for the 2013 Miss Universe Australia registration day.

After strutting their stuff on the stage in front of a large crowd, including current Miss Universe Australia and Perth girl Renae Ayris, today's bevy of beautiful contenders were whittled down to a group of just 60 who will now go on to compete in a series of WA heats, from which a select group of finalists will be chosen to compete in the state final.

From there, six WA girls will be announced as the 2013 winners.

They will go on to compete for the Miss Universe Australia crown next year, the winner of whom will represent Australia at the prestigious international event.

Western Australia has produced the last two Miss Universe Australia winners.

Connolly woman Renae Ayris will represent Australia in the Miss Universe final in Las Vegas in December.

Scherri-Lee Biggs, also from WA, placed in the top 10 of the Miss Universe contest when she represented Australia in the 2011 competition.
 

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Tagged great white hanging around

SIGHTED: A large great white shark has been detected off Ocean Reef beach this morning, closing several northern beaches. Source: PerthNow

SEVERAL northern beaches were closed this morning after a tagged great white shark was detected off Ocean Reef several times, the most recent just before midday.

The tagged great white was first detected at 9am and again at 11.52am off Ocean Reef.

Surfers also reported seeing a large shark about 200m off the Ocean Reef beach at 9am and again at 9.30am.

Nearby Mullaloo Beach was also cleared with hundreds of junior lifesavers ordered out of the water after the shark sighting.

North Mullaloo Beach remained closed, by an order from the City of Joondalup rangers.

Earlier today, at 7am, there was another report of a 3m to 4m great white shark 100m off the beach at Searbird, 100km  north of Perth.

A 4m-5m great white was spotted off Busselton Jetty about 9.30pm on Friday night.  

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One devil captured, two still loose

ONE DOWN: One of three Tasmanian devils which escaped from Peel Zoo has been recaptured, but two remain on the loose. Source: PerthNow

Three Tasmanian Devils have escaped from a Peel Zoo after their enclosure was damaged.

ONE of three Tasmanian devils on the loose in rural Western Australia has been found.

The four-month-old male devils - Itchy, Scratchy and Genghis - escaped from Peel Zoo, on the outskirts of Pinjarra, south of Perth, after a tree smashed their enclosure on Tuesday.

Zoo owner David Cobbold said Scratchy was found at about 3am today but the other two hand-reared animals remained on the loose.

Mr Cobbold said two men chased Scratchy through the bush and trapped the animal against a fence before wrapping it in a towel.

They then secured it in their bathroom, but Scratchy clawed its way through part of the plasterboard wall.

Mr Cobbold thanked the men but said people should not try to handle the animals themselves.

``The capture proved devils aren't as dangerous as their reputation suggested,'' he said.

``The name is more about the noise than the behaviour.''

Mr Cobbold has urged members of the public who see the remaining two devils to call him on 0400 788 289.

A truckdriver reported seeing "little bears'' crossing South West Highway near Pinjarra on Friday and paw prints were found around the town's golf course.

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Locals fight back against beach violence

A 15yo has been charged after a brawl involving about 20 African youths on the Scarborough beachfront yesterday.

BEACH ACTION: Residents gathered at Scarborough Beach to voice their opposition to violence at the beach. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

ON THE BEAT: Police patrol Scarborough Beach as residents protest recent violence. Picture: Marie Nirme Source: PerthNow

TROUBLE: The first hot day of October, a holiday Monday, sparked violence at Scarborough Beach. Picture: Nine News Source: PerthNow

SIGN OF THE TIMES: A resident holds a placard outlining recent problems. Picture:  Marie Nirme
Source: PerthNow

SCARBOROUGH locals are fighting back against recent alcohol fuelled violence which has plagued the beachfront suburb.

Some residents revealed today that they are too scared to go to the beach on hot days because they fear they will be assaulted by drunken thugs.

A community crime forum on the beachfront this morning, organised by City of Stirling councillors Jason Robbins and Bill Stewart, saw about 80 local residents descend on the beach keen to voice their concerns and ideas following a string of drunken and violent incidents at the beach in the past few months.

Among the incidents to hit the headlines recently have been several brawls involving dozens of drunken youths, while two men aged in their 30s were attacked with bricks and bottles by a gang of thugs just 12 days ago.

Mr Robbins told those at the forum that the time had come for action to rid the area of violent and drunken thugs.

"We hear the same spin from the same spin doctors…we are sick of the spin, we want some action," Mr Robbins said.

"We need to send a strong message…making it clear to the thugs they are not wanted."

Mr Robbins flagged a number of ideas at the forum including a proposed police post at the beach over the summer months in an effort to deter trouble makers to the area.

Mr Robbins said police officers needed to be seen enforcing the law to the full extent to those who break it.

"We need to be decisive and we need to be consistent and they (the thugs) need to learn that they are not going to come down here and cause problems for the rest of us because we are here to have a swim and enjoy the peaceful environment," he said.

"Let them (the police) enforce the law by confiscating alcohol…(that) in turn will build trust and confidence in the area."

Married couple Kellie and Josh Bannister and their baby son Taj were among those at today's community forum.

They have lived in Scarborough for the past two years and said they no longer felt safe going to the beach on hot days.

"We are sick of it, we just won't come down here on a hot Saturday afternoon anymore, it's just too dangerous," Mrs Bannister said.

"You can't even come down here for fish and chips…we just want it to stop, enough is enough."

Martin Symes, 36, was one of the two men attacked with bricks and bottles at the Scarborough beachfront 12 days ago.

He needed seven staples to his head after being struck with a brick and counts himself lucky to be alive.

He too attended the forum this morning along with his mate who was also assaulted.

"We just want to put a stop to the whole summer time, weekend violence that comes to Scarborough," Mr Symes said.

"We are aware that we have to share our beach and we generally do but we don't need the trouble out of it."

My Symes welcomed the idea of a police post at the beach this summer.

"I think the (police) presence would help but I think they've got to be seen to be actually policing, patrolling and making arrests and showing people that you can't get away with it," he said.

Latest police figures show there were 100 non-aggravated sexual assaults, aggravated sexual assaults, non-aggravated assaults and aggravated assaults in Scarborough between January and September this year.

That compares to just 18 in the nearby coastal suburbs of Cottesloe and nine in City Beach.

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