Man arrested for endangering life

Source: New South Wales – News

A man has been arrested following a pursuit through the south-western suburbs last night.

About 8.30pm on Friday 9 May, patrols were called to Bonython Avenue at Novar Gardens after reports there was a man in the rear yard of a unit who was unknown to the residents.

Police spotted the man behind the locked gate and told him to come out from the yard however he entered a vehicle and drove through the gate.

The white Holden Commodore took off and as he headed out the driveway he swerved towards police who had to move to avoid being hit.

The car then headed east towards Morphett Road and continued onto Mooringe Avenue and south on Marion Road where PolAir started tracking the car.

The car was tracked by PolAir travelling without head lights and at high speeds to Lindsay Avenue where it was dumped in a shopping centre car park and the driver attempted to run from the area.

Patrols located the driver a short distance away hiding behind skip bins and he was arrested.

Police searched the vehicle where they located methamphetamine and item suspected to have been stolen.

A 33-year-old man from Stockport was charged with acts to endanger life, dangerous driving to cause a police pursuit, driving at a speed dangerous, unlawfully on premises, driving disqualified and possessing a controlled drug.  He was refused police bail and will appear in court on Monday 12 May.

Dolphin euthanised after Townsville stranding

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 9 May 2025

A rough-toothed dolphin has been euthanised after beaching itself near the rockpool at the Strand in Townsville.

A member of the public advised the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) that the dolphin stranded around 2:45pm on Wednesday 7 May 2025.

The dolphin was in poor condition and following a health assessment by a veterinarian, a decision was made to euthanise the animal.

Project Manager Tina Alderson said marine animal strandings occurred along Queensland’s vast coastline, and DETSI had added a new function to the QWildlife app that allowed people to report strandings.

“Marine animals strand for several reasons including age, illness, disease, injuries from predators or boat strikes and entanglement in fishing equipment,” Ms Alderson said.

“Strandings such as these are sad and can impact on local communities. I encourage everyone who lives or visits Queensland’s coastal communities to download the QWildlife app.

“A necropsy will be conducted on the dolphin to help determine the reasons it stranded and the results could take several weeks.”

Fast facts – rough-toothed dolphins:

  • Usually found in deep warm and tropical waters around the world
  • They have a narrow beak and rough teeth with narrow, irregular ridges
  • Adults can grow to 2.8m in length and weigh up to 155kg, with males being larger than females
  • Older individuals have distinctive pinkish, white or yellow markings on their underside
  • Their diet consists mainly of fish
  • Their dorsal fin can be almost 30cm long

The QWildlife app can be downloaded by visiting the app store or Google Play.

View more information on downloading the QWildlife app to report a marine animal strandingMarine wildlife strandings including strandings data.

For the record

Source: New South Wales – News

In response to inaccurate reporting on Channel 7, SAPOL wishes to correct the record with the following statement.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime Services) John Venditto is on paid leave.

Mr Venditto has not been suspended from duty, nor did he “storm out’’ of any police premises and he has not cleared his office out.

JACET Charges – Child abuse – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET) has charged a 28-year-old man with child abuse offences in Alice Springs.

On Wednesday 7 May 2025, NT JACET received an urgent referral from the Federal Bureau of Investigation through the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

The following day, detectives and federal agents from NT JACET, with support from Alice Springs Domestic Violence & Child Abuse Taskforce, executed a lawful search on a residence resulting in the seizure of large quantities of child abuse material. Police will allege that the man also abused a child, aged under 5-years-old, who was known to him. 

The 28-year-old male has been charged with the following:

  1. Sexual intercourse with child under 10 x 1
  2. Gross indecency with child under 14 x 2
  3. Produce child abuse material for use via a carriage service x 3
  4. Possess or control child abuse material
  5. Access child abuse material
  6. Transmit child abuse material

He has been remanded to appear in Alice Springs Court on 10 July 2025.

NT Police Force Detective Superintendent Paul Lawson said, “The crimes committed by this individual are abhorrent.

“Preying on the most vulnerable members of our community who cannot defend themselves. 

“I want to commend the seamless collaboration with our international and federal partners to target this offender and bring him before the court.

“If you abuse a child or procure, access and transmit child abuse material, we will find you, and you will be prosecuted.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to protect children from harm.”

AFP Superintendent Greg Davis said the AFP and its law enforcement partners across Australia were committed to protecting children from sexual predators.

“Offenders cannot hide behind a screen when they carry out these reprehensible and hideous acts,” Supt Davis said.

“Our message to online offenders has not changed – if you possess, produce or transmit child abuse material, you will be found, arrested and prosecuted.”

CLAY WELLS ROAD, BRAY (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

BRAY

Issued on
09 May 2025 16:13

BAY Scrub Fire

Issued for BRAY near Robe in the Lower South East.

The SA Country Fire Service (CFS) advises that there is a bushfire in the Lake Hawdon South Conservation Park at Bray, approximately 20 kilometres south east of Robe in the Lower South East.

CFS and Department of Environment and Water crews are currently working to contain the fire within the park’s boundaries, these operations are being supported by private landowners who are utilising heavy machinery.

This fire will continue to burn throughout the night and will be monitored by crews on scene.

The fire poses no threat to the community at this time but smoke and flames may be visible from Clay Wells Road and the Southern Ports Highway well into the night.

Hazards in the area may include reduced visibility due to smoke and emergency vehicles operating in the area.

Message ID 0008592

34 experienced officers graduate as recruitment momentum builds

Source: New South Wales – News

South Australia Police (SAPOL) welcomes another 34 experienced international and interstate police officers to the frontline, following their graduation from the 15-week SAPOL Transition Program (STP) Course 2 and 3 today.

This second graduating course includes officers from a range of policing backgrounds across the UK and Australia, bringing skills in areas including counter-terrorism, armed policing, serious sexual offences, public order, investigations, and general duties.

Among the cohort, two officers are heading to Port Augusta, with the remainder joining teams across metropolitan areas.

STP Course 2 graduate Ella Mestroni, who previously served five years with Victoria Police within metropolitan and regional areas, said the transition back to her home state has been seamless.

“My husband and I were always going to return to South Australia to raise our daughter close to family, and SAPOL made that move incredibly smooth,” she said.

“Being able to retain my rank and transfer entitlements like long service leave has made a big difference, and the level of support during the recruitment process – from flexible testing options to genuine communication, has been outstanding.”

Jamie Earl, who graduated from STP Course 1 in March, said the past two months have confirmed he made the right decision.

“Policing here is fast-paced, efficient, and outcomes-focused,” Jamie said.

“In just a short time I’ve achieved more positive outcomes for victims than I would in six months back in the UK, and that’s incredibly rewarding. Of course, it’s been a steep learning curve and some days have been challenging, but I’ve been backed by an amazing team and a really supportive work culture.”

This latest graduation comes as SAPOL continues a multi-pronged domestic and international recruitment drive.

A refreshed ‘You Belong in Blue’ television campaign has recently launched across South Australia, showcasing the stories of three serving SAPOL officers from regional and metropolitan areas. The campaign highlights the diversity of policing roles on offer and the dynamic and rewarding nature of the job.

The domestic push complements strong momentum internationally, with a SAPOL delegation recently completing a second UK recruitment drive. More than 1,100 officers registered to attend SAPOL’s seminars across London, Cardiff, Birmingham, Manchester, and Glasgow.

This initiative is expected to drive a significant increase in applications, replicating the success of the 2024 in-country recruitment activity.

Deputy Commissioner Linda Williams said today’s graduation highlights the progress SAPOL is making through a range of targeted recruitment efforts.

“Our domestic and international recruitment strategies are delivering results—from the interest generated by our recent seminars in the UK to the continued success of our ‘You Belong in Blue’ campaign here at home,” Deputy Commissioner Williams said.

“These efforts are helping us attract the right people—officers with real-world experience, a strong sense of purpose, and the skills we need to strengthen our frontline and provide safer communities across South Australia.”

Minister for Police Stephen Mullighan said the State Government has made police recruitment a priority, to increase the number of sworn officers in SA.

“The skills, knowledge and understanding these experienced graduates bring with them will be of great benefit to SA Police and help bolster the frontline resources.

“The State Government has invested record amounts into SA Police which has allowed them to go on a bold local, interstate and overseas recruitment campaign and we look forward to welcoming even more officers to South Australia into the future.”

SAPOLs domestic, international and interstate recruitment drive is in full swing. Those looking for a rewarding career with a range of attractive benefits can apply here https://sapol.info/SAPOLcareers

Green Army gears up for LiveLighter® round

Source: South Australia Police

Catch the excitement at the RAC Arena as the West Coast Fever hit the court at tomorrow’s LiveLighter® round, inspiring its ‘Green Army’ of supporters to prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Healthway Chief Executive Officer Colin Smith said the LiveLighter® round – promoted by Healthway in partnership with the West Coast Fever – highlighted the importance of healthy eating, hydration, movement and overall wellbeing.

“Fans will be guaranteed plenty of exciting on-court action, along with a lively silent disco in Fever Alley and a LiveLighter® challenge at quarter time, launched by the Minister for Preventative Health, the Hon. Sabine Winton MLA,” he said.

Beyond this match day activity, the LiveLighter® campaign is visible at all West Coast Fever games, and players encourage healthy lifestyles by promoting nutrition education at community events.

Ms Winton said West Coast Fever was a leading example of a national sporting team actively and visibly promoting healthy lifestyles.

“The Fever are powerful female role models, inspiring young netballers and fans both on and off the court, and that’s what truly makes a difference,” she said.

“Through educational initiatives, interactive events, and community-driven programs, the LiveLighter® campaign is empowering individuals to make informed, healthier lifestyle choices.”

Mr Smith said Healthway had provided nearly $4.5 million in funding to support West Coast Fever promote various health messages since 2009.

“Through our 17-year partnership with the West Coast Fever we have successfully eliminated all unhealthy sponsorships at the elite level of netball in WA,” he said.

“This has reduced the community’s exposure to junk food advertising, creating a safe environment for families to enjoy the sport.”

UPDATE: Driver reported over serious crash at Newton

Source: New South Wales – News

Police are investigating a serious crash at Newton earlier today.

About 8.50am today Friday 9 May, emergency services were called to Montacute Road and Forest Avenue after reports a van had collided with two pedestrians.

The female pedestrian, a 48-year-old woman from Newton suffered life-threatening injuries and was conveyed to hospital.

The male pedestrian, a 51-year-old man from Newton was conveyed to hospital with significant injuries.

The driver of the van, a 91-year-old-man from Rostrevor was conveyed to hospital for mandatory blood tests.

Major Crash Officer attended at the scene and investigated the crash and as a result the driver has been interviewed and reported for two counts of dangerous driving and issued an indefinite Instant Loss of Licence.

He will be summonsed to court at a later date.

Man charged with serious sexual offences

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Man charged with serious sexual offences

Friday, 9 May 2025 – 3:57 pm.

A 64-year-old Tasmanian man will appear in court next month charged with serious sexual offences, including child sexual abuse, after being arrested and charged by detectives from Tasmania Police’s Taskforce Artemis.The man will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court on June 11 to face charges of 11 counts of rape, three counts of indecent assault and two counts of indecency.Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said the charges against the man relate to three victim-survivors.These charges have stemmed directly from matters that were investigated as a result of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings.Some instances of abuse are alleged to have taken place between 1974 and 1982, while another instance of abuse is alleged to have occurred at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre between 1990 and 2021 while the man was an employee.As the matter is now before the courts, no further comment will be made.Taskforce Artemis is a specialist police team investigating child abuse allegations from the Commission of Inquiry. The Taskforce is working closely with government agencies to share information, support victim-survivors, and hold alleged perpetrators to account through an intelligence-led approach.While it is acknowledged that offences of this nature are deeply disturbing, Tasmania Police strongly encourages anyone with information about any form of sexual abuse, regardless of the passage of time, to come forward and report it.Reports can be made directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station or Arch https://arch.tas.gov.au/.You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers Tasmania on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.auAny concerns or incidents involving government employees can be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.The Tasmanian Government’s Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildresafe.tas.gov.au/Support for victim survivors, if required, is available through Arch or via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/

Serious crash at Newton

Source: New South Wales – News

Police and emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash at the intersection of Montacute Road and Forest Avenue, Newton.

About 8.50am this morning Friday 9 May, emergency services were called to reports of a serious crash involving a vehicle and two pedestrians.

Police ask all road users to avoid the area where possible.