From Perthnow website care of the Sunday Times on 29/8/10 titled "Illegal immigrants riot, light fire at Darwin immigration dentention centre"
A group of Indonesian men accused of people smuggling are allegedly at the center of a riot at Darwin's detention center.
A dozen men were visible on the roof of the Darwin Immigration Detention Centre this morning, where up to 500 people - mostly asylum seekers and Indonesian crew from boats stopped off Australian's northern coastline - are housed.
Earlier, a fire was visible at the facility, but authorities said the blaze was extinguished.
The Australian Immigration Department said the protest involved Indonesian crewmen who were upset about the processing of their cases for alleged people smuggling.
Department spokesman Sandi Logan said two of 151 Indonesian crewmen being held at the center climbed a tree about 4am and refused to get down. Others had since joined in, he said.
Under Australian law, all the crewmen on asylum seeker boats face people-smuggling charges, which carry a minimum of five years' jail.
Australia has a policy of mandatory detention for boatpeople and generally process asylum-seekers at Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean, but increased numbers have forced the reopening of centers on the mainland.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Racist attack by gang
From the Ninemsn website 28/8/10 titled "Gang of eight females assaults group"
Four people have been robbed and assaulted by a female gang east of Ipswich after refusing a request for cigarettes.
Police said two men, aged 18 and 25, and two women, aged 21 and 23, were walking in the town of Bundamba just before 11.30pm (AEST) on Friday when six females asked them for directions and cigarettes.
When they refused, the women began assaulting them, a police spokeswoman said.
"A short time later a white Tarago vehicle pulled up and another two females joined in the assault," she said.
"The eight attackers have then all entered the vehicle and driven off in an unknown direction."
One of the victims had their wallet stolen, the spokeswoman said.
All four suffered minor injuries with one taken to hospital with facial injuries.
The original group of six females was described as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance.
Four people have been robbed and assaulted by a female gang east of Ipswich after refusing a request for cigarettes.
Police said two men, aged 18 and 25, and two women, aged 21 and 23, were walking in the town of Bundamba just before 11.30pm (AEST) on Friday when six females asked them for directions and cigarettes.
When they refused, the women began assaulting them, a police spokeswoman said.
"A short time later a white Tarago vehicle pulled up and another two females joined in the assault," she said.
"The eight attackers have then all entered the vehicle and driven off in an unknown direction."
One of the victims had their wallet stolen, the spokeswoman said.
All four suffered minor injuries with one taken to hospital with facial injuries.
The original group of six females was described as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in appearance.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Attempted abduction of 11 year boy
UPDATE 12.55pm: POLICE are hunting for a man who attempted to abduct an 11-year-old boy in Dallas on Saturday.
The young boy was playing in the front yard of a home in Tooradin Avenue when he was approached by the man who tried to lure him with lollies about 3.30pm.
It comes after another 11-year-old Melbourne boy was lucky to escape an attempted abduction after he sprinted away from a man who offered him lollies to get into his van in Belgrave Heights, earlier this month.
In yesterday's incident, the man, described as having an olive complexion and dark hair with a rat's tail, motioned to the boy to try and get him to move closer to him.
He also spoke to the boy in a foreign language which the boy did not understand.
The 11-year-old ran inside to alert his parents to the man who fled the scene in a yellow sedan.
Detective Senior Constable Costakis Costa said the incident was particularly worrying.
"Understandably the boy was quite scared and afraid,'' Det-Sgt Berry said.
''(The man) didn't touch the child at all but it was quite evident that he wanted the child to come with him.
"This is a good reminder to the community to educate children about stranger danger and be vigilant," he said.
Police have released the image of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the matter along with an image of a car they believe is similar to that the offender drove.
The young boy was playing in the front yard of a home in Tooradin Avenue when he was approached by the man who tried to lure him with lollies about 3.30pm.
It comes after another 11-year-old Melbourne boy was lucky to escape an attempted abduction after he sprinted away from a man who offered him lollies to get into his van in Belgrave Heights, earlier this month.
In yesterday's incident, the man, described as having an olive complexion and dark hair with a rat's tail, motioned to the boy to try and get him to move closer to him.
He also spoke to the boy in a foreign language which the boy did not understand.
The 11-year-old ran inside to alert his parents to the man who fled the scene in a yellow sedan.
Detective Senior Constable Costakis Costa said the incident was particularly worrying.
"Understandably the boy was quite scared and afraid,'' Det-Sgt Berry said.
''(The man) didn't touch the child at all but it was quite evident that he wanted the child to come with him.
"This is a good reminder to the community to educate children about stranger danger and be vigilant," he said.
Police have released the image of a man they wish to speak to in relation to the matter along with an image of a car they believe is similar to that the offender drove.
Indian Taxi driver
From the Ninemsn website on 24/8/10 titled "Taxi driver ran down boy over $20 Fare"
An Adelaide taxi driver has admitted running over a boy after he refused to pay a $20 fare.
Dung Tran, 16, was left with severe injuries and required a leg amputation.
He had been travelling with a group of friends in a taxi driven by 22-year-old Baljeet Singh.
The group ran from the cab without paying the $20 fare, Adelaide Now reports.
Singh then allegedly drove his taxi on the kerb and hit Mr Tran.
Singh appeared in the District Court in Adelaide today and pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious harm by dangerous driving, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident after causing physical harm by careless driving.
He was remanded on continuing bail until next month.
An Adelaide taxi driver has admitted running over a boy after he refused to pay a $20 fare.
Dung Tran, 16, was left with severe injuries and required a leg amputation.
He had been travelling with a group of friends in a taxi driven by 22-year-old Baljeet Singh.
The group ran from the cab without paying the $20 fare, Adelaide Now reports.
Singh then allegedly drove his taxi on the kerb and hit Mr Tran.
Singh appeared in the District Court in Adelaide today and pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious harm by dangerous driving, and one count of leaving the scene of an accident after causing physical harm by careless driving.
He was remanded on continuing bail until next month.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Murder of elderly lady
Man jailed for 13 years for manslaughter
From the ABC news website on 20/8/10
written by Jason Rawlins
A man who broke into an elderly woman's unit on Queensland's Gold Coast before killing her and sexually interfering with her corpse has been jailed for 13 years.
Maurizio Perini, 38, killed Carmel Wuth, 76, at the Trinity Gardens Retirement Hostel at Southport in March 2008.
Perini was living at the hostel at the time but was to be evicted, later telling police he killed Ms Wuth so that he would go to jail and have somewhere to live.
He also said that if he had not been arrested he would have killed another resident.
The court heard Perini was intellectually disabled and his moral compass pointed in the wrong direction.
Justice James Douglas said that was evidenced in the cold and emotionless way Perini described his crimes to police.
Justice Douglas jailed Perini for 13 years and declared him a serious violent offender.
'Seeking advice'
Queensland Attorney General Cameron Dick is seeking advice about the adequacy of the sentence imposed on Perini.
He says the case involves very serious and complex matters, including a rulling by the Mental Health Court that the offender had an abnormality of mind.
An appeal can be lodged within 28 days from the day of sentencing.
From the ABC news website on 20/8/10
written by Jason Rawlins
A man who broke into an elderly woman's unit on Queensland's Gold Coast before killing her and sexually interfering with her corpse has been jailed for 13 years.
Maurizio Perini, 38, killed Carmel Wuth, 76, at the Trinity Gardens Retirement Hostel at Southport in March 2008.
Perini was living at the hostel at the time but was to be evicted, later telling police he killed Ms Wuth so that he would go to jail and have somewhere to live.
He also said that if he had not been arrested he would have killed another resident.
The court heard Perini was intellectually disabled and his moral compass pointed in the wrong direction.
Justice James Douglas said that was evidenced in the cold and emotionless way Perini described his crimes to police.
Justice Douglas jailed Perini for 13 years and declared him a serious violent offender.
'Seeking advice'
Queensland Attorney General Cameron Dick is seeking advice about the adequacy of the sentence imposed on Perini.
He says the case involves very serious and complex matters, including a rulling by the Mental Health Court that the offender had an abnormality of mind.
An appeal can be lodged within 28 days from the day of sentencing.
Sudanese refugee murderer
Man jailed for screwdriver stab death
August 20, 2010 - 3:59PM taken from the SMH
A Sudanese refugee who fled his homeland to escape becoming a child soldier has been jailed for killing a countryman in Melbourne.
Stephen Tito and Afran Kodi both fled war-torn Sudan with their families for a better life in Melbourne, the Victorian Supreme Court heard on Friday.
But Mr Kodi's life ended after he was stabbed with a screwdriver by a drunken Tito following a barbecue on Boxing Day 2008 in suburban Reservoir.
Tito, who had consumed a bottle of bourbon and several beers, picked a fight with the unarmed Mr Kodi.
He stabbed his former friend three times, and the third blow pierced Mr Kodi's head.
Tito, 22, then kicked Mr Kodi's unconscious body in the chest, pulled the screwdriver out of his head and left.
Mr Kodi, 19, died in hospital the next day.
Tito, who was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter and acquitted of murder, was jailed for 10 years on Friday.
Justice Terry Forrest said one of the reasons Tito's family fled Sudan when Tito was aged 12 was because they feared he would be kidnapped and forced to become a child soldier.
The family came to Australia when he was aged 16.
Justice Forrest said Mr Kodi's family also left Sudan for a better life in Australia.
"Your actions cut short the life of a decent young man," he said.
"His family, like your family, came to this country in search of a better life.
"By your actions, you have inflicted a blow from which the Kodi family may never recover. Your family may never fully recover either."
Less than two months before the fatal stabbing, Tito had been convicted by a court of affray and intentionally causing serious injury and given a suspended sentence.
Justice Forrest noted Tito was alcohol-affected during that fight.
"It is clear enough that the abuse of alcohol is a problem for you, as it is for so many young Australians," he said.
"Young people in this state are being killed or seriously injured in alcohol-fuelled fighting on an alarmingly regular basis.
"People inclined to participate in these sorts of drunken fights must understand they do so at their peril and that the courts will not tolerate that type of conduct."
He said Tito, who had been doing a spray painting course at TAFE before the stabbing, had used his time in custody productively, completing many courses including anger management and a drug and alcohol program.
Tito told the court at his pre-sentence hearing he was sorry for what he had done and was determined to make something of his life.
Justice Forrest ordered Tito serve a minimum of six years and three months before being eligible for parole.
He has already served 602 days in custody.
August 20, 2010 - 3:59PM taken from the SMH
A Sudanese refugee who fled his homeland to escape becoming a child soldier has been jailed for killing a countryman in Melbourne.
Stephen Tito and Afran Kodi both fled war-torn Sudan with their families for a better life in Melbourne, the Victorian Supreme Court heard on Friday.
But Mr Kodi's life ended after he was stabbed with a screwdriver by a drunken Tito following a barbecue on Boxing Day 2008 in suburban Reservoir.
Tito, who had consumed a bottle of bourbon and several beers, picked a fight with the unarmed Mr Kodi.
He stabbed his former friend three times, and the third blow pierced Mr Kodi's head.
Tito, 22, then kicked Mr Kodi's unconscious body in the chest, pulled the screwdriver out of his head and left.
Mr Kodi, 19, died in hospital the next day.
Tito, who was found guilty by a jury of manslaughter and acquitted of murder, was jailed for 10 years on Friday.
Justice Terry Forrest said one of the reasons Tito's family fled Sudan when Tito was aged 12 was because they feared he would be kidnapped and forced to become a child soldier.
The family came to Australia when he was aged 16.
Justice Forrest said Mr Kodi's family also left Sudan for a better life in Australia.
"Your actions cut short the life of a decent young man," he said.
"His family, like your family, came to this country in search of a better life.
"By your actions, you have inflicted a blow from which the Kodi family may never recover. Your family may never fully recover either."
Less than two months before the fatal stabbing, Tito had been convicted by a court of affray and intentionally causing serious injury and given a suspended sentence.
Justice Forrest noted Tito was alcohol-affected during that fight.
"It is clear enough that the abuse of alcohol is a problem for you, as it is for so many young Australians," he said.
"Young people in this state are being killed or seriously injured in alcohol-fuelled fighting on an alarmingly regular basis.
"People inclined to participate in these sorts of drunken fights must understand they do so at their peril and that the courts will not tolerate that type of conduct."
He said Tito, who had been doing a spray painting course at TAFE before the stabbing, had used his time in custody productively, completing many courses including anger management and a drug and alcohol program.
Tito told the court at his pre-sentence hearing he was sorry for what he had done and was determined to make something of his life.
Justice Forrest ordered Tito serve a minimum of six years and three months before being eligible for parole.
He has already served 602 days in custody.
Italian murders two by stabbing
From the ABC news for 20/8/10 titled "Man arrested in Italy over Sydney double murder"
A man has been arrested in Italy over the stabbing deaths of two brothers in Sydney's inner west last year.
Albert Frisoli, 56, and his 52-year-old brother Mario Frisoli were stabbed to death in their Rozelle home in May last year.
They were property developers, well known in the business community of the inner west.
Mario Frisoli had two daughters who made a public appeal for help, but after that the publicity surrounding the case died down.
That is because the suspect, Giuseppe Di Canni had left the country.
Yesterday he was arrested in the Italian town of Cosenza.
He is in jail now awaiting extradition to Australia.
A man has been arrested in Italy over the stabbing deaths of two brothers in Sydney's inner west last year.
Albert Frisoli, 56, and his 52-year-old brother Mario Frisoli were stabbed to death in their Rozelle home in May last year.
They were property developers, well known in the business community of the inner west.
Mario Frisoli had two daughters who made a public appeal for help, but after that the publicity surrounding the case died down.
That is because the suspect, Giuseppe Di Canni had left the country.
Yesterday he was arrested in the Italian town of Cosenza.
He is in jail now awaiting extradition to Australia.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
taxi driver attempted abduction
Police investigate taxi cab abduction attempt on Melbourne woman
From: AAP
August 19, 2010 10:22AM
POLICE are investigating the attempted abduction of a 28-year-old woman who was forced to jump from a moving taxi in central Melbourne.
The Mooroolbark woman hailed a taxi near the intersection of Swanston and Latrobe streets about 1am (AEST) on August 1.Police said the taxi driver threatened to harm the woman and ignored several requests to pick up her friends from a city intersection.As the driver continued east along Latrobe St between Swanston and Russell sts, the woman opened the right passenger door and jumped from the moving taxi.The woman landed on the road and was assisted by witnesses from a car travelling behind the taxi.She suffered serious head injuries and was taken to St Vincents Hospital where she remained for 10 days.The taxi driver is described as either of Middle Eastern or Indian appearance and has not yet been identified.
From: AAP
August 19, 2010 10:22AM
POLICE are investigating the attempted abduction of a 28-year-old woman who was forced to jump from a moving taxi in central Melbourne.
The Mooroolbark woman hailed a taxi near the intersection of Swanston and Latrobe streets about 1am (AEST) on August 1.Police said the taxi driver threatened to harm the woman and ignored several requests to pick up her friends from a city intersection.As the driver continued east along Latrobe St between Swanston and Russell sts, the woman opened the right passenger door and jumped from the moving taxi.The woman landed on the road and was assisted by witnesses from a car travelling behind the taxi.She suffered serious head injuries and was taken to St Vincents Hospital where she remained for 10 days.The taxi driver is described as either of Middle Eastern or Indian appearance and has not yet been identified.
Police investigate Kurdish Community
From the HeraldSun on 19/8/10 by Wayne Flower and Amelia Harris titled "Police raid Kurdish asssociation HQ in anti-terrorism funding blitz.
A COMMUNITY lawyer has condemned the timing of a police raid on the Kurdish Association of Victoria's hall as a political stunt.
Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police officers conducted the raids at Glenroy, Coolaroo, Pascoe Vale and Dandenong as part of a joint operation which an AFP spokeswoman relates to the financing of a terrorist organisation.
The headquarters of the Kurdish Association of Victoria in Pascoe Vale was one of the buildings raided.
Moreland Community Legal Centre principal lawyer Chris Ryan - who works closely with the group - suggested the raid was a political stunt.
"We believe that this is more than a coincidence that this has happened now,'' he told reporters.
''I mean, the warrants were issued the other day. It didn't have to happen now, it could have happened after the election but is hasn't happened after the election has it?''
Police loaded boxloads of evidence into a car before allowing members back into the building.
A spokesperson said the organisation would not be making a comment on the matter today.
Worried members of the association have gathered outside the building, where police continue to interview the association's president.
Member Gulay Baykal protested the organisation's innocence.
"We were not expecting this. I never thought it could happen,'' she said.
''This is a community based organisation. We are trying to respond to social and cultural needs of the Kurdish community. We don't know what's going on. We are just concerned.
"We are innocent. We haven't done anything wrong here.
"We've been here since 1984 so this is the main organisation of Kurdish people who live in Victoria.''
Ms Baykal acknowledged the struggle of the Kurdish people in Turkey, but denied the group was helping to fund terror attacks.
"Many people have been imprisoned and many people have been killed so of course there is a struggle there for cultural and identity rights and here we are doing the same thing.''
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been listed by the Australian Government as a terrorist organisation since 2005, has killed at least 40 Turkish civilians in suicide attacks since 2008.
There has been as yet no suggestion by investigators that the raids are connected to the PKK.
The Kurdish people are nationless and are one of the largest minority ethnic groups in the world.
Approximately 15 to 20 million Kurds live in the unofficial “Kurdistan” region between Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Turkey. At least eight million Kurds live in southeast Turkey.
Other members of the Victorian Kurdish Association said today they were baffled about why the hall was raided.
''It's shocking,'' a woman said. ''We don't know what is going on.
''This is a friendly place,'' another man said. ''They help a lot of people.''
The AFP rang members of the association at 6am this morning saying they had search warrants for the hall and wanted to know who had the keys.
"The association has been running for 25 years in Australia and this is the first time anything like this has ever been happening," one member said.
"All our finances are accountable.
"We’ve never had any issues with any government bodies before. I can only assume that someone’s made a dobbing and the police have just come."
One member told the Herald Sun the association had "always had a good relationship’’ with Australian police.
An AFP spokeswoman said the operation did not relate to a terror-related threat or incident.
The spokeswoman would not say what was seized and what arrests, if any, had been made.
The AFP later issued a brief statement on the raids.
"The Joint Counter Terrorism Team located in Melbourne has this morning executed a number of search warrants as part of a joint counter terrorism investigation into allegations of financing of a terrorist organisation,'' the federal police said.
"The community can be assured that this investigation is not related to any terrorist related threat or incident.
"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage as it is an ongoing operational matter.''
- with Mark Buttler and AAP
A COMMUNITY lawyer has condemned the timing of a police raid on the Kurdish Association of Victoria's hall as a political stunt.
Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police officers conducted the raids at Glenroy, Coolaroo, Pascoe Vale and Dandenong as part of a joint operation which an AFP spokeswoman relates to the financing of a terrorist organisation.
The headquarters of the Kurdish Association of Victoria in Pascoe Vale was one of the buildings raided.
Moreland Community Legal Centre principal lawyer Chris Ryan - who works closely with the group - suggested the raid was a political stunt.
"We believe that this is more than a coincidence that this has happened now,'' he told reporters.
''I mean, the warrants were issued the other day. It didn't have to happen now, it could have happened after the election but is hasn't happened after the election has it?''
Police loaded boxloads of evidence into a car before allowing members back into the building.
A spokesperson said the organisation would not be making a comment on the matter today.
Worried members of the association have gathered outside the building, where police continue to interview the association's president.
Member Gulay Baykal protested the organisation's innocence.
"We were not expecting this. I never thought it could happen,'' she said.
''This is a community based organisation. We are trying to respond to social and cultural needs of the Kurdish community. We don't know what's going on. We are just concerned.
"We are innocent. We haven't done anything wrong here.
"We've been here since 1984 so this is the main organisation of Kurdish people who live in Victoria.''
Ms Baykal acknowledged the struggle of the Kurdish people in Turkey, but denied the group was helping to fund terror attacks.
"Many people have been imprisoned and many people have been killed so of course there is a struggle there for cultural and identity rights and here we are doing the same thing.''
The Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), which has been listed by the Australian Government as a terrorist organisation since 2005, has killed at least 40 Turkish civilians in suicide attacks since 2008.
There has been as yet no suggestion by investigators that the raids are connected to the PKK.
The Kurdish people are nationless and are one of the largest minority ethnic groups in the world.
Approximately 15 to 20 million Kurds live in the unofficial “Kurdistan” region between Armenia, Iran, Iraq and Turkey. At least eight million Kurds live in southeast Turkey.
Other members of the Victorian Kurdish Association said today they were baffled about why the hall was raided.
''It's shocking,'' a woman said. ''We don't know what is going on.
''This is a friendly place,'' another man said. ''They help a lot of people.''
The AFP rang members of the association at 6am this morning saying they had search warrants for the hall and wanted to know who had the keys.
"The association has been running for 25 years in Australia and this is the first time anything like this has ever been happening," one member said.
"All our finances are accountable.
"We’ve never had any issues with any government bodies before. I can only assume that someone’s made a dobbing and the police have just come."
One member told the Herald Sun the association had "always had a good relationship’’ with Australian police.
An AFP spokeswoman said the operation did not relate to a terror-related threat or incident.
The spokeswoman would not say what was seized and what arrests, if any, had been made.
The AFP later issued a brief statement on the raids.
"The Joint Counter Terrorism Team located in Melbourne has this morning executed a number of search warrants as part of a joint counter terrorism investigation into allegations of financing of a terrorist organisation,'' the federal police said.
"The community can be assured that this investigation is not related to any terrorist related threat or incident.
"It would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage as it is an ongoing operational matter.''
- with Mark Buttler and AAP
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Two thugs bash a man
fron the Sunherald 18/8/10 titled "Savage thugs remain at large after assault in Hoppers Crossing"written by Wayne Flower.
A SAVAGE pair of thugs who bashed and robbed a man in Melbourne's west remains at large.
Police have released a computer image of one of the thugs in the hope someone might recognise him.
The attack happened about 9pm on Friday, July 30 as the victim walked along a walkway in Lena Crt, Hoppers Crossing.
The men punched the 19-year old causing him to fall to the ground where they continued to punch and kick him before stealing his back pack.
The Hoppers Crossing man sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions to his head and body.
The men are described as Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, 16-20 years and wearing dark clothing.
One of the men wore a baseball cap and was solid in build.
A SAVAGE pair of thugs who bashed and robbed a man in Melbourne's west remains at large.
Police have released a computer image of one of the thugs in the hope someone might recognise him.
The attack happened about 9pm on Friday, July 30 as the victim walked along a walkway in Lena Crt, Hoppers Crossing.
The men punched the 19-year old causing him to fall to the ground where they continued to punch and kick him before stealing his back pack.
The Hoppers Crossing man sustained bruising, swelling and abrasions to his head and body.
The men are described as Pacific Islander/Maori appearance, 16-20 years and wearing dark clothing.
One of the men wore a baseball cap and was solid in build.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Indian taxi driver bashes 81 yr lady
Woman, 81, bashed by taxi driver
August 15, 2010
from the Sydney Morning Herald
A taxi driver bashed and robbed an 81-year-old woman who earlier requested to be driven to a Melbourne medical centre, police say.
Police investigators have been told the victim caught a taxi from a bus stop at the corner of Frank and Douglas streets, outside Coles in Noble Park between 11am and midday (AEST) on Saturday.
They believe the woman asked to be taken to a medical centre and gave the taxi driver the approximate fare up front.
The driver began to drive in the opposite direction and when the victim requested he turn around, he drove to Taranto Drive and held down her seat belt so she could not move.
He then allegedly punched her in the face a number of times and removed cash from her purse, police say.
"The driver threw the purse back at her, pushed her out of the taxi and drove away," police said in a statement.
"The victim managed to seek assistance from a nearby resident in Taranto Drive where an ambulance was called."
The Noble Park woman was taken to Dandenong Hospital where she was treated for swollen, black eyes and bruising to her shoulder and hand.
Police say her attacker is of Indian sub-continental appearance, with short hair, solid build and wearing glasses with red arms.
August 15, 2010
from the Sydney Morning Herald
A taxi driver bashed and robbed an 81-year-old woman who earlier requested to be driven to a Melbourne medical centre, police say.
Police investigators have been told the victim caught a taxi from a bus stop at the corner of Frank and Douglas streets, outside Coles in Noble Park between 11am and midday (AEST) on Saturday.
They believe the woman asked to be taken to a medical centre and gave the taxi driver the approximate fare up front.
The driver began to drive in the opposite direction and when the victim requested he turn around, he drove to Taranto Drive and held down her seat belt so she could not move.
He then allegedly punched her in the face a number of times and removed cash from her purse, police say.
"The driver threw the purse back at her, pushed her out of the taxi and drove away," police said in a statement.
"The victim managed to seek assistance from a nearby resident in Taranto Drive where an ambulance was called."
The Noble Park woman was taken to Dandenong Hospital where she was treated for swollen, black eyes and bruising to her shoulder and hand.
Police say her attacker is of Indian sub-continental appearance, with short hair, solid build and wearing glasses with red arms.
Stabbing in Adelaide
From Adelaidenow on 17/8/2010 titled Hindley St stabbing caught on film.
A NEW Boys gang member stabbed in Hindley St is refusing to tell police the identity of his attacker, prompting them to release security images of the attack.
Police have revealed his attacker was wearing a "Notorious" top in the Hindley St stabbing on May 22 this year.
Gino Foccarelli, 21, was stabbed twice in the stomach within 10m of police standing outside his father's Ink Central tattoo parlour.
His father, Vince Foccarelli, is suspected of being the leader of a street gang known as the New Boys.
He was the target of a bungled bombing ordered by the Hells Angels at Enfield.
The bombing has been followed by a series of drive-by shootings targeting properties linked to Hells Angels.
Hells Angels and New Boys members brawled wildly in Hindley St following the funeral of a Hells Angel killed in the Enfield bomb blast.
Crime Gangs Taskforce head Detective Superintendent Des Bray said a black 1990 Nissan Skyline double-parked out the front of the tattoo parlour at 4.13am.
Someone inside the Nissan gestured to Gino Focarelli to approach the car, which he did, .
"He apparently knew the offenders because, as the victim stood alongside the car, the passenger lunged at the victim and stabbed him twice in the stomach while still seated in the car.
"The victim staggered back inside the tattoo parlour, but what is of particular concern is the stabbing occurred within about 6m of a uniformed police officer standing nearby.
"It may well be that these people were his enemies, but had not disclosed that to him at this stage and lulled him into a false sense of security before stabbing him."
Det-Supt Bray said there were a number of people in the area who were not aware of the stabbing at the time.
"Because there was no noise associated with the stabbing, no argument, no screech of tyres.
"We are encouraging those witnesses to come forward and anybody who witnessed or has knowledge of the event to come forward."
Gino Foccarelli was taken to hospital in an extremely serious condition but has since been released.
A witness to the stabbing said one of the offenders was wearing a top with the word "Notorious" emblazoned across the chest.
Det-Supt Bray said that did not suggest the offenders were part of the Sydney-based Notorious street gang because that type of clothing can be purchased. with that motif on it.
The Notorious street gang consists mainly of Middle Eastern-background youths and is heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, violent street crime and armed robberies.
They have an offshoot gang called the Muslim Brotherhood Movement.
Both groups feed members into the Comanchero bikie gang.
"It is clear this was a premeditated attack designed to kill the victim," said Det Supt Bray.
"We believe there were several males and at least one female involved in planning or carrying out the attack or assisting the offenders subsequent to the attack. We know the identity of some of those involved."
"Violence of this sort in the community is totally unacceptable and is a concern of everybody.... do not let these offenders get away with it."
Gino Foccarelli has refused to cooperate with police, even though he knows the identity of his attacker.
The New Boys and the Hells Angels are locked in a gang war but Det-Supt Bray said the the people in the car were not Hells Angels.
"We are uncertain of a motive for the stabbing at this stage," he said.
"Unfortunately gangs get involved in conflicts with lots of other people who are involved in violence and drug trafficking, there is lots of inter-gang rivalry."
Police wanted to ensure those involved in the incident that they knew some of their identities and it was likely there would be arrests in the near future.
A NEW Boys gang member stabbed in Hindley St is refusing to tell police the identity of his attacker, prompting them to release security images of the attack.
Police have revealed his attacker was wearing a "Notorious" top in the Hindley St stabbing on May 22 this year.
Gino Foccarelli, 21, was stabbed twice in the stomach within 10m of police standing outside his father's Ink Central tattoo parlour.
His father, Vince Foccarelli, is suspected of being the leader of a street gang known as the New Boys.
He was the target of a bungled bombing ordered by the Hells Angels at Enfield.
The bombing has been followed by a series of drive-by shootings targeting properties linked to Hells Angels.
Hells Angels and New Boys members brawled wildly in Hindley St following the funeral of a Hells Angel killed in the Enfield bomb blast.
Crime Gangs Taskforce head Detective Superintendent Des Bray said a black 1990 Nissan Skyline double-parked out the front of the tattoo parlour at 4.13am.
Someone inside the Nissan gestured to Gino Focarelli to approach the car, which he did, .
"He apparently knew the offenders because, as the victim stood alongside the car, the passenger lunged at the victim and stabbed him twice in the stomach while still seated in the car.
"The victim staggered back inside the tattoo parlour, but what is of particular concern is the stabbing occurred within about 6m of a uniformed police officer standing nearby.
"It may well be that these people were his enemies, but had not disclosed that to him at this stage and lulled him into a false sense of security before stabbing him."
Det-Supt Bray said there were a number of people in the area who were not aware of the stabbing at the time.
"Because there was no noise associated with the stabbing, no argument, no screech of tyres.
"We are encouraging those witnesses to come forward and anybody who witnessed or has knowledge of the event to come forward."
Gino Foccarelli was taken to hospital in an extremely serious condition but has since been released.
A witness to the stabbing said one of the offenders was wearing a top with the word "Notorious" emblazoned across the chest.
Det-Supt Bray said that did not suggest the offenders were part of the Sydney-based Notorious street gang because that type of clothing can be purchased. with that motif on it.
The Notorious street gang consists mainly of Middle Eastern-background youths and is heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, violent street crime and armed robberies.
They have an offshoot gang called the Muslim Brotherhood Movement.
Both groups feed members into the Comanchero bikie gang.
"It is clear this was a premeditated attack designed to kill the victim," said Det Supt Bray.
"We believe there were several males and at least one female involved in planning or carrying out the attack or assisting the offenders subsequent to the attack. We know the identity of some of those involved."
"Violence of this sort in the community is totally unacceptable and is a concern of everybody.... do not let these offenders get away with it."
Gino Foccarelli has refused to cooperate with police, even though he knows the identity of his attacker.
The New Boys and the Hells Angels are locked in a gang war but Det-Supt Bray said the the people in the car were not Hells Angels.
"We are uncertain of a motive for the stabbing at this stage," he said.
"Unfortunately gangs get involved in conflicts with lots of other people who are involved in violence and drug trafficking, there is lots of inter-gang rivalry."
Police wanted to ensure those involved in the incident that they knew some of their identities and it was likely there would be arrests in the near future.
Gunmen kills two.
From The Age on 15/8/10 written by Mark Russell and Peter Munro titled Accused gunman violent and caring say aquaintances.
ADAM Kosian, the man accused of murdering two men in Lygon Street on Friday, initially appeared calm and composed at an out-of-sessions court hearing at the St Kilda Road police complex yesterday evening.
Flanked by two detectives and dressed in a dark grey suit and blue shirt with black dress shoes, Kosian, 52, was not handcuffed as he took his seat about 4.35pm.
''Good evening,'' Kosian said to the bail justice, who would formally read out the two murder charges he was facing.
Kosian gave his address - a flat in Arnold Street, Brunswick East - and date of birth - October 24, 1957 - before telling the bail justice that he was ''two times in Queensland in a medical hospital and one time here''.
He said his first question was why the newspapers were saying his alleged victims, Boris Kostov, 60, of Werribee, and Goran Vasic, 44, of Footscray, were in their 70s.
Kosian, in a thick eastern European accent that was at times difficult to understand during the 10-minute hearing, mentioned ''sleeping tablets'' and ''motherf---ers'' and ''rape'' and ''all pinch my money, everything'' before police were asked to outline their case.
As Detective Senior Constable Jason Poulton read out the allegations, Kosian's right leg started to shake violently.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was armed with a .32 calibre handgun when he approached Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic on the footpath outside the Players pokies venue and shot Mr Kostov about 4.50pm. Mr Kostov staggered inside the venue as Kosian turned to Mr Vasic and shot him once, killing him instantly. Kosian then allegedly followed Mr Kostov inside Players and shot him dead.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was arrested at the scene and made full admissions to both murders. Kosian had prior convictions in Queensland, which police were still trying to check.
The bail justice told Kosian he would not be released on bail because of the seriousness of the charges and asked if he required medical treatment and prescription medication. Kosian said he did, before bursting into tears. He slumped on to the desk in front of him and said he was tired. ''I want to sleep. I don't sleep 24 hours. I am not sorry for these people I kill. I do good thing. F---ing idiots. I kill animals because they put sleeping pills in …''
Kosian was remanded in custody to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Boris Kostov's wife said she had not slept since her husband's murder.
Mrs Kostov, who is 65, said she suffers from cancer and multiple sclerosis. ''I'm destroyed. I don't know what I live for. I know he will not come home. No one will bring my husband back.''
Mrs Kostov, who asked that her first name not be published, had been married to Mr Kostov for 36 years and had moved to Australia with him from Bulgaria in 1976.
She said her husband had gone to have a coffee with a friend in Lygon Street on Friday.
Club patron Mary Softik, of Carlton, had earlier told The Sunday Age that Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic had been good friends. They had a regular table overlooking Lygon Street, where they sat most afternoons. ''They were just plain people. They liked a punt and they used to come to the pokies,'' she said. ''Boris was just an everyday person. Goran was just a top bloke. He was a down-to-earth guy, very, very gentle, very kind to people around him. They've never had big money to play big. They weren't driving fancy cars … they were just mates and I was mates with them.''
She had known both men for about 20 years, she said. Both were unemployed and Mr Kostov had a history of drug addiction. He and his wife had an eight-year-old daughter, while Mr Vasic, who was of Serbian background, was engaged.
Ms Softik described Kosian as a violent man who sparked confrontations with several patrons, including her husband. Kosian was temporarily barred from the club after damaging a poker machine, she said. ''He has a very short fuse. [He would] abuse patrons, swear and carry on.''
However, a neighbour of Kosian's said he was a caring man and she was surprised when she heard he had been charged.
Beverley Serschen, 78, said he was a gentleman who regularly offered to bring her things from the shop. She said she was stunned when she saw him on television. ''I sat here and was just literally in shock. I can't imagine Adam doing something like that.''
Mrs Serschen said Kosian lived alone with a chihuahua named Chiquita.
Club patron Tom, who declined to give his surname, said Kosian was unable to control himself. ''Adam is that kind of person. When he lose the money he broke the machines, smashed the machines,'' he said.
Aboriginal activist and historian Gary Foley said he and other patrons at Players had jumped out a window to escape Mr Kosian. Mr Foley, 60, said he was trying to help Mr Kostov after he had been shot the first time, when the gunman returned.
ADAM Kosian, the man accused of murdering two men in Lygon Street on Friday, initially appeared calm and composed at an out-of-sessions court hearing at the St Kilda Road police complex yesterday evening.
Flanked by two detectives and dressed in a dark grey suit and blue shirt with black dress shoes, Kosian, 52, was not handcuffed as he took his seat about 4.35pm.
''Good evening,'' Kosian said to the bail justice, who would formally read out the two murder charges he was facing.
Kosian gave his address - a flat in Arnold Street, Brunswick East - and date of birth - October 24, 1957 - before telling the bail justice that he was ''two times in Queensland in a medical hospital and one time here''.
He said his first question was why the newspapers were saying his alleged victims, Boris Kostov, 60, of Werribee, and Goran Vasic, 44, of Footscray, were in their 70s.
Kosian, in a thick eastern European accent that was at times difficult to understand during the 10-minute hearing, mentioned ''sleeping tablets'' and ''motherf---ers'' and ''rape'' and ''all pinch my money, everything'' before police were asked to outline their case.
As Detective Senior Constable Jason Poulton read out the allegations, Kosian's right leg started to shake violently.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was armed with a .32 calibre handgun when he approached Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic on the footpath outside the Players pokies venue and shot Mr Kostov about 4.50pm. Mr Kostov staggered inside the venue as Kosian turned to Mr Vasic and shot him once, killing him instantly. Kosian then allegedly followed Mr Kostov inside Players and shot him dead.
Senior Constable Poulton said Kosian was arrested at the scene and made full admissions to both murders. Kosian had prior convictions in Queensland, which police were still trying to check.
The bail justice told Kosian he would not be released on bail because of the seriousness of the charges and asked if he required medical treatment and prescription medication. Kosian said he did, before bursting into tears. He slumped on to the desk in front of him and said he was tired. ''I want to sleep. I don't sleep 24 hours. I am not sorry for these people I kill. I do good thing. F---ing idiots. I kill animals because they put sleeping pills in …''
Kosian was remanded in custody to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Boris Kostov's wife said she had not slept since her husband's murder.
Mrs Kostov, who is 65, said she suffers from cancer and multiple sclerosis. ''I'm destroyed. I don't know what I live for. I know he will not come home. No one will bring my husband back.''
Mrs Kostov, who asked that her first name not be published, had been married to Mr Kostov for 36 years and had moved to Australia with him from Bulgaria in 1976.
She said her husband had gone to have a coffee with a friend in Lygon Street on Friday.
Club patron Mary Softik, of Carlton, had earlier told The Sunday Age that Mr Kostov and Mr Vasic had been good friends. They had a regular table overlooking Lygon Street, where they sat most afternoons. ''They were just plain people. They liked a punt and they used to come to the pokies,'' she said. ''Boris was just an everyday person. Goran was just a top bloke. He was a down-to-earth guy, very, very gentle, very kind to people around him. They've never had big money to play big. They weren't driving fancy cars … they were just mates and I was mates with them.''
She had known both men for about 20 years, she said. Both were unemployed and Mr Kostov had a history of drug addiction. He and his wife had an eight-year-old daughter, while Mr Vasic, who was of Serbian background, was engaged.
Ms Softik described Kosian as a violent man who sparked confrontations with several patrons, including her husband. Kosian was temporarily barred from the club after damaging a poker machine, she said. ''He has a very short fuse. [He would] abuse patrons, swear and carry on.''
However, a neighbour of Kosian's said he was a caring man and she was surprised when she heard he had been charged.
Beverley Serschen, 78, said he was a gentleman who regularly offered to bring her things from the shop. She said she was stunned when she saw him on television. ''I sat here and was just literally in shock. I can't imagine Adam doing something like that.''
Mrs Serschen said Kosian lived alone with a chihuahua named Chiquita.
Club patron Tom, who declined to give his surname, said Kosian was unable to control himself. ''Adam is that kind of person. When he lose the money he broke the machines, smashed the machines,'' he said.
Aboriginal activist and historian Gary Foley said he and other patrons at Players had jumped out a window to escape Mr Kosian. Mr Foley, 60, said he was trying to help Mr Kostov after he had been shot the first time, when the gunman returned.
Canadian bashed
From the Heraldsun 17/8/10 by Mark Dunn and titled Dreams die in Gutter.
BY the age of 25 Cain Aguiar had achieved more than most; he had obtained a commercial pilot's licence, a business degree and had recently earned his accreditation as a financial adviser.
The young Canadian was in Melbourne looking to start a new career and build his life in Australia, where he had also been granted citizenship.
But his dreams ended in the gutter outside Yarraville's Blarney Stone pub.
The Supreme Court heard on Monday that shortly after he was brutally bashed and kicked to death in July 2009, his mother found a simple entry on his Blackberry phone: "There is no greater cause than peace," he had written.
But there could be no greater difference between that simple philosophy and the aggression inflicted upon Mr Aguiar, his head stomped in as he lay unconscious and one of his attackers sneering "welcome to Australia".
"Cain is neither a statistic nor just another victim of random violence but a beloved son and brother," his distraught mother Issy Aguiar told the court.
"As for me, his mother, I feel like a giant hand has reached into my body and pulled a piece of my heart out."
Mrs Aguiar said she and husband Tony had endured a year filled with fear, rage and sadness. "For the first time in 30 years we did not put up a Christmas tree, exchange gifts or be with friends, as we could not bear the thought that Cain was not there," she said.
Unemployed man Fostar Akoteu, 23, born in Australia to Tongan parents, pleaded guilty to Mr Aguiar's manslaughter - a premeditated, unprovoked attack sparked by Akoteu's jealousy that the victim was talking to a female friend of his at the bar.
Sioeli Seau, 20, a New Zealand-born labourer, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Aguiar before the victim was "king-hit" by another man and was then kicked and stomped on by Akoteu.
Justice Simon Whelan hopes to sentence Akoteu and Seau on Friday
BY the age of 25 Cain Aguiar had achieved more than most; he had obtained a commercial pilot's licence, a business degree and had recently earned his accreditation as a financial adviser.
The young Canadian was in Melbourne looking to start a new career and build his life in Australia, where he had also been granted citizenship.
But his dreams ended in the gutter outside Yarraville's Blarney Stone pub.
The Supreme Court heard on Monday that shortly after he was brutally bashed and kicked to death in July 2009, his mother found a simple entry on his Blackberry phone: "There is no greater cause than peace," he had written.
But there could be no greater difference between that simple philosophy and the aggression inflicted upon Mr Aguiar, his head stomped in as he lay unconscious and one of his attackers sneering "welcome to Australia".
"Cain is neither a statistic nor just another victim of random violence but a beloved son and brother," his distraught mother Issy Aguiar told the court.
"As for me, his mother, I feel like a giant hand has reached into my body and pulled a piece of my heart out."
Mrs Aguiar said she and husband Tony had endured a year filled with fear, rage and sadness. "For the first time in 30 years we did not put up a Christmas tree, exchange gifts or be with friends, as we could not bear the thought that Cain was not there," she said.
Unemployed man Fostar Akoteu, 23, born in Australia to Tongan parents, pleaded guilty to Mr Aguiar's manslaughter - a premeditated, unprovoked attack sparked by Akoteu's jealousy that the victim was talking to a female friend of his at the bar.
Sioeli Seau, 20, a New Zealand-born labourer, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Aguiar before the victim was "king-hit" by another man and was then kicked and stomped on by Akoteu.
Justice Simon Whelan hopes to sentence Akoteu and Seau on Friday
Monday, August 9, 2010
Racist attack by Asian Gang
From the HeraldSun on 5/8/2010 by Wayne Flower titled Man severely injured after savage bashing by up to 13 thugs in CBD.
UPDATE 11.20am: POLICE are hunting a ruthless gang of thugs who savagely bashed a man in Melbourne's CBD.
Mo, who wished to remain anonymous, was to attend a friend's birthday party last Saturday night when he and three friends were ambushed and bashed by 13 men outside a city car park.
The 20-year old Pascoe Vale man received horrendous facial injuries in the unprovoked attack, including two fractured eye sockets and a broken jaw.
The attack happened moments after the men parked their car inside a Wilson Parking lot on Collins St just after midnight on Sunday morning.
On exiting the car park on Flinders Lane, the group became involved in a verbal argument with two men, one of Asian appearance and one Caucasian, who were with four women of Asian appearance.
During the argument one of the women ran off towards Flinders Lane and returned a short time later with a group of 11 men - all of Asian appearance - who savagely bashed the group of friends.
Mo was king-hit twice in the face and knocked unconscious to the ground where he was repeatedly punched and kicked.
Two of his friends were also bashed, escaping with minor cuts to their heads and bodies.
Det-Sen Constable Andrew Ghidetti said it was fortunate no-one was killed in the attack.
"It was unfortunate the main victim received the injuries he did, but we're also very fortunate that the other two victims didn't receive more severe injuries or that weapons were used or it could have been a lot more serious,'' he said.
Det-Sen Constable Ghidetti said the attack did not appear to be racially motivated, but was unsure of the gang's motive.
"It was a fairly vicious attack and the victims were out numbered substantially and we don't know the reason why it occurred, whether it's random or there's some reason behind it,'' he said.
"There were some words spoken between the first males and the victims prior to the 11 other males being called in but we don't know what was said.''
The attack has devastated the young carpenter, who said he was now scared to go out in Melbourne's CBD at night.
"I was just shattered. We were just out to have a good night and celebrate a mate's birthday but didn't end up making it there,'' he said.
"I'm just scared now. I don't even know now if it's worth going into the city to have fun anymore. It's all random. We don't even know who the guys are, they don't know who we are and for them to do this ... it's brutal. Inhumane.''
Police have released CCTV footage of the attack in the hope someone might recognise the alleged offenders.
UPDATE 11.20am: POLICE are hunting a ruthless gang of thugs who savagely bashed a man in Melbourne's CBD.
Mo, who wished to remain anonymous, was to attend a friend's birthday party last Saturday night when he and three friends were ambushed and bashed by 13 men outside a city car park.
The 20-year old Pascoe Vale man received horrendous facial injuries in the unprovoked attack, including two fractured eye sockets and a broken jaw.
The attack happened moments after the men parked their car inside a Wilson Parking lot on Collins St just after midnight on Sunday morning.
On exiting the car park on Flinders Lane, the group became involved in a verbal argument with two men, one of Asian appearance and one Caucasian, who were with four women of Asian appearance.
During the argument one of the women ran off towards Flinders Lane and returned a short time later with a group of 11 men - all of Asian appearance - who savagely bashed the group of friends.
Mo was king-hit twice in the face and knocked unconscious to the ground where he was repeatedly punched and kicked.
Two of his friends were also bashed, escaping with minor cuts to their heads and bodies.
Det-Sen Constable Andrew Ghidetti said it was fortunate no-one was killed in the attack.
"It was unfortunate the main victim received the injuries he did, but we're also very fortunate that the other two victims didn't receive more severe injuries or that weapons were used or it could have been a lot more serious,'' he said.
Det-Sen Constable Ghidetti said the attack did not appear to be racially motivated, but was unsure of the gang's motive.
"It was a fairly vicious attack and the victims were out numbered substantially and we don't know the reason why it occurred, whether it's random or there's some reason behind it,'' he said.
"There were some words spoken between the first males and the victims prior to the 11 other males being called in but we don't know what was said.''
The attack has devastated the young carpenter, who said he was now scared to go out in Melbourne's CBD at night.
"I was just shattered. We were just out to have a good night and celebrate a mate's birthday but didn't end up making it there,'' he said.
"I'm just scared now. I don't even know now if it's worth going into the city to have fun anymore. It's all random. We don't even know who the guys are, they don't know who we are and for them to do this ... it's brutal. Inhumane.''
Police have released CCTV footage of the attack in the hope someone might recognise the alleged offenders.
Man shoots at Police and Firefighters
From the HeraldSun 9/8/2010 written by Amelia Harris
A MAN has been charged with allegedly firing several shots at police and firefighters following a three-hour siege yesterday.
Police have charged Suhail Khudruj, 28, of Sunshine after the three-hour stand off.
He faces allegations that several shots were fired, including one at police, during an early-morning siege in Melbourne’s west today.
Khudruj faced an out-of sessions hearing last night and was remanded in custody to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of conduct endangering life and one count of prohibited person possess firearm.
Firefighters were called to Second Ave, Sunshine for a factory fire while police were called to the same street for a distressed male.
Sunshine MFB senior station officer Ian Munro said firefighters were looking for the scene of the callout when they saw a man in front of the factory.
Acting Insp Glenn Mayne said on arrival the fire brigade drove past the man and the police stopped with a view to having a conversation with him.
But they will allege in court that he was armed with a rifle.
The police airwing, dog squad and special operations group were all involved in the drama which was resolved shortly before 7am.
A MAN has been charged with allegedly firing several shots at police and firefighters following a three-hour siege yesterday.
Police have charged Suhail Khudruj, 28, of Sunshine after the three-hour stand off.
He faces allegations that several shots were fired, including one at police, during an early-morning siege in Melbourne’s west today.
Khudruj faced an out-of sessions hearing last night and was remanded in custody to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today.
He has been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of conduct endangering life and one count of prohibited person possess firearm.
Firefighters were called to Second Ave, Sunshine for a factory fire while police were called to the same street for a distressed male.
Sunshine MFB senior station officer Ian Munro said firefighters were looking for the scene of the callout when they saw a man in front of the factory.
Acting Insp Glenn Mayne said on arrival the fire brigade drove past the man and the police stopped with a view to having a conversation with him.
But they will allege in court that he was armed with a rifle.
The police airwing, dog squad and special operations group were all involved in the drama which was resolved shortly before 7am.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Asian Gang Attacks
Gangs brawl outside Southbank nightclub
From: Herald Sun
April 03, 2010 9:13AM
TWO Asian gangs were involved in a violent brawl at Southbank early today.
Police say weapons including knuckledusters, bottles and iron bars were used in the clash outside a nightclub at Riverside Quay at 3am.DID YOU SEE THE BRAWL? CALL 9292 2963 OR EMAIL SUNDAYHS@HERALDSUN.COM.AUThe fight spilled onto Southank Promenade, where an innocent bystander was attacked by the group.When police arrived, they used capsicum foam to break up the fight.A 22-year-old man from Brunswick and a 19-year-old man from Hallam were taken to hospital suffering serious injuries.Police have arrested a 23-year-old man from Ardeer who was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
From: Herald Sun
April 03, 2010 9:13AM
TWO Asian gangs were involved in a violent brawl at Southbank early today.
Police say weapons including knuckledusters, bottles and iron bars were used in the clash outside a nightclub at Riverside Quay at 3am.DID YOU SEE THE BRAWL? CALL 9292 2963 OR EMAIL SUNDAYHS@HERALDSUN.COM.AUThe fight spilled onto Southank Promenade, where an innocent bystander was attacked by the group.When police arrived, they used capsicum foam to break up the fight.A 22-year-old man from Brunswick and a 19-year-old man from Hallam were taken to hospital suffering serious injuries.Police have arrested a 23-year-old man from Ardeer who was interviewed and released pending further inquiries.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Sudanese and Maori gangs
Six youths charged in violent attack at Box Hill shopping precinct
Julie Tullberg, Aaron Langmaid
From: Herald Sun
March 18, 2010 6:54PM
UPDATE 6.33am: A BYSTANDER was injured when a gang of teens attacked another group with knives and chairs at a shopping centre.
Police have charged six men following the violent fight at a shopping precinct in Melbourne's east.
The brawl broke out at the Whitehorse Plaza shopping centre in Box Hill at about 5pm yesterday, police said.
The armed group set upon the second group, with the fight eventually spilling on to Whitehorse Road and surrounding streets.
One bystander suffered a cut to the head but did not need medical treatment.
Witnesses say a man was armed with a hammer and another with a wooden stake during the incident which resulted in peak-hour train commuters scurrying to safety at Box Hill Central's shopping precinct yesterday.
Customers were forced to hide in stores at the shopping precinct as the youths frightened commuters and shoppers.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Senior Constable Karla Dennis said the men were charged after a fight at the Centro Whitehorse Plaza yesterday afternoon.
"Police arrested nine men and three were released without charge," Sen-Constable Dennis said.
"The other six, ranging in ages from 18 - 23 years and from the eastern and south eastern suburbs were charged with affray."
A witness who did not want to be identified described how at least 10 young men, of Sudanese appearance, stalked the streets for more than 20 minutes apparently hunting members of a Maori gang.
"I told my wife to go hide in one of the shops,'' the man said."I was actually really worried about what was going to happen."They were grabbing whatever they could to hit these other blokes... just walking around with total disregard for how much they were scaring people."The six men were bailed to appear in the Ringwood Magistrates' Court at a date to be fixed.
Julie Tullberg, Aaron Langmaid
From: Herald Sun
March 18, 2010 6:54PM
UPDATE 6.33am: A BYSTANDER was injured when a gang of teens attacked another group with knives and chairs at a shopping centre.
Police have charged six men following the violent fight at a shopping precinct in Melbourne's east.
The brawl broke out at the Whitehorse Plaza shopping centre in Box Hill at about 5pm yesterday, police said.
The armed group set upon the second group, with the fight eventually spilling on to Whitehorse Road and surrounding streets.
One bystander suffered a cut to the head but did not need medical treatment.
Witnesses say a man was armed with a hammer and another with a wooden stake during the incident which resulted in peak-hour train commuters scurrying to safety at Box Hill Central's shopping precinct yesterday.
Customers were forced to hide in stores at the shopping precinct as the youths frightened commuters and shoppers.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Senior Constable Karla Dennis said the men were charged after a fight at the Centro Whitehorse Plaza yesterday afternoon.
"Police arrested nine men and three were released without charge," Sen-Constable Dennis said.
"The other six, ranging in ages from 18 - 23 years and from the eastern and south eastern suburbs were charged with affray."
A witness who did not want to be identified described how at least 10 young men, of Sudanese appearance, stalked the streets for more than 20 minutes apparently hunting members of a Maori gang.
"I told my wife to go hide in one of the shops,'' the man said."I was actually really worried about what was going to happen."They were grabbing whatever they could to hit these other blokes... just walking around with total disregard for how much they were scaring people."The six men were bailed to appear in the Ringwood Magistrates' Court at a date to be fixed.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Jury in Irish tourist bashing case told to keep deliberating
MALCOLM BROWN March 16, 2010 - 1:27PM
from the Sydney morning herald
A jury in the trial of a man who helped bash an Irish tourist to within an inch of his life has been told to continue its deliberations after informing the judge today that it was unable to reach a verdict.
Thomas Isaako, 21, a Bankstown scaffolder, has been charged with the attempted murder of David Keohane in Brooks Street, Coogee, in the early hours of July 9, 2008.
He and another man, Kane Tupuolamoui, were alleged to have beaten Mr Keohane, then 29, so severely that virtually every bone in his face was fractured and he came very close to dying.
The two men, who on the evidence had been drinking and had been smashing car windows with a pole as they walked along the street, made off after allegedly taking Mr Keohane's wallet.
Mr Keohane was found lying in a pool of blood. He was given medical treatment and later returned to Ireland where he spent more than a year in hospital.
Isaako, who volunteered to be interviewed by police, said he and Mr Tupuolamoui, after they had been drinking, decided to "roll" someone.
They had come across Mr Keohane who was returning home with a pizza and attacked him. Isaako had thrown "four or five" punches and Mr Tupuolamoui "eight or nine" and Isaako had asked Mr Tupuolamoui to stop hitting the victim.
In the NSW District Court, Judge Ron Soloman had said in his summing up that the jury had to be satisfied that Isaako had inflicted grievous bodily harm with intent to kill Mr Keohane.
He said there was no direct evidence of intent to kill, so the jury, in order to find Isaako guilty, would have to draw an inference from the established facts, being the number, or force, of the blows.
The judge referred to a submission by Nathan Steel, counsel for Isaako that the jury should draw an inference that Isaako's intent was not to murder Mr Keohane but to rob him.
Judge Soloman said that, if the jury were to find Isaako guilty of attempted murder, it had to be satisfied that the only reasonable inference was that he intended to kill Mr Keohane.
He said that evidence of intoxication could be taken into account in deciding whether Isaako had a specific intent.
If the jury found that Mr Tupuolamoui had formed the intent to kill, the judge said, then Isaako could be found guilty on the grounds that the two had participated in a joint criminal enterprise.
Isaako has already pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated robbery and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm arising from the incident.
Late this morning, the jury handed a note to Judge Soloman stating that it was unable to reach a verdict.
However, Judge Soloman has asked the jury to continue its deliberations.
Police said outside the court that a warrant for Mr Tupuolamoui's arrest was still outstanding.
MALCOLM BROWN March 16, 2010 - 1:27PM
from the Sydney morning herald
A jury in the trial of a man who helped bash an Irish tourist to within an inch of his life has been told to continue its deliberations after informing the judge today that it was unable to reach a verdict.
Thomas Isaako, 21, a Bankstown scaffolder, has been charged with the attempted murder of David Keohane in Brooks Street, Coogee, in the early hours of July 9, 2008.
He and another man, Kane Tupuolamoui, were alleged to have beaten Mr Keohane, then 29, so severely that virtually every bone in his face was fractured and he came very close to dying.
The two men, who on the evidence had been drinking and had been smashing car windows with a pole as they walked along the street, made off after allegedly taking Mr Keohane's wallet.
Mr Keohane was found lying in a pool of blood. He was given medical treatment and later returned to Ireland where he spent more than a year in hospital.
Isaako, who volunteered to be interviewed by police, said he and Mr Tupuolamoui, after they had been drinking, decided to "roll" someone.
They had come across Mr Keohane who was returning home with a pizza and attacked him. Isaako had thrown "four or five" punches and Mr Tupuolamoui "eight or nine" and Isaako had asked Mr Tupuolamoui to stop hitting the victim.
In the NSW District Court, Judge Ron Soloman had said in his summing up that the jury had to be satisfied that Isaako had inflicted grievous bodily harm with intent to kill Mr Keohane.
He said there was no direct evidence of intent to kill, so the jury, in order to find Isaako guilty, would have to draw an inference from the established facts, being the number, or force, of the blows.
The judge referred to a submission by Nathan Steel, counsel for Isaako that the jury should draw an inference that Isaako's intent was not to murder Mr Keohane but to rob him.
Judge Soloman said that, if the jury were to find Isaako guilty of attempted murder, it had to be satisfied that the only reasonable inference was that he intended to kill Mr Keohane.
He said that evidence of intoxication could be taken into account in deciding whether Isaako had a specific intent.
If the jury found that Mr Tupuolamoui had formed the intent to kill, the judge said, then Isaako could be found guilty on the grounds that the two had participated in a joint criminal enterprise.
Isaako has already pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated robbery and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm arising from the incident.
Late this morning, the jury handed a note to Judge Soloman stating that it was unable to reach a verdict.
However, Judge Soloman has asked the jury to continue its deliberations.
Police said outside the court that a warrant for Mr Tupuolamoui's arrest was still outstanding.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Italian drug racket
Police crack gun and drug ring running across Victoria and NSW after early morning raids
Matthew Schulz
From: Herald Sun
March 10, 2010 1:25PM
these criminals were named on the TV news as italians.
POLICE say they have cracked a sophisticated drug and gun racket spread across Victoria and NSW after 19 raids early this morning.
NSW organised crime squad detectives, along with Victoria Police officers, arrested nine people, with several still being questioned, after simultaneous dawn raids.
Police claim the raids follow a lengthy probe in a “highly-organised entity operating under a hierarchical family structure”.
The operation code-named strike force Baranbali has been running since July last year.
The men arrested today ranged from 26 to 69 years of age, all from NSW.
It is understood Victorians are still helping police with inquiries after five search warrants in Mildura this morning.
The raids are continuing, with police so far uncovering guns, drugs including steroids, and a pill-press.
Police are also testing what they believe are precursor chemicals and equipment at several locations used to make drugs.
NSW Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said the operation had meant “successful inroads into alleged criminal activities on an extensive basis”.
Matthew Schulz
From: Herald Sun
March 10, 2010 1:25PM
these criminals were named on the TV news as italians.
POLICE say they have cracked a sophisticated drug and gun racket spread across Victoria and NSW after 19 raids early this morning.
NSW organised crime squad detectives, along with Victoria Police officers, arrested nine people, with several still being questioned, after simultaneous dawn raids.
Police claim the raids follow a lengthy probe in a “highly-organised entity operating under a hierarchical family structure”.
The operation code-named strike force Baranbali has been running since July last year.
The men arrested today ranged from 26 to 69 years of age, all from NSW.
It is understood Victorians are still helping police with inquiries after five search warrants in Mildura this morning.
The raids are continuing, with police so far uncovering guns, drugs including steroids, and a pill-press.
Police are also testing what they believe are precursor chemicals and equipment at several locations used to make drugs.
NSW Superintendent Arthur Katsogiannis said the operation had meant “successful inroads into alleged criminal activities on an extensive basis”.
Bashed by an ethnic
From the Nine News website titled "Lone man targeted for robbery: court"
17:34 AEST Wed Mar 10 2010
Irishman David Keohane was bashed and robbed because he was the only person walking down a Sydney street in the early hours of August 9, 2008.
In a recorded police interview played to a Sydney jury, his attacker admitted jogging towards the stranger, before he hit him on the side of his face and "he just dropped".
Earlier in the NSW District Court on Wednesday, Dr Vanessa Sammons said Mr Keohane's head injuries were so bad that doctors believed he would be lucky to survive.
Dr Sammons, the neurosurgeon registrar who treated him until he returned to Ireland, said his Glasgow Coma Score had been three, "akin to someone who is deceased".
Thomas Isaako, 21, of Bankstown, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Keohane, 29, at Coogee.
The scaffolder has pleaded guilty to robbery in company and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Keohane.
The scaffolder has pleaded guilty to robbery in company and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Keohane.
In his police interview, Isaako said that after drinking at the Coogee Bay Hotel, a companion suggested they "roll" someone, which he said meant "bash someone and take their stuff".
As they turned a corner, Mr Keohane was "the only person I could see. There was no one else."
Isaako said that after hitting Mr Keohane and seeing him fall to the ground, he punched him four more times before telling his companion to stop hitting him.
Asked what he thought was wrong with Mr Keohane when he left him lying on the ground, Isaako said: "I think he was, just like, hurt."
Asked if he thought of calling an ambulance, he replied: "After that I was just in my own world."
Dr Sammons told the jury Mr Keohane's whole face was fractured and she recalled looking at the CT scan and thinking "what could possibly have caused that extent of damage".
"To have the degree and number of fractures that David had, I cannot imagine that what happened was one or two blows," she said.
"It must have been multiple and from multiple directions."
She remembered conversations at the hospital when doctors agreed his prognosis had been very poor and "we thought he would do very poorly and he would be lucky to survive".
"In my first conversation with David's family, I said he could possibly live, but he would never be the person he was."
She said that on September 15, 2008, Mr Keohane went back to Ireland on a commercial flight with doctors and nurses in attendance, adding that he had to go on a stretcher.
Under cross-examination from Isaako's barrister, Nathan Steel, Dr Sammons said it was not possible certain injuries resulted from Mr Keohane having fallen backwards.
Mr Steel asked if some of the injuries could be from falling.
"It would have to be that he hit things with his head several times in the course of a single fall," she replied.
The trial is continuing before judge Ronald Solomon.
17:34 AEST Wed Mar 10 2010
Irishman David Keohane was bashed and robbed because he was the only person walking down a Sydney street in the early hours of August 9, 2008.
In a recorded police interview played to a Sydney jury, his attacker admitted jogging towards the stranger, before he hit him on the side of his face and "he just dropped".
Earlier in the NSW District Court on Wednesday, Dr Vanessa Sammons said Mr Keohane's head injuries were so bad that doctors believed he would be lucky to survive.
Dr Sammons, the neurosurgeon registrar who treated him until he returned to Ireland, said his Glasgow Coma Score had been three, "akin to someone who is deceased".
Thomas Isaako, 21, of Bankstown, has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder of Mr Keohane, 29, at Coogee.
The scaffolder has pleaded guilty to robbery in company and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Keohane.
The scaffolder has pleaded guilty to robbery in company and inflicting grievous bodily harm on Mr Keohane.
In his police interview, Isaako said that after drinking at the Coogee Bay Hotel, a companion suggested they "roll" someone, which he said meant "bash someone and take their stuff".
As they turned a corner, Mr Keohane was "the only person I could see. There was no one else."
Isaako said that after hitting Mr Keohane and seeing him fall to the ground, he punched him four more times before telling his companion to stop hitting him.
Asked what he thought was wrong with Mr Keohane when he left him lying on the ground, Isaako said: "I think he was, just like, hurt."
Asked if he thought of calling an ambulance, he replied: "After that I was just in my own world."
Dr Sammons told the jury Mr Keohane's whole face was fractured and she recalled looking at the CT scan and thinking "what could possibly have caused that extent of damage".
"To have the degree and number of fractures that David had, I cannot imagine that what happened was one or two blows," she said.
"It must have been multiple and from multiple directions."
She remembered conversations at the hospital when doctors agreed his prognosis had been very poor and "we thought he would do very poorly and he would be lucky to survive".
"In my first conversation with David's family, I said he could possibly live, but he would never be the person he was."
She said that on September 15, 2008, Mr Keohane went back to Ireland on a commercial flight with doctors and nurses in attendance, adding that he had to go on a stretcher.
Under cross-examination from Isaako's barrister, Nathan Steel, Dr Sammons said it was not possible certain injuries resulted from Mr Keohane having fallen backwards.
Mr Steel asked if some of the injuries could be from falling.
"It would have to be that he hit things with his head several times in the course of a single fall," she replied.
The trial is continuing before judge Ronald Solomon.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Indian taxi driver assaults passenger
Taxi driver arrested over sexual assault of woman passenger
ROBYN GRACE March 8, 2010 - 2:53PM
from The Age
on TV the driver was identified as Raj Singh
A 21-year-old taxi driver has been arrested over the sexual assault of a woman passenger late last year.
Police allege the man assaulted the 40-year-old woman during a journey from Richmond's Corner Hotel to Melbourne’s northern suburbs on November 21.
Senior Constable Karla Dennis said the man, from Niddrie in Melbourne’s north, would be interviewed shortly at Preston police station.
ROBYN GRACE March 8, 2010 - 2:53PM
from The Age
on TV the driver was identified as Raj Singh
A 21-year-old taxi driver has been arrested over the sexual assault of a woman passenger late last year.
Police allege the man assaulted the 40-year-old woman during a journey from Richmond's Corner Hotel to Melbourne’s northern suburbs on November 21.
Senior Constable Karla Dennis said the man, from Niddrie in Melbourne’s north, would be interviewed shortly at Preston police station.
Indian stabbs another in the neck
Man's neck stabbed in Lalor fight
Staff writers
From: Herald Sun
March 08, 2010 2:30PM
I will pos tthis item here although there is no mention of the nationality of the attacker. On the TV news the pictures appeared very much like he was Indian. i will update this when it becomes available.
A MAN is in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed in the neck during an argument at his Lalor home.
The 33-year-old man was stabbed about 11.30am and has been taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition.
A 44-year-old man, also from Lalor, has been taken into custody and will be interviewed by detectives later today.
Police believe the parties are known to each other.
Staff writers
From: Herald Sun
March 08, 2010 2:30PM
I will pos tthis item here although there is no mention of the nationality of the attacker. On the TV news the pictures appeared very much like he was Indian. i will update this when it becomes available.
A MAN is in a serious condition in hospital after being stabbed in the neck during an argument at his Lalor home.
The 33-year-old man was stabbed about 11.30am and has been taken to the Royal Melbourne Hospital in a serious condition.
A 44-year-old man, also from Lalor, has been taken into custody and will be interviewed by detectives later today.
Police believe the parties are known to each other.
Indian murder
An article from the ABC news website titled "man charged over Indian toddlers death"
on 7/3/10
A 23-year-old man has appeared at an out of sessions court hearing in Melbourne charged over the death of three-year-old Gurshan Singh.
The Indian boy went missing from a house in Lalor in Melbourne's north last Thursday and his body was found hours later on the side of a road near Melbourne Airport.
Gursewak Dhillon of Lalor has been charged with manslaughter by criminal negligence.
The court heard Dhillon allegedly put the unconscious toddler in the boot of a car and drove around for three hours.
It is alleged he then dumped him on the side of a road without checking if he was alive.
The hearing was told the man is not related to the boy.
Dhillon was refused bail and will reappear in the Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Mystery has surrounded the toddler's death and an autopsy failed to determine how the boy died.
Earlier, detectives released details of a car that was seen in the area where Gurshan's body was discovered.
They were looking for information or any sightings of a green VR or VT Commodore that was spotted in the area around St Johns and Wildwood roads on Thursday afternoon.
The family is waiting for police to release the boy's body before deciding when to head back to India.
An Indian student group in Australia has offered to pay for the body to be flown home.
A spokesman for the Federation of Indian Students of Australia, Gautam Gupta, says the organisation has offered to assist the boy's family using its victims of crime fund.
He says he has not heard back from the boy's parents yet.
"But our offer stands and we will do whatever else is required because we do understand that they are in a a very difficult situation," he said.
"The more the community shows support, it will at least heal their wounds a little bit."
India's opposition has demanded a parliamentary debate on the case, which Indian community leaders in Australia fear could reignite tensions between the two countries.
Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has been in India on a fence-mending expedition, trying to calm anger about allegedly racist attacks on Indian students in Victoria.
on 7/3/10
A 23-year-old man has appeared at an out of sessions court hearing in Melbourne charged over the death of three-year-old Gurshan Singh.
The Indian boy went missing from a house in Lalor in Melbourne's north last Thursday and his body was found hours later on the side of a road near Melbourne Airport.
Gursewak Dhillon of Lalor has been charged with manslaughter by criminal negligence.
The court heard Dhillon allegedly put the unconscious toddler in the boot of a car and drove around for three hours.
It is alleged he then dumped him on the side of a road without checking if he was alive.
The hearing was told the man is not related to the boy.
Dhillon was refused bail and will reappear in the Melbourne Magistrate's Court on Tuesday.
Mystery has surrounded the toddler's death and an autopsy failed to determine how the boy died.
Earlier, detectives released details of a car that was seen in the area where Gurshan's body was discovered.
They were looking for information or any sightings of a green VR or VT Commodore that was spotted in the area around St Johns and Wildwood roads on Thursday afternoon.
The family is waiting for police to release the boy's body before deciding when to head back to India.
An Indian student group in Australia has offered to pay for the body to be flown home.
A spokesman for the Federation of Indian Students of Australia, Gautam Gupta, says the organisation has offered to assist the boy's family using its victims of crime fund.
He says he has not heard back from the boy's parents yet.
"But our offer stands and we will do whatever else is required because we do understand that they are in a a very difficult situation," he said.
"The more the community shows support, it will at least heal their wounds a little bit."
India's opposition has demanded a parliamentary debate on the case, which Indian community leaders in Australia fear could reignite tensions between the two countries.
Australia's Foreign Minister Stephen Smith has been in India on a fence-mending expedition, trying to calm anger about allegedly racist attacks on Indian students in Victoria.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Attack on past AMA president
Article from the SMH "Haikerwal bashers get long jail terms " written by
DANIEL FOGARTY November 18, 2009
Prominent doctor Mukesh Haikerwal says he takes no comfort in knowing that the attackers who left him brain-damaged and half an hour from death have been handed long jail terms.
On an evening walk in bayside Williamstown in Melbourne last September, Dr Haikerwal was set upon and bashed so badly with a baseball bat that his skull was heard to crack.
He had already handed the group his wallet.
As they began hitting him with the bat, Dr Haikerwal, a former Australian Medical Association president, cried "help me" and told his attackers he was a doctor.
But the thugs didn't stop.
Instead, Alfer Azzopardi grabbed the baseball bat from the hand of a co-offender telling him "you're not doing it right" and took a big back swing, before powerfully striking Dr Haikerwal to the head.
The blow rendered Dr Haikerwal unconscious and nearly killed him.
"If I hadn't the luxury of two fully trained medical professionals, my brother a cardiologist and my wife a GP (who came to his aid after the attack) ... I would not be standing here today," he told reporters at his practice in the western Melbourne suburb of Altona.
"I take no comfort that my assailants have been sentenced to jail terms, but the community has to be protected and feel safe and free to go about their daily lives in safety and security.
"I now have a scar on my head. I have a piece of my brain missing, and that will never come back."
The attack came during a two-month armed robbery spree by Azzopardi, 20, of Coolaroo and Michael Baltatzis, 20, of Glenroy.
Dr Haikerwal was one of 34 victims as the two men went on a rampage of 21 robberies on 11 separate evenings.
Victorian County Court judge Joe Gullaci handed both men double-figure jail sentences.
Azzopardi was jailed for 18 and a half years, to serve a minimum of 13 and a half years.
Baltatzis was jailed for 16 and a half years, with a minimum of 10 and a half years.
A third man, Sean Gabriel, 20, of Hoppers Crossing, was jailed for nine years and nine months, with a minimum of six years.
"The courts have a duty to step up and send a clear message that if you offend in this cowardly and despicable manner then a lengthy term of imprisonment awaits," Judge Gullaci said.
"Each of the victims was selected at random, but each had a common feature, that is they were vulnerable and alone and in parks or (other) public places."
The physical and mental scars for Dr Haikerwal will continue long after the men are released.
"To go in my own manner, in my own backyard, and to be half an hour from death was a very significant affect to me and my family, and indeed the people around me," Dr Haikerwal said.
He spent a month in hospital, had to re-learn how to walk and now speaks more slowly than he once did.
A fourth person involved in the attack, a boy aged 16, who cannot be named because of his age, was ordered to serve two years in youth detention in a separate proceeding.
DANIEL FOGARTY November 18, 2009
Prominent doctor Mukesh Haikerwal says he takes no comfort in knowing that the attackers who left him brain-damaged and half an hour from death have been handed long jail terms.
On an evening walk in bayside Williamstown in Melbourne last September, Dr Haikerwal was set upon and bashed so badly with a baseball bat that his skull was heard to crack.
He had already handed the group his wallet.
As they began hitting him with the bat, Dr Haikerwal, a former Australian Medical Association president, cried "help me" and told his attackers he was a doctor.
But the thugs didn't stop.
Instead, Alfer Azzopardi grabbed the baseball bat from the hand of a co-offender telling him "you're not doing it right" and took a big back swing, before powerfully striking Dr Haikerwal to the head.
The blow rendered Dr Haikerwal unconscious and nearly killed him.
"If I hadn't the luxury of two fully trained medical professionals, my brother a cardiologist and my wife a GP (who came to his aid after the attack) ... I would not be standing here today," he told reporters at his practice in the western Melbourne suburb of Altona.
"I take no comfort that my assailants have been sentenced to jail terms, but the community has to be protected and feel safe and free to go about their daily lives in safety and security.
"I now have a scar on my head. I have a piece of my brain missing, and that will never come back."
The attack came during a two-month armed robbery spree by Azzopardi, 20, of Coolaroo and Michael Baltatzis, 20, of Glenroy.
Dr Haikerwal was one of 34 victims as the two men went on a rampage of 21 robberies on 11 separate evenings.
Victorian County Court judge Joe Gullaci handed both men double-figure jail sentences.
Azzopardi was jailed for 18 and a half years, to serve a minimum of 13 and a half years.
Baltatzis was jailed for 16 and a half years, with a minimum of 10 and a half years.
A third man, Sean Gabriel, 20, of Hoppers Crossing, was jailed for nine years and nine months, with a minimum of six years.
"The courts have a duty to step up and send a clear message that if you offend in this cowardly and despicable manner then a lengthy term of imprisonment awaits," Judge Gullaci said.
"Each of the victims was selected at random, but each had a common feature, that is they were vulnerable and alone and in parks or (other) public places."
The physical and mental scars for Dr Haikerwal will continue long after the men are released.
"To go in my own manner, in my own backyard, and to be half an hour from death was a very significant affect to me and my family, and indeed the people around me," Dr Haikerwal said.
He spent a month in hospital, had to re-learn how to walk and now speaks more slowly than he once did.
A fourth person involved in the attack, a boy aged 16, who cannot be named because of his age, was ordered to serve two years in youth detention in a separate proceeding.
Asian Gang attacks
Article titled "Two stabbed in overnight attacks at Wyndham Vale and Braybrook" taken from the heraldsun on 28/2/10 written by Elissa Doherty
\
TWO more people have been stabbed in Melbourne overnight in the latest wave of knife crime.
A man, 19, was stabbed in the chest at Wyndham Vale about 11.05 pm yesterday after a group of five people tracked him down at a birthday party.
Police said the group went to a house in Akoona Way looking for the teenager, and attacked him when he came outside.
He was punched and stabbed twice in the upper body.
The man also suffered a wound to the right forearm and a cut above the eye.
After the attack the man chased the attackers for a short distance not realising he had been stabbed.
He was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.
Another man suffered a cut to the ear after being stabbed with what was described as a machete at a fundraising event.
Police said a group of six to 10 people arrived at the event at a sporting club at Burke and Cramwell streets, Braybrook.
After a verbal dispute, guests went back inside the club to escape the group.
But as they were closing the door, one person from the group ran at him and cut him on the ear about 11pm.
The injured man, 38, was taken to Footscray Hospital where he received stitches.
The group police is seeking is described as in Asian appearance.
\
TWO more people have been stabbed in Melbourne overnight in the latest wave of knife crime.
A man, 19, was stabbed in the chest at Wyndham Vale about 11.05 pm yesterday after a group of five people tracked him down at a birthday party.
Police said the group went to a house in Akoona Way looking for the teenager, and attacked him when he came outside.
He was punched and stabbed twice in the upper body.
The man also suffered a wound to the right forearm and a cut above the eye.
After the attack the man chased the attackers for a short distance not realising he had been stabbed.
He was airlifted to the Alfred Hospital in a serious condition.
Another man suffered a cut to the ear after being stabbed with what was described as a machete at a fundraising event.
Police said a group of six to 10 people arrived at the event at a sporting club at Burke and Cramwell streets, Braybrook.
After a verbal dispute, guests went back inside the club to escape the group.
But as they were closing the door, one person from the group ran at him and cut him on the ear about 11pm.
The injured man, 38, was taken to Footscray Hospital where he received stitches.
The group police is seeking is described as in Asian appearance.
Pacific islander stabbing
Article taken from the Police Media website on 28/2/10
Police appeal for information after serious assault – Kings CrossSunday, 28 Feb 2010 06:15am
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted in the inner city this morning. About 4am, a 25-year-old man had entered a takeaway food store on corner of Darlinghurst and Bayswater roads at Kings Cross, intending to make a purchase. The 25-year-old was approached from behind by an unknown man and was stabbed in the neck with an unidentified glass object. He sustained a severe neck wound and has been taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he is undergoing emergency surgery this morning. His alleged attacker was last seen running east along Bayswater Road. He was described to police as being of Pacific Islander appearance, of solid build with short shaved hair, possibly balding. At the time he was wearing blue jeans and a black striped shirt and is believed to be aged mid twenties to early thirties. Anyone who might have witnessed the attack or have any other information that might assist investigators is asked to contact Kings Cross Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information will be treated in strict confidence.
Police appeal for information after serious assault – Kings CrossSunday, 28 Feb 2010 06:15am
Police are appealing for information after a man was seriously assaulted in the inner city this morning. About 4am, a 25-year-old man had entered a takeaway food store on corner of Darlinghurst and Bayswater roads at Kings Cross, intending to make a purchase. The 25-year-old was approached from behind by an unknown man and was stabbed in the neck with an unidentified glass object. He sustained a severe neck wound and has been taken to St Vincent’s Hospital where he is undergoing emergency surgery this morning. His alleged attacker was last seen running east along Bayswater Road. He was described to police as being of Pacific Islander appearance, of solid build with short shaved hair, possibly balding. At the time he was wearing blue jeans and a black striped shirt and is believed to be aged mid twenties to early thirties. Anyone who might have witnessed the attack or have any other information that might assist investigators is asked to contact Kings Cross Police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. All information will be treated in strict confidence.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Three islanders kill tourist
An Article from the ABC news website tilted "Accused landed fatal punch, court told" on 22/2/10
One of three men charged with murder has been identified as the man who landed a fatal punch on a Canadian backpacker last year.
Twenty-five-year-old Cain Aguiar died from head injuries last July after being involved in a fight outside the Blarney Stone Hotel in Yarraville.
Sioeli Seau, Fostar Akuote and Jacob Polutele are facing a committal hearing charged with murder.
Witness, Steven Zappia testified that he saw the three charged men fighting with the victim.
He said he saw Cain Aguiar fall and hit his head during the fight.
Mr Zappia told the court he believed Jacob Palutele landed the fatal punch.
One of three men charged with murder has been identified as the man who landed a fatal punch on a Canadian backpacker last year.
Twenty-five-year-old Cain Aguiar died from head injuries last July after being involved in a fight outside the Blarney Stone Hotel in Yarraville.
Sioeli Seau, Fostar Akuote and Jacob Polutele are facing a committal hearing charged with murder.
Witness, Steven Zappia testified that he saw the three charged men fighting with the victim.
He said he saw Cain Aguiar fall and hit his head during the fight.
Mr Zappia told the court he believed Jacob Palutele landed the fatal punch.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Sexual assault by Aboriginal
From the Daily Telegraph titled "Girl, 8, taken from home while sleeping, sexually assaulted "
February 19, 2010 9:22AM
A MAN kidnapped an eight-year-old girl as she slept and sexually assaulted her in a nearby reserve in Sydney yesterday, police said last night.
The Daily Telegraph reports the girl was taken from her home in Whalan in Sydney's west between 1am and 5am yesterday before being molested in the park.
She managed to walk home after the attacker left and tell her mother of the terrifying ordeal.
Police waited more than 17 hours to ask the public for help with its media unit not releasing a statement until 10pm.
A spokesman said police had been conducting "a number of lines of inquiry throughout the day" before appealing for help.
The attacker was of Aboriginal appearance, 20 years of age, 167cm tall with a thin build, black hair, brown eyes, unshaven with a moustache and spends time in the Whalan and Mt Druitt areas.
February 19, 2010 9:22AM
A MAN kidnapped an eight-year-old girl as she slept and sexually assaulted her in a nearby reserve in Sydney yesterday, police said last night.
The Daily Telegraph reports the girl was taken from her home in Whalan in Sydney's west between 1am and 5am yesterday before being molested in the park.
She managed to walk home after the attacker left and tell her mother of the terrifying ordeal.
Police waited more than 17 hours to ask the public for help with its media unit not releasing a statement until 10pm.
A spokesman said police had been conducting "a number of lines of inquiry throughout the day" before appealing for help.
The attacker was of Aboriginal appearance, 20 years of age, 167cm tall with a thin build, black hair, brown eyes, unshaven with a moustache and spends time in the Whalan and Mt Druitt areas.
5 Asians in knife attack
This is an article from the SunHerald dated 21/2/10 by Lucie van der berg titled "Teen stabbed at Springvale"
A GANG of five knife-wielding men set upon a teenager stabbing him several times at a community festival in Springvale last night.
The 17-year-old victim and a friend were at the Springvale Community Summer Festival in Burden Park when they were approached by five men at about11.30pm.
Police say the gang surrounded them and a number of punches were thrown.
The victim suffered two stab wounds to his lower back during the fight.
The groups dispersed and the victim went to first aid tent before paramedics were called.
He was taken to the Alfred Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The only description that police have is that the offenders were Asian in appearance.The incident comes after four other people were stabbed in two separate incidents on Saturday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit
A GANG of five knife-wielding men set upon a teenager stabbing him several times at a community festival in Springvale last night.
The 17-year-old victim and a friend were at the Springvale Community Summer Festival in Burden Park when they were approached by five men at about11.30pm.
Police say the gang surrounded them and a number of punches were thrown.
The victim suffered two stab wounds to his lower back during the fight.
The groups dispersed and the victim went to first aid tent before paramedics were called.
He was taken to the Alfred Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The only description that police have is that the offenders were Asian in appearance.The incident comes after four other people were stabbed in two separate incidents on Saturday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit
Friday, February 19, 2010
3 Greeks bash an Australian footballer
This is an article taken from the Hearldsun on 19/2/10 titled "Hungry Jack's bashing victim Luke Adams is rebuilding his life".
where 3 Greeks in a racist attack on a young Australian Footballer.
Of cause it is not labelled as racist because it was only an Australian that got bashed.
EXCLUSIVE: HUNGRY Jack's bashing victim Luke Adams is rebuilding his life after the callous city beating that left him fighting for his existence.
Just seven months ago he lay lifeless in a coma after the brutal attack that appalled the nation and highlighted the seriousness of Melbourne's seedy night life.
But he has now bounced back with a fresh new outlook, and is slowly piecing his life back together.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the horrific incident, the budding football star revealed he was planning a footy comeback, had returned to work and was hoping to begin tertiary studies.
But he can still not bring himself to discuss the attack that left him for dead.
"I'm over it. It's not something I want to talk about or bring up again, I'm just over it," he said.
Mr Adams, 19, said he was simply acting peacemaker after a fight broke out between his friend James Mitchell and a stranger at Hungry Jacks in Chapel St, Prahran.
Shocking security footage released in the aftermath of the one-sided brawl in the early hours of July 13 showed Luke and his mates assaulted in an unprovoked attack that unleashed angry demands for action to end drunken street violence.
Today he is making solid progress in his physical recovery despite a host of injuries that serve as a constant reminder of the incident.
He has failed to regain his sense of smell, has a hole in the bone above his left eye and will suffer undetermined long-term effects due to the severe impact to his brain.
Socially he continues to choose carefully where he goes and who he is with.
Most striking is the deep welt from his hairline to his left eyebrow, the legacy of his head wound when he crashed, face-down and unconscious, after being throttled. But he insists things are good, following a recent trip to South America.
"I just went away for a bit of a trip to get away," he said.
"I'm doing OK. I'm hoping to play footy again, but I'm not quite sure at the moment," he said.
In the meantime Mr Adams is planning a return to study.
Dad Peter said while Luke was recovering well, there was still along way to go.
"This event has and continues to have a major traumatic effect on Luke's family and friends," he said.
"The most difficult aspect to cope with is the uncertainty.
"Do we know the full extent of his injuries? What psychological damage may have been done that is not yet apparent? What would be the effect of another blow to his head?"
Mr Adams said he was preparing himself for the sentencing of Nathan Karazisis, 24; Mark Bogtstra, 21, and Konstantinos Kontoklotsis, 32, next month.
Bogstra and Konstantinos pleaded guilty to charges of affray and intentionally causing injury to James Mitchell and Karazisis an additional charge of recklessly causing serious injury to Luke Adams.
"I am anxious that there will be a suitable and just outcome at the sentencing hearing in March, a sentence that is appropriate for the callousness and severity of the assault," he said.
where 3 Greeks in a racist attack on a young Australian Footballer.
Of cause it is not labelled as racist because it was only an Australian that got bashed.
EXCLUSIVE: HUNGRY Jack's bashing victim Luke Adams is rebuilding his life after the callous city beating that left him fighting for his existence.
Just seven months ago he lay lifeless in a coma after the brutal attack that appalled the nation and highlighted the seriousness of Melbourne's seedy night life.
But he has now bounced back with a fresh new outlook, and is slowly piecing his life back together.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the horrific incident, the budding football star revealed he was planning a footy comeback, had returned to work and was hoping to begin tertiary studies.
But he can still not bring himself to discuss the attack that left him for dead.
"I'm over it. It's not something I want to talk about or bring up again, I'm just over it," he said.
Mr Adams, 19, said he was simply acting peacemaker after a fight broke out between his friend James Mitchell and a stranger at Hungry Jacks in Chapel St, Prahran.
Shocking security footage released in the aftermath of the one-sided brawl in the early hours of July 13 showed Luke and his mates assaulted in an unprovoked attack that unleashed angry demands for action to end drunken street violence.
Today he is making solid progress in his physical recovery despite a host of injuries that serve as a constant reminder of the incident.
He has failed to regain his sense of smell, has a hole in the bone above his left eye and will suffer undetermined long-term effects due to the severe impact to his brain.
Socially he continues to choose carefully where he goes and who he is with.
Most striking is the deep welt from his hairline to his left eyebrow, the legacy of his head wound when he crashed, face-down and unconscious, after being throttled. But he insists things are good, following a recent trip to South America.
"I just went away for a bit of a trip to get away," he said.
"I'm doing OK. I'm hoping to play footy again, but I'm not quite sure at the moment," he said.
In the meantime Mr Adams is planning a return to study.
Dad Peter said while Luke was recovering well, there was still along way to go.
"This event has and continues to have a major traumatic effect on Luke's family and friends," he said.
"The most difficult aspect to cope with is the uncertainty.
"Do we know the full extent of his injuries? What psychological damage may have been done that is not yet apparent? What would be the effect of another blow to his head?"
Mr Adams said he was preparing himself for the sentencing of Nathan Karazisis, 24; Mark Bogtstra, 21, and Konstantinos Kontoklotsis, 32, next month.
Bogstra and Konstantinos pleaded guilty to charges of affray and intentionally causing injury to James Mitchell and Karazisis an additional charge of recklessly causing serious injury to Luke Adams.
"I am anxious that there will be a suitable and just outcome at the sentencing hearing in March, a sentence that is appropriate for the callousness and severity of the assault," he said.
Friday, February 5, 2010
Indian taxi driver bashes Aussie passenger
This is an article from the NEWS.com.au website from 4/2/10 titled Cab driver charged over bashing.
AN Indian taxi driver is facing charges over the bashing of a passenger who was knocked unconscious in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda.
The 25-year-old passenger was involved in a heated argument with the cab driver around 10pm AEDT yesterday as they pulled over in Ackland Street in southern Melbourne.A witness says the passenger tried to walk away but the cab driver chased him down and had to be restrained by security staff working at a nearby business.The passenger kept walking away as the cab driver then grabbed a baton from the boot of his cab, drove up next to the passenger and allegedly starting striking the man repeatedly with the weapon, the witness says."Within a few minutes, many other cab drivers, all of them Indian, all turned up," witness Karen told Fairfax Radio today. "And I could just see how out of hand this is all getting."
Paramedics say they treated the passenger for bruising and swelling to his upper body and took him to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition.The 32-year-old cab driver was arrested and later charged with intentionally causing injury and two counts of unlawful assault.Police say they cannot discuss the case further because the cab driver is facing charges before the courts.He is expected to make a court appearance in Melbourne Magistrates' Court at a later date.
AN Indian taxi driver is facing charges over the bashing of a passenger who was knocked unconscious in the Melbourne suburb of St Kilda.
The 25-year-old passenger was involved in a heated argument with the cab driver around 10pm AEDT yesterday as they pulled over in Ackland Street in southern Melbourne.A witness says the passenger tried to walk away but the cab driver chased him down and had to be restrained by security staff working at a nearby business.The passenger kept walking away as the cab driver then grabbed a baton from the boot of his cab, drove up next to the passenger and allegedly starting striking the man repeatedly with the weapon, the witness says."Within a few minutes, many other cab drivers, all of them Indian, all turned up," witness Karen told Fairfax Radio today. "And I could just see how out of hand this is all getting."
Paramedics say they treated the passenger for bruising and swelling to his upper body and took him to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition.The 32-year-old cab driver was arrested and later charged with intentionally causing injury and two counts of unlawful assault.Police say they cannot discuss the case further because the cab driver is facing charges before the courts.He is expected to make a court appearance in Melbourne Magistrates' Court at a later date.
Vietnamese drug dealers
An article form the WAtoday.com.au on 5/2/10 written by daniel Fogarty and Clarisse Ede titled Police smash alleged $9m Cannabis ring.
Cannabis plants with an alleged street value of $9 million have been seized after police smashed what they say is a significant Melbourne drug ring.
More than 100 detectives were involved in arresting 13 people and raiding 16 houses in the southeastern suburbs of Hampton Park, Narre Warren, Berwick and Endeavour Hills over the past two days.
Nine people have been charged.
Most of the houses contained hydroponic commercial cannabis crops as part of a sophisticated cannabis trafficking network, police allege.
Police allegedly seized more than 1100 cannabis plants, weighing more than half a tonne, and more than $250,000 cash.
Seven people appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon to face charges including cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.
Those charged are Hampton Park men Steven Bui, 28, Adam Ing, 26, Ngoc Vu, 39, Phong Van Nguyen, 53, and Cuong Hoang, 38.
Bui faces the most charges of any accused - 17 including eight counts of trafficking cannabis, six counts of cultivating cannabis and three counts of stealing electricity.
Also charged are Minh Tan Nguyen, 41, of Narre Warren South and Coung Van Nguyen, 27, of Berwick.
All have been remanded in custody, with Ing, who has lived in Australia for three years, and Mihn Nguyen to apply for bail on Monday.
The court heard the men speak little or no English and are not Australian citizens. Hoang and Phong Nguyen are New Zealand citizens, the court heard.
They will all appear in court for a committal mention on July 23.
Two other men connected to the alleged drug ring were charged and bailed.
Earlier on Friday, Taskforce head Detective Inspector Doug Fryer said the operation would have a significant impact on the illegal cannabis trade.
"This successful operation has removed in excess of half a tonne of cannabis from making it on the streets," he said in a statement.
"We will continue to focus on organised crime groups involved in commercial drug trafficking with part of our goal being to strip them of all their assets."
Cannabis plants with an alleged street value of $9 million have been seized after police smashed what they say is a significant Melbourne drug ring.
More than 100 detectives were involved in arresting 13 people and raiding 16 houses in the southeastern suburbs of Hampton Park, Narre Warren, Berwick and Endeavour Hills over the past two days.
Nine people have been charged.
Most of the houses contained hydroponic commercial cannabis crops as part of a sophisticated cannabis trafficking network, police allege.
Police allegedly seized more than 1100 cannabis plants, weighing more than half a tonne, and more than $250,000 cash.
Seven people appeared in the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon to face charges including cultivating and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.
Those charged are Hampton Park men Steven Bui, 28, Adam Ing, 26, Ngoc Vu, 39, Phong Van Nguyen, 53, and Cuong Hoang, 38.
Bui faces the most charges of any accused - 17 including eight counts of trafficking cannabis, six counts of cultivating cannabis and three counts of stealing electricity.
Also charged are Minh Tan Nguyen, 41, of Narre Warren South and Coung Van Nguyen, 27, of Berwick.
All have been remanded in custody, with Ing, who has lived in Australia for three years, and Mihn Nguyen to apply for bail on Monday.
The court heard the men speak little or no English and are not Australian citizens. Hoang and Phong Nguyen are New Zealand citizens, the court heard.
They will all appear in court for a committal mention on July 23.
Two other men connected to the alleged drug ring were charged and bailed.
Earlier on Friday, Taskforce head Detective Inspector Doug Fryer said the operation would have a significant impact on the illegal cannabis trade.
"This successful operation has removed in excess of half a tonne of cannabis from making it on the streets," he said in a statement.
"We will continue to focus on organised crime groups involved in commercial drug trafficking with part of our goal being to strip them of all their assets."
Indian rapes 14yr girl
This article is from the ABC news website on 5/2/10 where two about rape committed by 2 men. I have not identified the second by nationality as I do not know where the name Handros comes from.
Two men charged with raping a 14-year-old girl in Melbourne have been remanded in custody.
Lalor man Ravinder Singh, 30, and Steven Handros, 18, of Thomastown are facing multiple charges of rape, sexual assault and imprisonment.
The court heard the girl and her friend agreed to meet the men at the Lalor Railway Station in September last year.
Police told the court they were then taken to a nearby house and plied with alcohol.
The court was told Singh sexually assaulted the 14-year-old before locking her in a bedroom and raping her, ignoring her screams.
A short time later, Handros allegedly raped her while she was passed out on the bed.
Handros' application for bail will be decided on Monday when his co-accused will also seek bail.
Two men charged with raping a 14-year-old girl in Melbourne have been remanded in custody.
Lalor man Ravinder Singh, 30, and Steven Handros, 18, of Thomastown are facing multiple charges of rape, sexual assault and imprisonment.
The court heard the girl and her friend agreed to meet the men at the Lalor Railway Station in September last year.
Police told the court they were then taken to a nearby house and plied with alcohol.
The court was told Singh sexually assaulted the 14-year-old before locking her in a bedroom and raping her, ignoring her screams.
A short time later, Handros allegedly raped her while she was passed out on the bed.
Handros' application for bail will be decided on Monday when his co-accused will also seek bail.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Dark complexion Asssaulter
This article was published in the Heraldsun on 4/3/10 titled Man hunted over indecent assault of a teenage girl in brunswick written by Anthony Dowsley. Beside the article there is a poor photo of a man wearing a black turbin
A MAN is at large who indecently assaulted a teenage girl outside a church in Brunswick.
Police have released an image of a man they would like to identify in relation to the attack, which occurred a fortnight ago in Saxon St.
Moreland detectives have been told the 13-year-old was approached by an unknown man outside a clothing store on Sydney Road, about 6.30pm on Thursday, January 21.
It is believed he engaged her in conversation and convinced her to follow him across Sydney Rd, down Phoenix St and into Saxon St where it is alleged he assaulted her at the rear of a church.
Sgt Ray Freeman described the incident as unprovoked and opportunistic.
"This is a disturbing incident where an adult has taken advantage of a young person in daylight hours," he said.
The man police are looking for is described as being aged between 25 to 35 years with a dark complexion and a black beard.
He is said to be of a medium to solid build and was wearing a light green short sleeved top and dark coloured pants.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
A MAN is at large who indecently assaulted a teenage girl outside a church in Brunswick.
Police have released an image of a man they would like to identify in relation to the attack, which occurred a fortnight ago in Saxon St.
Moreland detectives have been told the 13-year-old was approached by an unknown man outside a clothing store on Sydney Road, about 6.30pm on Thursday, January 21.
It is believed he engaged her in conversation and convinced her to follow him across Sydney Rd, down Phoenix St and into Saxon St where it is alleged he assaulted her at the rear of a church.
Sgt Ray Freeman described the incident as unprovoked and opportunistic.
"This is a disturbing incident where an adult has taken advantage of a young person in daylight hours," he said.
The man police are looking for is described as being aged between 25 to 35 years with a dark complexion and a black beard.
He is said to be of a medium to solid build and was wearing a light green short sleeved top and dark coloured pants.
Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Indian sexual assault
This is from the ABC news website titled Indian student charged with sexual assault, form 3/2/10.
A Indian national has been remanded in custody in western Victoria charged with sexually assaulting two girls.
Joginder Singh, 23, allegedly performed sexual acts with the girls in a car in Horsham last month after buying them alcohol.
He has been charged with sexual penetration and indecent acts with a child under 16.
Singh, who is in Australia on a student visa, has applied for bail twice in the Magistrates Court, saying he has surrendered his passport and needs to return to Melbourne for study.
But Magistrate Richard Pithouse said Singh posed an unacceptable risk of re-offending because he had already broken previous bail conditions.
A Indian national has been remanded in custody in western Victoria charged with sexually assaulting two girls.
Joginder Singh, 23, allegedly performed sexual acts with the girls in a car in Horsham last month after buying them alcohol.
He has been charged with sexual penetration and indecent acts with a child under 16.
Singh, who is in Australia on a student visa, has applied for bail twice in the Magistrates Court, saying he has surrendered his passport and needs to return to Melbourne for study.
But Magistrate Richard Pithouse said Singh posed an unacceptable risk of re-offending because he had already broken previous bail conditions.
Indian fakes racist atttack
This is an article from the ABC news website titled burnt indian faked attack to claim insurance: police on 3/2/10. this is a follow on from the story below. The indian had initially tried to blame Australians for a racist attack where he claims four males attacked and burnt him.
An Indian man who told police he was set on fire by a group of men in Essendon, in Melbourne's north-west, has faced an out-of-sessions court hearing charged with making a false report to police.
Jaspreet Singh told police he was approached by four men and set on fire as he moved his car in Slater Street on January 8.
Police claim the 29-year-old accidentally set himself on fire while trying to set his car on fire.
Singh was treated for burns to 15 per cent of his body.
He will return to court in March to face charges of making a false report to police and criminal damage with a view to gain financial advantage.
The fire occurred a week after 21-year-old Indian man Nitin Garg was stabbed to death on his way to work in West Footscray.
The incidents have sparked outrage in India and among Indians in Melbourne, who say racist attacks are on the rise.
An Indian man who told police he was set on fire by a group of men in Essendon, in Melbourne's north-west, has faced an out-of-sessions court hearing charged with making a false report to police.
Jaspreet Singh told police he was approached by four men and set on fire as he moved his car in Slater Street on January 8.
Police claim the 29-year-old accidentally set himself on fire while trying to set his car on fire.
Singh was treated for burns to 15 per cent of his body.
He will return to court in March to face charges of making a false report to police and criminal damage with a view to gain financial advantage.
The fire occurred a week after 21-year-old Indian man Nitin Garg was stabbed to death on his way to work in West Footscray.
The incidents have sparked outrage in India and among Indians in Melbourne, who say racist attacks are on the rise.
Muslims Stab each other
This is an article form The heraldsun on 2/2/10 titled Teen 'stabbed parents over boyfriend'
A GOLD Coast Muslim teenager, accused of fatally stabbing her mother and trying to kill her father, blamed them for stopping her from moving to Sydney with her boyfriend and converting to Christianity, a court has heard.
Kaihana Tahseen Hussain, now 20, has pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane to the murder of her mother, 41-year-old Shaheda Hussain, and the attempted murder of her father, Dr Muhammad Hussain, now 52, at Southport on the evening of October 9, 2006.
On the first day of her trial, Crown prosecutor Michael Byrne SC told the court Hussain called her parents into their bedroom and blindfolded them, saying she had surprise gifts for them.
He said Dr Hussain would give evidence she then used a 20cm knife to stab each of them once in the torso.
"He'll tell you that while he was standing in the bedroom he felt something penetrate into his chest or stomach area and he felt a warm sensation,'' Mr Byrne said.
He said while Dr Hussain and his wife were both bleeding profusely, their teenage daughter mocked them.
"She said something to the effect, 'Die both of you now','' Mr Byrne said.
He told the court the "deliberate and violent attack'' was the culmination of Hussain's anger at her parents over their perceived strictness.
The Crown is alleging she attacked her parents because she wanted to convert from Islam to Christianity and move to Sydney with her boyfriend.
However, during his opening, defence barrister Dennis Lynch said Dr Hussain was responsible for the attack.
"The defence case is that Kaihana Hussain did not do any of the stabbing ... it was her father,'' he said.
Mr Lynch implored the jury to critically assess Dr Hussain's testimony, arguing there were discrepancies between what he claimed had occurred and other evidence.
He said Dr Hussain's DNA was found on the knife handle, while there was no forensic evidence his daughter had touched it.
Mr Lynch also said Dr Hussain had denied knowing what had happened to the knife, but that his footprint was found in a pool of blood directly outside the kitchen cupboard where the weapon was discarded.
"There is a powerful argument that he had possession of the murder weapon,'' he said.
"We say that's because he was the one that did the stabbing.''
Mr Lynch said Dr Hussain had also made what appeared to be a confession while he was in hospital being treated for his injuries.
"While he was there, he said words to the effect: 'The daughter did this to me because I hurt the mother (and) I'll have to pray five times a day for what I've done','' Mr Lynch said.
"The credibility of Dr Hussain when he says his daughter is the stabber is the crux of this case.''
A GOLD Coast Muslim teenager, accused of fatally stabbing her mother and trying to kill her father, blamed them for stopping her from moving to Sydney with her boyfriend and converting to Christianity, a court has heard.
Kaihana Tahseen Hussain, now 20, has pleaded not guilty in the Supreme Court in Brisbane to the murder of her mother, 41-year-old Shaheda Hussain, and the attempted murder of her father, Dr Muhammad Hussain, now 52, at Southport on the evening of October 9, 2006.
On the first day of her trial, Crown prosecutor Michael Byrne SC told the court Hussain called her parents into their bedroom and blindfolded them, saying she had surprise gifts for them.
He said Dr Hussain would give evidence she then used a 20cm knife to stab each of them once in the torso.
"He'll tell you that while he was standing in the bedroom he felt something penetrate into his chest or stomach area and he felt a warm sensation,'' Mr Byrne said.
He said while Dr Hussain and his wife were both bleeding profusely, their teenage daughter mocked them.
"She said something to the effect, 'Die both of you now','' Mr Byrne said.
He told the court the "deliberate and violent attack'' was the culmination of Hussain's anger at her parents over their perceived strictness.
The Crown is alleging she attacked her parents because she wanted to convert from Islam to Christianity and move to Sydney with her boyfriend.
However, during his opening, defence barrister Dennis Lynch said Dr Hussain was responsible for the attack.
"The defence case is that Kaihana Hussain did not do any of the stabbing ... it was her father,'' he said.
Mr Lynch implored the jury to critically assess Dr Hussain's testimony, arguing there were discrepancies between what he claimed had occurred and other evidence.
He said Dr Hussain's DNA was found on the knife handle, while there was no forensic evidence his daughter had touched it.
Mr Lynch also said Dr Hussain had denied knowing what had happened to the knife, but that his footprint was found in a pool of blood directly outside the kitchen cupboard where the weapon was discarded.
"There is a powerful argument that he had possession of the murder weapon,'' he said.
"We say that's because he was the one that did the stabbing.''
Mr Lynch said Dr Hussain had also made what appeared to be a confession while he was in hospital being treated for his injuries.
"While he was there, he said words to the effect: 'The daughter did this to me because I hurt the mother (and) I'll have to pray five times a day for what I've done','' Mr Lynch said.
"The credibility of Dr Hussain when he says his daughter is the stabber is the crux of this case.''
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Indian supposedly attacked by 4 Australians
This is an article from the ABC news website from 9/1/10 titled Indian man set on fire in Melbourne
It is now appearing that he attempted to set his own car on fire to claim insurance and accidently burnt himself. He tried to blame it on 4 Australian attackers. I will attempt to keep you updated as the truth further emerges.
An Indian man is in hospital after being set on fire in the street in Melbourne early this morning.
Jaspreet Singh, 29, was attacked in Essendon in Melbourne's north-west shortly before 2.00am (AEDT).
He had just come home from a dinner party with his wife and went to park his car when four men poured fluid over him and set him alight.
He is in a stable condition in the Alfred Hospital with burns to 20 per cent of his body.
Police say the man is of Indian origin but they do not know whether he is an Australian citizen.
Friends say the man is living in the city on a spouse visa.
Detective acting senior sergeant Neil Smyth says it is not yet known who the four men could be or their relationship to the victim.
He says investigations indicate the attack was random.
"It's unlikely to be a racially motivated incident as due to the timing and the nature, it's highly unlikely anyone could have targeted the victim in the circumstances," he said.
It has been a week since 21-year-old Indian man Nitin Garg was stabbed to death on his way to work in West Footscray.
The murder has sparked outrage in India and among Indians in Melbourne, who say racist attacks are on the rise.
Gautam Gupta from the Federation of Indian Students of Australia says the attacks are unacceptable and the Federal Government must act.
"We are extremely disturbed, we have contacted the Prime Minister's office and have suggested that they intervene, it's high time they intervene," he said.
"How many times are they going to just dodge this issue."
It is now appearing that he attempted to set his own car on fire to claim insurance and accidently burnt himself. He tried to blame it on 4 Australian attackers. I will attempt to keep you updated as the truth further emerges.
An Indian man is in hospital after being set on fire in the street in Melbourne early this morning.
Jaspreet Singh, 29, was attacked in Essendon in Melbourne's north-west shortly before 2.00am (AEDT).
He had just come home from a dinner party with his wife and went to park his car when four men poured fluid over him and set him alight.
He is in a stable condition in the Alfred Hospital with burns to 20 per cent of his body.
Police say the man is of Indian origin but they do not know whether he is an Australian citizen.
Friends say the man is living in the city on a spouse visa.
Detective acting senior sergeant Neil Smyth says it is not yet known who the four men could be or their relationship to the victim.
He says investigations indicate the attack was random.
"It's unlikely to be a racially motivated incident as due to the timing and the nature, it's highly unlikely anyone could have targeted the victim in the circumstances," he said.
It has been a week since 21-year-old Indian man Nitin Garg was stabbed to death on his way to work in West Footscray.
The murder has sparked outrage in India and among Indians in Melbourne, who say racist attacks are on the rise.
Gautam Gupta from the Federation of Indian Students of Australia says the attacks are unacceptable and the Federal Government must act.
"We are extremely disturbed, we have contacted the Prime Minister's office and have suggested that they intervene, it's high time they intervene," he said.
"How many times are they going to just dodge this issue."
Indians rob Australian Jewellery shop
This article is from The Age 8/1/09 written by Max Cooper and titled Brazen thieves in diamond Heist
Diamond thieves have staged a brazen robbery from a jewellery store in Geelong, making off with more than $100,000 worth of rings in a crime that went unnoticed for two hours.
- Brazen thieves make off with rings- $100,000 in jewels stolen from safe- Staff distracted while thief acted
Three men and a woman entered Thomas Jewellers at 1.15pm on Tuesday and while some of the group distracted staff, police believe one thief went behind a counter and stole a tray of 60 gold and diamond rings from an unlocked safe.
Detective Sergeant Rob Sodomaco from Geelong Crime Investigation Unit said the most expensive ring was worth $20,000 and the total wholesale value of the haul was more than $100,000.
Detective Sergeant Sodomaco said the heist appeared to be the work of an organised gang which could have stolen to order.
"It would appear to be a fairly professional organisation," he said.
Staff were unaware the jewellery had been nabbed for two hours and no one witnessed the theft.
The four thieves were captured by security cameras entering the Moorabool Street store. They left in single file just after 1.30pm but were not filmed stealing the jewellery.
The group then split up and walked from the store in different directions.
"It's obviously quite brazen because the jewellery shop is well stocked with staff and ... the girls work particular areas," Detective Sergeant Sodomaco said.
He said the three men were all carrying black satchels. Two were wearing white shirts and one a blue shirt. The woman was wearing a light brown top, a cap and sunglasses. All four appeared to be aged between 25 and 35 and of Indian appearance.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppers.com.au
Diamond thieves have staged a brazen robbery from a jewellery store in Geelong, making off with more than $100,000 worth of rings in a crime that went unnoticed for two hours.
- Brazen thieves make off with rings- $100,000 in jewels stolen from safe- Staff distracted while thief acted
Three men and a woman entered Thomas Jewellers at 1.15pm on Tuesday and while some of the group distracted staff, police believe one thief went behind a counter and stole a tray of 60 gold and diamond rings from an unlocked safe.
Detective Sergeant Rob Sodomaco from Geelong Crime Investigation Unit said the most expensive ring was worth $20,000 and the total wholesale value of the haul was more than $100,000.
Detective Sergeant Sodomaco said the heist appeared to be the work of an organised gang which could have stolen to order.
"It would appear to be a fairly professional organisation," he said.
Staff were unaware the jewellery had been nabbed for two hours and no one witnessed the theft.
The four thieves were captured by security cameras entering the Moorabool Street store. They left in single file just after 1.30pm but were not filmed stealing the jewellery.
The group then split up and walked from the store in different directions.
"It's obviously quite brazen because the jewellery shop is well stocked with staff and ... the girls work particular areas," Detective Sergeant Sodomaco said.
He said the three men were all carrying black satchels. Two were wearing white shirts and one a blue shirt. The woman was wearing a light brown top, a cap and sunglasses. All four appeared to be aged between 25 and 35 and of Indian appearance.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppers.com.au
Dark skinned attacker
This is an article from the Heraldsun on 31/1/10 written by unknown titled Teen attacked on Bendigo bound train
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to help track down a man who has indecently assaulted a sleeping teenager on a Melbourne to Bendigo train.
The 19-year-old woman victim boarded the train at North Melbourne Station around 8.20pm (AEDT) on Friday and sat next to a man who was in a window seat facing the front.
Police says the teenager fell asleep soon after getting on the train.
"It is from this point the alleged indecent assault occurred as the female was sleeping," Detective Senior Constable Marcus Uren said in a statement on Saturday.
Police are anxious to speak with anyone who caught the 8.15pm V/Line train between Southern Cross Station and Gisborne on Friday, especially anyone who sat in the rear carriages.
"We're looking for anyone who saw a man, aged in his 20s, with dark skin, sitting next to a caucasian woman," Det Snr Const Uren said.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at Gisborne train station but was released pending further investigations.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
POLICE are appealing for witnesses to help track down a man who has indecently assaulted a sleeping teenager on a Melbourne to Bendigo train.
The 19-year-old woman victim boarded the train at North Melbourne Station around 8.20pm (AEDT) on Friday and sat next to a man who was in a window seat facing the front.
Police says the teenager fell asleep soon after getting on the train.
"It is from this point the alleged indecent assault occurred as the female was sleeping," Detective Senior Constable Marcus Uren said in a statement on Saturday.
Police are anxious to speak with anyone who caught the 8.15pm V/Line train between Southern Cross Station and Gisborne on Friday, especially anyone who sat in the rear carriages.
"We're looking for anyone who saw a man, aged in his 20s, with dark skin, sitting next to a caucasian woman," Det Snr Const Uren said.
A 24-year-old man was arrested at Gisborne train station but was released pending further investigations.
Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Olive skinned murderer
This article is from the Heraldsun on 30/1/10 written by Anthony Dowsley.
THE remains of missing millionaire Herman Rockefeller are believed to be in the back yard of a Melbourne house last night.
Homicide detectives charged Mario Schembri, 57, of Wallan, and Bernadette Denny, 41, of Hadfield with his murder.
An out of court sessions hearing heard the pair had an altercation with Mr Rockefeller at Denny's South Rd residence in Hadfield.
Det Sen Const Tim Bell, told the court both had made admissions to being involved in an altercation with Mr Rockefeller at the South St residence in Hadfield on the night he went missing on January 21 or early January 22.
They also have made admissions to police that they had assisted in the disposal of the body, the court heard.
Police were taken yesterday to a Glenroy residence in View St where it's understood human remains were found in the backyard.
Both Schembri and Denny were remanded to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Schembri, bald with an olive complexion, was wearing a forensic jump suit while Denny was small with matted dark hair, wearing a loose fitting pink top and green cargo pants.
Homicide detectives believe Mr Rockefeller was murdered after returning to Melbourne from a business trip in Newcastle on January 21.
Earlier in the day, police set up an exclusion zone in Heathcote, north of Melbourne, as the police helicopter hovered over bushland.
The arrested woman's parents last night described their daughter as a "good girl".
Her father said she had become withdrawn in the past six months and his daughter's teenage girls had been living with them since midway through last year.
The homicide squad's Det Sen-Sgt Stuart Bateson yesterday said he gave no apology for a long and painstaking investigation.Investigators filled several evidence bags from the Hadfield townhouse after working throughout the night.Forensic experts also searched for evidence on the property.Mr Rockefeller's wife and brother, Robert, have not spoken in public since appealing for information about Mr Rockefeller's whereabouts.Yesterday they continued to keep a private vigil at their luxury Malvern East home.He has a daughter, Sarah, and son, Herman.Mr Rockefeller had called his daughter to tell her how proud he was she had been accepted to study medicine at Monash University. He also called his wife, who was at the Australian Open, on the day he disappeared, leaving a message.Mr Rockefeller's disappearance was first investigated by detectives from Stonnington, before the homicide squad joined the probe on Monday.Within hours Mr Rockefeller's blue Toyota Prius was found parked and locked in a lane in Ballan.Detectives also used Mr Rockefeller's Facebook site to ask people trying to become his "friend" about his disappearance.Footage showed his car, with an elbow resting on the driver's window, being driven out of the airport.Mr Rockefeller did not use the tollway to drive home to Malvern East after leaving Melbourne airport, had not used his credit card, accessed bank accounts or switched on his mobile phone.
THE remains of missing millionaire Herman Rockefeller are believed to be in the back yard of a Melbourne house last night.
Homicide detectives charged Mario Schembri, 57, of Wallan, and Bernadette Denny, 41, of Hadfield with his murder.
An out of court sessions hearing heard the pair had an altercation with Mr Rockefeller at Denny's South Rd residence in Hadfield.
Det Sen Const Tim Bell, told the court both had made admissions to being involved in an altercation with Mr Rockefeller at the South St residence in Hadfield on the night he went missing on January 21 or early January 22.
They also have made admissions to police that they had assisted in the disposal of the body, the court heard.
Police were taken yesterday to a Glenroy residence in View St where it's understood human remains were found in the backyard.
Both Schembri and Denny were remanded to appear in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Schembri, bald with an olive complexion, was wearing a forensic jump suit while Denny was small with matted dark hair, wearing a loose fitting pink top and green cargo pants.
Homicide detectives believe Mr Rockefeller was murdered after returning to Melbourne from a business trip in Newcastle on January 21.
Earlier in the day, police set up an exclusion zone in Heathcote, north of Melbourne, as the police helicopter hovered over bushland.
The arrested woman's parents last night described their daughter as a "good girl".
Her father said she had become withdrawn in the past six months and his daughter's teenage girls had been living with them since midway through last year.
The homicide squad's Det Sen-Sgt Stuart Bateson yesterday said he gave no apology for a long and painstaking investigation.Investigators filled several evidence bags from the Hadfield townhouse after working throughout the night.Forensic experts also searched for evidence on the property.Mr Rockefeller's wife and brother, Robert, have not spoken in public since appealing for information about Mr Rockefeller's whereabouts.Yesterday they continued to keep a private vigil at their luxury Malvern East home.He has a daughter, Sarah, and son, Herman.Mr Rockefeller had called his daughter to tell her how proud he was she had been accepted to study medicine at Monash University. He also called his wife, who was at the Australian Open, on the day he disappeared, leaving a message.Mr Rockefeller's disappearance was first investigated by detectives from Stonnington, before the homicide squad joined the probe on Monday.Within hours Mr Rockefeller's blue Toyota Prius was found parked and locked in a lane in Ballan.Detectives also used Mr Rockefeller's Facebook site to ask people trying to become his "friend" about his disappearance.Footage showed his car, with an elbow resting on the driver's window, being driven out of the airport.Mr Rockefeller did not use the tollway to drive home to Malvern East after leaving Melbourne airport, had not used his credit card, accessed bank accounts or switched on his mobile phone.
Indians murder another Indian in Australia
This article appeared in The Australia 30/1/10 written by Natasha Robinson and Aaron Findlay. It refers to the same crime mentioned below but names the people involved.
THE Indian media have all but ignored a murder allegedly committed by three of the country's own citizens, in marked contrast to the hysterical coverage of allegedly racist attacks on Indian nationals in Australia.
Fruit-picker Ranjodh Singh was believed to be alive when he was allegedly set on fire near the NSW Riverina town of Griffith on December 29.
Three Indian nationals faced court yesterday charged over Singh's murder after police arrested the third suspect, a 25-year-old man, in Wagga Wagga.
Gurpreet Singh, 23, and his wife, Harpreet Kaur Bullar, 20, faced Sutherland Local Court, and Harpreet Singh appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court. Neither Gurpreet Singh nor Ms Bullar applied for bail. They were arrested by NSW homicide squad detectives on Thursday.
The killing has drawn little attention in India. The widely watched television network Times Now, which has accused Australian police and government officials of apathy in the face of attacks on Indians, featured extensive coverage of the alleged murder of Nitin Garg on January 2 on its website. A search of Garg's name revealed seven news items. These included footage with headlines such as "Attack Racist in Nature" and "Enough is Enough -- When will the Australian government wake up?"
A website search revealed only one mention of the Singh murder.
Times Now editorial director Hector Kenneth told The Weekend Australian there had been coverage of Singh's murder, but the footage had been "purged" as part of regular updating.
"The story was featured prominently on the network the day of the incident," he said.
The allegation that Singh was murdered by fellow Indians was not revealed until this week.
Mr Kenneth said reports on Garg's death were a "priority" item on the site following talks between Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and his Indian counterpart, S.M. Krishna. "Both the incidents reflected equally strongly in our coverage, and there is no bias in any way," he said.
THE Indian media have all but ignored a murder allegedly committed by three of the country's own citizens, in marked contrast to the hysterical coverage of allegedly racist attacks on Indian nationals in Australia.
Fruit-picker Ranjodh Singh was believed to be alive when he was allegedly set on fire near the NSW Riverina town of Griffith on December 29.
Three Indian nationals faced court yesterday charged over Singh's murder after police arrested the third suspect, a 25-year-old man, in Wagga Wagga.
Gurpreet Singh, 23, and his wife, Harpreet Kaur Bullar, 20, faced Sutherland Local Court, and Harpreet Singh appeared in Wagga Wagga Local Court. Neither Gurpreet Singh nor Ms Bullar applied for bail. They were arrested by NSW homicide squad detectives on Thursday.
The killing has drawn little attention in India. The widely watched television network Times Now, which has accused Australian police and government officials of apathy in the face of attacks on Indians, featured extensive coverage of the alleged murder of Nitin Garg on January 2 on its website. A search of Garg's name revealed seven news items. These included footage with headlines such as "Attack Racist in Nature" and "Enough is Enough -- When will the Australian government wake up?"
A website search revealed only one mention of the Singh murder.
Times Now editorial director Hector Kenneth told The Weekend Australian there had been coverage of Singh's murder, but the footage had been "purged" as part of regular updating.
"The story was featured prominently on the network the day of the incident," he said.
The allegation that Singh was murdered by fellow Indians was not revealed until this week.
Mr Kenneth said reports on Garg's death were a "priority" item on the site following talks between Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith and his Indian counterpart, S.M. Krishna. "Both the incidents reflected equally strongly in our coverage, and there is no bias in any way," he said.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Asians attack Indians in Australia
from an article from the IndianExpress.com on 26/1/10 titled 2 indian students assaulted, 5 held for attack.
Two Indian students were assaulted by a large group of people in Melbourne Central following which Australian police arrested nine persons and charged five of them with viciously attacking the youths.
The two victims, aged 20 and 22, told police they were approached and attacked by people from a large group on Swanston Street in Melbourne Central.
The accused, described as being of Asian appearance, had allegedly made comments to the duo before one of the student was pushed to the ground and kicked at about 10.20 pm (local time) last night in central Melbourne, police said.
"Eight people were arrested this morning, with another man picked up later in the day. Of the nine arrested, five youths have been charged with affray, intentionally causing injury and summary assault offences," a Victorian police statement said.
"The four 19-year-olds from Carlton, Abbotsford, Warrandyte and Northcote and a 20-year-old from Donvale have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 5 April," it said, adding the remaining four males have been released pending further investigations
The 20-year-old Indian man suffered a wound on his left ear from what appeared to be an edged weapon, police said, adding the 22-year-old student was also punched to the ground and suffered minor abrasions to the forearm.
Police confirmed the two victims were Indian students but were unable to say whether the comments made were racial. The 20-year-old was taken to St Vincents Hospital with lacerations to the left ear, while the other student did not required hospital treatment, an AAP report said.
Two Indian students were assaulted by a large group of people in Melbourne Central following which Australian police arrested nine persons and charged five of them with viciously attacking the youths.
The two victims, aged 20 and 22, told police they were approached and attacked by people from a large group on Swanston Street in Melbourne Central.
The accused, described as being of Asian appearance, had allegedly made comments to the duo before one of the student was pushed to the ground and kicked at about 10.20 pm (local time) last night in central Melbourne, police said.
"Eight people were arrested this morning, with another man picked up later in the day. Of the nine arrested, five youths have been charged with affray, intentionally causing injury and summary assault offences," a Victorian police statement said.
"The four 19-year-olds from Carlton, Abbotsford, Warrandyte and Northcote and a 20-year-old from Donvale have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on 5 April," it said, adding the remaining four males have been released pending further investigations
The 20-year-old Indian man suffered a wound on his left ear from what appeared to be an edged weapon, police said, adding the 22-year-old student was also punched to the ground and suffered minor abrasions to the forearm.
Police confirmed the two victims were Indian students but were unable to say whether the comments made were racial. The 20-year-old was taken to St Vincents Hospital with lacerations to the left ear, while the other student did not required hospital treatment, an AAP report said.
Indians murder and burn another Indian in Australia
an article by Byron Kaye from the Daily telegraph 28/1/10 titled Married couple charged with indian man's murder
AN INDIAN couple will be charged with murdering a fellow national by setting his body on fire - after slashing his throat - on a roadside in the country NSW town of Griffith.
And police expect to charge at least another person with the grisly crime following the couple's arrest in Sans Souci, in Sydney's South, about 11am (AEDT) today.
The body of 25-year-old Indian national, Ranjodh Singh, was found by a passer-by on Wilga Road, Willbriggie on December 29, The Daily Telegraph reports.
“We believe there was a common purpose - to kill Mr Singh,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said.
He described the crime as being “at the upper end of the sorts of murders that police have to deal with”.
The third person expected to be charged was also a casual fruitpicker working in the Griffith area.
The couple being interviewed at Kogarah Police Station, both Indian nationals, and a third person were believed to know Mr Singh through their work.
The man, 23, was arrested whilst cleaning a car in a Sans Souci carwash, his manager said. The woman, 20, was arrested at a nearby house inhabited by other Indian nationals.
Both were believed to have lived in Griffith but fled to Sydney following Mr Singh's murder.
Detectives from Griffith Local Area Command and the State Crime Command Homicide Squad arrested the man at his workplace in Sans Souci while the woman was arrested at a home in Sans Souci.
Immigration Department officials assisted during today’s police operation and interviewed a number of occupants at the Sans Souci home.
The husband and wife have been taken to Kogarah Police Station where they will be interviewed and expected to be charged with murder later today.
Investigations have revealed Mr Singh was still alive at the time he was set alight by his assailants.
Strike Force Bramwell was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Singh’s death.
Officers have made a number of public appeals for assistance with the local Wagga and Griffith communities providing significant information leading to today’s arrests.
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said today the attack on Mr Singh did not appear to be racially motivated and ruled this out as line of inquiry in the murder investigation.
“It will be alleged the persons involved in this matter were well known to the victim and the motive for this horrific crime is not race related,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Murdoch indicated a further arrest is likely in the near future.
“Mr Singh had been living in Wagga Wagga but working in Griffith at the time of his death and we have received significant information from the local and Indian community concerning his movements in the days surrounding his death,” he said.
“In particular, detectives are now focusing on the movements of a red car seen at a Griffith carwash which is believed to be connected to Mr Singh’s murder.
“Security camera video has been obtained showing a red 1996 Ford Falcon sedan with a spoiler on the boot entering a carwash in Yambil Street, Griffith shortly after 3am on Tuesday December 29.
“We believe the occupants of this car may be able to assist us with our inquiries and appeal to anyone with any information concerning the occupants to come forward.
“Detectives are also keen to speak to any passengers who travelled on the 9.30am County Link bus service between Griffith and Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 29 December.”
Anyone with information or items they think may be of interest to police is urged to contact Griffith police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
The body of Mr Singh has been released by the Coroner and his remains will today be returned to his family in India.
AN INDIAN couple will be charged with murdering a fellow national by setting his body on fire - after slashing his throat - on a roadside in the country NSW town of Griffith.
And police expect to charge at least another person with the grisly crime following the couple's arrest in Sans Souci, in Sydney's South, about 11am (AEDT) today.
The body of 25-year-old Indian national, Ranjodh Singh, was found by a passer-by on Wilga Road, Willbriggie on December 29, The Daily Telegraph reports.
“We believe there was a common purpose - to kill Mr Singh,” Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said.
He described the crime as being “at the upper end of the sorts of murders that police have to deal with”.
The third person expected to be charged was also a casual fruitpicker working in the Griffith area.
The couple being interviewed at Kogarah Police Station, both Indian nationals, and a third person were believed to know Mr Singh through their work.
The man, 23, was arrested whilst cleaning a car in a Sans Souci carwash, his manager said. The woman, 20, was arrested at a nearby house inhabited by other Indian nationals.
Both were believed to have lived in Griffith but fled to Sydney following Mr Singh's murder.
Detectives from Griffith Local Area Command and the State Crime Command Homicide Squad arrested the man at his workplace in Sans Souci while the woman was arrested at a home in Sans Souci.
Immigration Department officials assisted during today’s police operation and interviewed a number of occupants at the Sans Souci home.
The husband and wife have been taken to Kogarah Police Station where they will be interviewed and expected to be charged with murder later today.
Investigations have revealed Mr Singh was still alive at the time he was set alight by his assailants.
Strike Force Bramwell was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Singh’s death.
Officers have made a number of public appeals for assistance with the local Wagga and Griffith communities providing significant information leading to today’s arrests.
Southern Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Murdoch said today the attack on Mr Singh did not appear to be racially motivated and ruled this out as line of inquiry in the murder investigation.
“It will be alleged the persons involved in this matter were well known to the victim and the motive for this horrific crime is not race related,” he said.
Assistant Commissioner Murdoch indicated a further arrest is likely in the near future.
“Mr Singh had been living in Wagga Wagga but working in Griffith at the time of his death and we have received significant information from the local and Indian community concerning his movements in the days surrounding his death,” he said.
“In particular, detectives are now focusing on the movements of a red car seen at a Griffith carwash which is believed to be connected to Mr Singh’s murder.
“Security camera video has been obtained showing a red 1996 Ford Falcon sedan with a spoiler on the boot entering a carwash in Yambil Street, Griffith shortly after 3am on Tuesday December 29.
“We believe the occupants of this car may be able to assist us with our inquiries and appeal to anyone with any information concerning the occupants to come forward.
“Detectives are also keen to speak to any passengers who travelled on the 9.30am County Link bus service between Griffith and Wagga Wagga on Tuesday 29 December.”
Anyone with information or items they think may be of interest to police is urged to contact Griffith police via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
All information will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
The body of Mr Singh has been released by the Coroner and his remains will today be returned to his family in India.
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