Tag: crime

Drug ring raids net historic $360m cocaine haul


abc.net.au

Drug ring raids net historic $360m cocaine haul

By Siobhan Fogarty

Updated 18 minutes ago

Thu 29 Dec 2016, 12:17pm

Video: Strike force make arrests, seize cocaine (ABC News)

A former NRL player and a Bondi businessman have been linked to a drug ring after New South Wales Police recorded the biggest cocaine haul in Australia’s history.

Key points:

  • 1.1 tonnes of cocaine worth $360 million seized by AFP and NSW police
  • Two seizures of cocaine make the biggest haul of the drug in Australian history
  • 15 men arrested including a former NRL player and a Bondi businessman

The joint strike force between Australian Federal Police and the New South Wales Police drug squad arrested 15 men and seized about $360 million worth of cocaine.

Former Roosters player John Tobin is one of the accused smugglers, along with Bondi businessman Darren Mohr.

The criminal syndicate was allegedly using a trawler based at the Sydney Fish Market to meet a “mother ship” from South America to bring drugs into the country.

About 500 kilograms of the drug was seized on Christmas Day at Brooklyn on the central coast of New South Wales.

Police allege 600 kilograms was seized in Tahiti and 32 kilograms of heroin was found in Fiji with both loads destined for the market in Australia.

Acting Assistant Commissioner, Chris Sheehan, said the police operation had been running for almost three years and escalated with the arrests over the Christmas period.

“The criminal syndicate we have dismantled over the last few days was a robust, resilient and determined syndicate,” he said.

“This is the largest cocaine seizure we have had in Australia.

“It posed an ongoing and continued threat to the Australian community and without the work of our police, would still be in action today.”

Tip-off from community led to bust

Assistant Police Commissioner, Mark Jenkins said a member of the community gave them a tip-off two and a half years ago that led to the cocaine haul.

“As a result, over one tonne of drugs has been prevented from reaching the streets of New South Wales and harming the community,” he said.

“That small piece of information has resulted in 15 arrests and a large seizure of drugs.”

Media player: “Space” to play, “M” to mute, “left” and “right” to seek.

Video: Police seized 500kg worth of cocaine in NSW (ABC News)

Officers allege the group of men, aged from 29 to 63, are involved in the Australian criminal syndicate responsible for the attempted imports.

They have been charged with serious drug importation offences and eleven of the 15 men have appeared before Parramatta Local Court and were refused bail.

A 49-year-old man and a 63-year-old man are due to appear before Central Local Court today.

Two other men, a 33-year-old and 39-year-old are also expected to front Nowra Local Court today after they were arrested at Ulladulla yesterday.

Police said they were confident all alleged members of the criminal syndicate were in custody.

Media player: “Space” to play, “M” to mute, “left” and “right” to seek.

Video: Arrests made after $360m worth of cocaine seized (ABC News)

Topics: crime, law-crime-and-justice, drug-offences, nsw

First posted about 4 hours agoThu 29 Dec 2016, 7:48am

smh.com.au

Police smash cocaine ring at Sydney Fish Market in Christmas Day raid

By Rachel Olding, Latika Bourke, Rachel Browne

A former rugby league first grade player, a Bondi entrepreneur and a several fishermen are among 15 men arrested on Christmas Day in a multimillion-dollar cocaine ring bust.

Police will allege the men were imported more than a tonne of cocaine via the iconic Sydney Fish Market and other NSW ports.

Tip-off led to Sydney Fish Market drugs raids

Information from a concerned “member of the community” led to the arrest of 15 men and the seizure of 1.1 tonnes, say NSW police.

Australian Federal Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Sheehan described the alleged syndicate as “robust, resilient and determined”.

He told a packed Sydney press conference that the 15 arrested men were “determined to exploit some of the most vulnerable members of the community.”

The seizure of 500kg of cocaine in Sydney, 600kg of the drug in Tahiti and 32kg of heroin in Fiji make it the largest drug bust of its kind in Australia.

NSW Police State Crime Commander Mark Jenkins said all the drugs originated in South America before being transferred across the South Pacific by ship.

Several of the men were arrested on Christmas Day as they docked a shipping vessel named Dalrymple at the Sydney Fish Markets.

It’s alleged the boat was used to ferry drugs between NSW ports and a larger ship stationed out at sea that held drugs smuggled from Chile.

Operation Okesi, comprising officers from NSW Police, Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, started over two-and-a-half-years after police received a “thread” of information.

Since then, five alleged importations by the sophisticated syndicate have been thwarted.

It includes the seizure of 32 kilograms of heroin by authorities in Fiji in December 2014 and the seizure of 606 kilograms of cocaine by authorities in Tahiti in March.

Officers then observed the Dalrymple depart the Sydney Fish Markets on December 3 and travel to the Central Coast. The vessel was monitored by Maritime Border Command and the NSW Police’s Marine Area Command.

On Christmas night, officers watched the crew launch a small one-man dinghy which allegedly travelled to Parlsey Bay at Brooklyn on the NSW Central Coast and met with two other men.

All three were arrested and about 500 kilograms of cocaine was seized from the dinghy.

Several other men were arrested on board the Dalrymple vessel as it docked at Sydney Fish Market on Christmas night.

A police source told Fairfax Media the syndicate thought they could take advantage of the festive season by striking on Christmas Day.

Authorities valued the total amount of cocaine seized at $360 million.

Among the men arrested is former Eastern Suburbs Roosters player John Roland Boyd Tobin, who played 125 matches as lock forward in the 1980s.

Bondi entrepreneur Darren John Mohr was also arrested. He lists his occupation as the owner Martini Motors and is also the former owner of the Bondi Rescue HQ cafe.

His Instagram profile shows a love of Harley Davidson motorbikes, Rolls Royce cars and being shirtless.

Police also arrested Reuben John Dawe, who lists his occupation as a maritime worker and commercial fisherman Joseph Pirrello, 63.

Other man arrested in the sting include Simon Peter Spero, 56, Graham Toa Toa, 42, Stuart Ayrton, 54, Jonathan Cooper, 29, Richard Lipton, 37, Frank D’Agostino, 54, and Benjamin Sara, 31.

They were all refused bail in Parramatta Bail Court on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Two other men, extradited from Tasmania and Queensland, will appear in Parramatta Bail Court on Thursday as well as two men arrested in the Nowra area.

Footage released by police show multiple men being arrested in the dark from on-board the Dalrymple fishing vessel.

One of the men shown with his hands tied behind his back is wearing only a pair of boxer shorts covered in cartoon pictures of crocodiles.

“This operation has been running for more than two-and-a-half years and culminated over the Christmas period,” a police statement reads.

The men were aged between 29 and 63 years old.  Police are due to address the media at 11am on Thursday.

What a turn up-Matthew Leveson’s former partner Michael Atkins helping in search for body


Matthew Leveson’s former partner Michael Atkins helping in search for body

3.16pm 10/11/16

Matthew Leveson with former partner
Photo: Michael Atkins (right) was the last person seen with Matthew Leveson in 2007. (Supplied: Faye Leveson)
Related Story: Michael Atkins probed about muddy clothes, heavy digging at disappearance inquest
Related Story: ‘Digging a grave?’: Missing man’s lover questioned over mattock
Related Story: Leveson’s parents hope inquest will give ‘answers’ to suspected murder of son
Map: Sydney 2000

The partner of missing Sydney man Matthew Leveson is assisting police in a search for a body at the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, police have confirmed.

Michael Atkins, 53, has been helping police with their inquiries since Friday after being compelled to give evidence at an inquest.

Mr Leveson, 20, was last seen outside Sydney nightclub ARQ with Mr Atkins on the night he disappeared.

His body has never been found.

In February 2012, a $100,000 reward was announced for information leading to the discovery of Mr Leveson’s body.

In 2009, Mr Atkins was acquitted of murdering his former partner after a trial during in which he exercised his right to silence.

Search for Leveson's body Photo: Police are at the crime scene at Royal National Park. (Fairfax Media: Kate Geraghty)

This morning, he was due to resume giving evidence for a sixth day at an inquest in Sydney but the hearing was adjourned until 2:00pm.

It is believed homicide detectives have been negotiating with Mr Atkins and his lawyers since Friday.

Deputy state coroner Elaine Truscott compelled Mr Atkins to give evidence and granted him immunity from prosecution, which means any evidence he gives cannot be used against him in a criminal trial.

Police said detectives received information that led them to the Royal National Park this morning.

An extensive search is being conducted of the area and a crime scene has been established.

Detectives search for Matthew Leveson's body Photo: Police have cordoned off an area of bush about four kilometres from the Waterfall entrance to the Royal National Park. (ABC News: Billy Cooper)

Police have cordoned off an area of bush about four kilometres from the Waterfall entrance to the Royal National Park.

At least four detectives are on site and a forensics van is parked on the side of the road.

A bushwalking track is inside the crime scene area.

Mr Leveson’s parents Faye and Mark Leveson spoke briefly outside Glebe Coroner’s Court.

“I’m sorry but for the time being, we just can’t talk to you. The police have asked me not to say anything at this stage, we’ve got to respect that,” Mr Leveson said.

“So please understand and be patient, when we can talk to you, we will, but for right now we just can’t say anything. So thank you all for your interest … it’s really appreciated.”

Atkins apologised to Mr Leveson’s parents during inquest

Matthew Leveson
Matthew Leveson, 20, was last seen outside the Sydney nightclub ARQ in 2007. (Supplied: Faye Leveson)

During the inquest, Mr Atkins apologised to his missing partner’s parents “for their loss” while answering questions about Mr Leveson’s presumed death.

Mr Leveson’s parents stood with their arms wrapped around each other facing Mr Atkins as he gave evidence.

Counsel assisting the inquest Lester Fernandez asked Mr Atkins to address the Leveson family.

Mr Atkins told the family he was sorry for their loss but said he did not kill Mr Leveson.

More on this story:

Michael Atkins tells police where he buried Matthew Leveson’s body

JANET FIFE-YEOMANS, The Daily Telegraph

12 minutes ago

A MAN acquitted of murdering his young lover has told police where he buried the body.

Detectives have spent two days at the Royal National Park south of Sydney with electrician Michael Atkins as he has finally broken his silence on what happened to the body of Matt Leveson, 20, and has taken police to his possible grave sites.

Police have also requested help from the rescue squad to provide a drone to help search the rugged bushland.

Matthew Leveson was last seen in 2007. Picture: supplied

The inquest into Matt’s disappearance in 2007, after he left a Sydney nightclub with Mr Atkins, has been adjourned today pending the shock development.

Matt’s family, Mark and Faye Leveson, were with their other two sons at Glebe Coroners Court today as they waited for the news they had hoped for — where their son’s body is so they can bring him home to bury him.

Mr Atkins was acquitted in 2009 by a jury of the murder and manslaughter of Matt, with whom he lived at Cronulla.

Parents of Matthew Leveson, Faye and Mark, at the Coroners court in Glebe today. Picture Renee Nowytarger

He was compelled to give evidence at the inquest but given immunity from prosecution if he told the truth at the inquest into what happened to Matt — but on Friday he admitted to having lied to the court about his police interview.

SEPTEMBER 23, 2007

Matthew Leveson was last seen leaving ARQ nightclub at Surry Hills about 2am

SEPTEMBER 25, 2007

Matthew Leveson, aged 20, reported missing by concerned relatives after he failed to arrive at work and could not be contacted.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2007

Matthew Leveson’s car found by police at Waratah Oval in Sutherland.

OCTOBER 2009

Michael Atkins acquitted by a jury of Mr Leveson’s murder and manslaughter

FEBRUARY 2012

A $100,000 reward was announced for information leading to the discovery of Matthew Leveson’s body.

TODAY:

Police have launched a search in the Royal National Park, south of Sydney, in connection with an ongoing investigation into missing man Matthew Leveson.

It is understood that police used Mr Atkins confession to having lied as leverage to get him to confess to where Matt’s body is.

He had told police when he was interviewed after Matt’s disappearance, he claimed to have been asleep in the couple’s flat and woke up to find Matt missing but he was confronted with CCTV footage of him buying a mattock and duct tape at Taren Point Bunnings.

CCTV footage of Michael Atkins leaving the cash register at the Bunnings Store at Taren Point.

The receipt for the purchase with Mr Atkins fingerprint on it was found in Matt’s car which was discovered at Waratah Oval five days after he disappeared.

Mr Atkins had first told the inquest last week that he had told police the truth in the interview.

Then on Friday he admitted that he had lied to them because he was “scared” of them — and therefore lied to the inquest.

Police have today launched a search in the Royal National Park in Sydney’s Sutherland shire.

  • Matthew Leveson: Michael Atkins loses appeal, must give evidence at inquest into lover’s death

    Updated 12 Oct 2016, 4:42pm

    Michael Atkins, who was acquitted of murdering his lover Matthew Leveson, must give evidence at a coronial inquest into the younger man’s death in 2007, a NSW appeal judge has said.

    Mr Atkins was the last person to see Mr Leveson alive,outside the Sydney nightclub Arq in September 2007.

    Mr Leveson’s body has never been found.

    Mr Atkins was later acquitted of murder and manslaughter.

    He exercised his right to silence during his trial in 2009 and is expected to give evidence about the matter for the first time.

    Deputy State Coroner Elaine Truscott ordered Mr Atkins to address the inquest, and he appealed against the order in the Supreme Court.

    In dismissing his case, Justice Lucy McCallum said:

    “The right to silence is, of course, important. But so is the coroner’s jurisdiction.”

    Under an order given by the coroner, Mr Atkins’ evidence cannot be used against him in a criminal trial.

    ‘We just want to bring Matt home’

    Mr Leveson’s mother, Faye Leveson, cried outside the Supreme Court and begged Atkins’ family to encourage him to reveal anything he knew.

    “It’s our world, it’s our family” she said.

    “How do you tell your other two boys, how do you tell them you can’t give them their brother back? It’s just not fair.”

    Ms Leveson said she hoped the inquest would help the family locate her son’s remains.

    “We just want to bring Matt home. That’s all we want,” she said.

    Mr Atkins will give evidence at the coronial inquest at Glebe Coroner’s Court on October 31.

    First posted 12 Oct 2016, 11:36am

    Matt Leveson inquest: Witness tells of threesomes with Michael Atkins, the man acquitted of missing man’s murder

    Janet Fife-Yeomans, The Daily Telegraph

    December 15, 2015 6:23am

    HIS arms around his young partner, this is Michael Atkins and Matt Leveson on their last night together.

     

    It was taken at Darlinghurst’s Arq nightclub in September 2007 and just hours later Matt, 22, would be missing and Mr Atkins, 52, would later be charged and acquitted of his murder.

    Their friend, given the pseudonym John Burns, has told the inquest into Matt’s death how he took this photograph at Arq either late on September 23 or early on September 24, 2007.

    It has been tendered to the inquest at Glebe Coroners Court today.

    Mr Burns told the inquest of his sexual threesomes with the couple.

    He said he only had sex with his friend Matt Leveson, 20, and Matt’s partner Michael Atkins, 52, because he wanted to get closer to Mr Leveson.

    Mr Burns is believed to be the last person to have spoken to Matt, albeit by text message, before he went “missing” after leaving Darlinghurst’s Arq Nightclub with Mr Atkins in the early hours of Sunday September 23, 2007.

    CCTV footage of Michael Atkins at Bunnings Store at Taren Point.
    Michael Atkins and Matt Leveson on the night before Mr Leveson went missing.

    Mr Atkins, who the inquest has heard lied to police about being at home later that Sunday when he was caught on CCTV buying a mattock and duct tape from Bunnings, was charged with Matt’s murder but acquitted by a jury in 2009.

    Mr Leveson’s body has never been found.

    Mr Atkins, now living in Brisbane, did not give evidence at his trial but he has been subpoenaed to give evidence at the inquest. He is sitting in a Sydney courtroom packed with Matt’s family and friends listening to the evidence of Mr Burns.

    Mr Burns told the inquest that Mr Atkins used to “hit on” the young men at Arq by giving them free drugs — ecstasy and GHB.

    He said the three men had sex together twice and after that, he noticed a difference in the relationship between Matt and Mr Atkins who had been living together in Mr Atkins’ Cronulla unit.

    He said Matt did not appear to want to be around Mr Atkins as much and there was an “obvious distance” between them.

    Mr Leveson was last seen leaving Arq nightclub.
    Matt Leveson who police believe was killed on in 2007, although his body has never been found.
    Michael Atkins arrives at Glebe Coroners Court in Sydney today for the inquest. Picture: Mick Tsikas

    On the evening of September 22, 2007, he met up with Matt and Mr Atkins at Arq where Matt was his usual energetic, happy self, bouncing around to the music, he said.

    The inquest has heard that Mr Atkins told police that he had take Matt home because he was sleepy but Mr Burns said Matt had told him he did not want to leave the nightclub.

    In one of a series of text messages, Matt told Mr Burns that Mr Atkins was “taking me home and won’t let me stay!”

    In another text, Matt said: “He needs to f***ing get over himself.”

    Mr Burns told the inquest that Matt had earlier told him that Mr Atkins was very controlling and he had not been able to go out on his own since their relationship began.

View to a kill: the death of Jamie Gao


Jamie Gao murder: Rogerson and McNamara should be jailed for life, prosecutor says

Updated about 2 hours ago

The notorious corrupt former detective Roger Rogerson and his co-accused Glen McNamara should be jailed for life for the murder of drug dealer Jamie Gao, a Sydney court has been told.

Rogerson and McNamara are facing a sentencing hearing today, after being found guilty of murdering Sydney man Mr Gao during a drug deal at a Padstow storage facility on May 20, 2014.

Rogerson, 75, and McNamara, 57, pleaded not guilty to murdering Mr Gao and dumping his body in waters off Cronulla the next day.

New South Wales Crown prosecutor Christopher Maxwell QC told the hearing in the NSW Supreme Court, life sentences have been applied in the past for contract killings.

“They together executed a young drug dealer for their financial gain. The contract killing is a category for which a life sentence can be given and has been given by this court over the years,” he said.

“There is no distinction between killing for payment … or killing for the purpose of financial gain, which is what this was about.

“This was a killing to enable both offenders to obtain the drug … colloquially known as ice … a drug that results in much crime itself.

“The attitude that both accused had towards the deceased after the murder amounted to a completely cold, calculated, lack of feeling, which was all about making him disappear.”

Mr Maxwell said the pair had used their “experience and training for the complete antithesis of what was intended”.

“There is nothing to suggest they would..not be a danger to society.”

Mr Maxwell told the judge the offence was made even more serious because of their intention to “obtain and distribute a drug that is a scourge of our society”.

The crown said the both men were part of a joint criminal enterprise and a great deal of thought was put into it.

“There is nothing ludicrously incompetent about this,” he said.

“There’s a boldness in Mr Rogerson’s attitude.”

He told the judge they planned to make sure Mr Gao’s body would disappear.

“They did everything to make that happen.”

Differing accounts of Gao’s death heard during trial

During the trial, both men denied pulling the trigger and instead pointed the blame at each other.

McNamara’s defence told the trial it was Rogerson who shot and killed Mr Gao before threatening McNamara and his family, forcing him to help dispose of the body.

Rogerson claimed the 20-year-old was killed during a struggle with McNamara and the student was dead on the floor when he entered the shed.

The trial was told by prosecutors both had given “far-fetched and unbelievable” versions of what happened.

Mr Gao told his cousin Justin Gao he was going to be involved in a massive drug deal with a man called ‘Glen’ that was going to make him rich.

He held a number of meetings with McNamara in the months before his death — McNamara claimed these meetings were for a book he was writing about Asian crime gangs.

This explanation was dismissed by prosecutors, who said McNamara and Rogerson were preparing for the killing.

Prosecutors told the court the crown did not have to prove which of the defendants killed Mr Gao, just that there was an agreement to kill or seriously injure the victim.

It took the jury just under a week to reach the verdicts.

Justice Geoffrey Bellew thanked them for their service and excused them from ever serving again, unless they wished to do so.

Surveillance camera footage creates a detailed timeline of the 2014 killing of Jamie Gao. 

Jamie Gao and Glen McNamara cctv stillEarly January, 2014 Jamie Gao and Glen McNamara meet up at least 27 times in the lead up to Gao’s death, often at the Meridian Hotel in Hurstville.

Rent a Space unit 803Early March, 2014  Roger Rogerson obtains keys to storage unit 803 at Rent a Space, Padstow, from a friend called Michael McGuire. Rogerson says he wanted to look at office furniture. Gao is eventually killed inside the shed.

April 27, 2014  A white Ford Falcon station wagon with number plates BV67PX is purchased ­at Outback Used Cars in Lethbridge Park. The car is later used to transport Gao’s body. Rogerson and McNamara deny involvement in the car’s acquisition, but Rogerson’s fingerprints are found on the receipt.

McNamara removes his 4.5 metre boat cctv stillMay 19, 2014  McNamara removes his 4.5 metre Quintrex boat from Hunter Self Storage at Taren Point without notifying staff. This is later used to dump Gao’s body at sea.

Rogerson and office chairs cctv stillMay 19, 3.15pm CCTV footage from Rent a Space captures Rogerson removing office chairs from storage unit 803 and placing them in the back of his silver Ford station wagon.

A white Nissan Silvia, consistant with Gao's car cctv stillMay 19, afternoon A white Nissan Silvia, consistent with Gao’s car, does a U-turn outside Rent a Space.

Jamie Gao and Glen McNamara Meridian Hotel, Hurstville cctv stillMay 19, 7.50pm  The night before Gao is killed, McNamara and Gao meet at the Meridian Hotel, Hurstville. The meeting lasts about 30 minutes.

McNamara walks to Cronulla Mall cctv stillMay 20, 11.37am McNamara uses a payphone in Cronulla Mall to call Gao. CCTV from Cold Rock Ice Creamery captures him walking towards to the phone.

McNamara opening and shutting the door cctv stillMay 20, 1.17pm Rogerson and McNamara drive in separate cars to Rent a Space. McNamara is seen opening and closing the door four times in nine minutes.

Gao walking down Arab Road cctv stillMay 20, 1.35pm Gao is seen walking down Arab Road, Padstow, dressed in dark-coloured clothes, towards a white Ford station wagon that McNamara is in.

McNamara at front gate cctv stillMay 20, 1,42pm McNamara drives to the front gate of Rent a Space and enters the gate code – his hood is up and sunglasses are on.

Gao getting out of a white Ford station wagon cctv stillMay 20, 1.46pm Gao is seen getting out of the back of a white Ford station wagon and shielded by McNamara as he slips into storage unit 803. It is the last time he is seen alive.

Rogerson opens the door cctv stillMay 20, 1.49pm Rogerson opens the door to storage unit 803 exactly three minutes and 16 seconds after Gao and McNamara entered.

McNamara comes out of unit cctv stillMay 20, 2.03pm McNamara comes out of the storage unit, retrieves a silver Ocean & Earth surfboard bag from the white Ford station wagon, and returns to the storage unit.

McNamara and Rogerson are both seen dragging surfboard cover cctv stillMay 20, 2.18pm McNamara and Rogerson are seen dragging a surfboard cover containing Gao’s body, and load it into the boot of the white Ford station wagon.

Rogerson and McNamara are seen buying a two tonne chain block cctv stillMay 20, about 4pm Rogerson and McNamara are seen at Kennards Hire in Taren Point, buying a two-tonne chain block that was later used to lift Gao’s body into McNamara’s boat.

Rogerson and McNamara share a six pack of James Boag's cctv stillMay 20, about 5.15pm A few hours after the killing, Rogerson and McNamara share a six-pack of beer at McNamara’s unit in McDonald St, Cronulla. (McNamara claims he only helped to dispose of Gao’s body because his life was threatened by Rogerson.) 

Quintrex Boat being towed cctv stillMay 21, 7.28am A Quintrex boat carrying the body of Gao and a blue tarpaulin leaves McNamara’s Cronulla unit block.

McNamara and Rogerson are seen in the lift cctv stillMay 21, 7.32am McNamara and Rogerson are seen carrying fishing rods in the lift of McNamara’s unit block.

Quintrex boat being towed cctv stillMay 21, 11.05am After disposing of Gao’s body, McNamara brings his Quintrex boat back to Hunter Self Storage at Taren Point.

McNamara at Kmart cctv stillMay 22 McNamara says he was so worried when he found 3kg of ice in his car that he went to Kmart and bought two pillowslips, a measuring jug and a spoon. He claims this was to “seal” the drugs to stop them from exploding.

detectives arrest McNamaraMay 25, 6.30pm Robbery and Serious Crime Squad detectives arrest McNamara at a vehicle stop at Kyeemagh. He is refused bail and appears at Kogarah Local Court the following day.

Jamie Gao afloat inside a surfboard bag 2.5 kilomtres off the shoreMay 26 Fishermen spot the body of Jamie Gao inside a surfboard bag wrapped in blue tarpaulin about 2.5 kilometres offshore of Shelley Beach, Cronulla.

Rogerson arrested at Padstow Heights homeMay 27, 11am Police swoop on Rogerson’s Padstow Heights home. He is escorted out in handcuffs and taken to Bankstown police station, where he is refused bail.

Caleb Jakobsson charged over fatal Carrum Downs mini-motorbike crash to remain on bail despite breaches


(I’m having a few issues publishing images so hang 5, they will show up soon.)

This is not within community standards surely? Who cares if he misses his girl blah blah? He killed and expectant mother because he did not give a fuck! Why should we about him. Back to jail son and think about your crimes.

8 breaches whilst on parole and the magistrate says nothing wrong here…continue!

He ran over an innocent mum walking to the shops using a crossing…

Andrea Lehane pictured with her husband James

Andrea Lehane pictured with her husband James

Updated 3pm 16/05/2016

Caleb Jakobsson court sketch

A teenager charged over the death of a Melbourne mother in a mini-motorcycle crash will remain on bail despite committing eight breaches, with a magistrate citing evidence that he is a “changed individual”.

Caleb Jakobsson is accused of running over Andrea Lehane outside a Carrum Downs shopping centre in September last year.

The Melbourne Magistrates Court was told the 19-year-old had breached the conditions of his bail at least eight times since being released from protective custody in prison in October.

The breaches included failing to adhere to a curfew and another incident which was suppressed by the court.

Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg said he expected someone on bail while facing the serious charge of culpable driving causing death “would toe the line to perfection”.

“It is not so with you,” he said.

Magistrate Rozencwajg said Jakobsson had acted in a way that was disrespectful to Ms Lehane’s loved ones, but that bail was about risk.

Jakobsson breached bail because ‘he’s in love’

The 19-year-old has been staying with a relative in country Victoria.

A hearing last week was told Jakobsson had broken his curfew imposed by court after falling in love with a single mother.

The relative Jakobsson is living with gave evidence after reporting him to police over eight breaches, telling the court he had been out with his girlfriend and new friends.

“He’s in love, I know it’s not an excuse. Often I knew he was local and wouldn’t pose a threat,” she said.

“I thank God I went to the police because he’s had a real change of heart.”

The woman had to re-pledge she would immediately report any further breaches of bail.

Magistrate Rozencwajg said the family member had told the court “since the last hearing, [Jakobsson] has been a changed individual”.

He granted Jakobsson bail with more stringent conditions until his next court hearing in June.

From other news sites:

Herald Sun: Monkey bike death accused Caleb Jakobsson to stay on bail

Teen charged over fatal Carrum Downs mini-motorbike crash granted bail

By Karen Percy

Updated 20 Oct 2015, 4:45pm

A court sketch of Caleb Jakobsson, who has been granted bail. (Supplied)

Caleb Jakobsson court sketch

A teenager facing charges over the death of a mother of two who was fatally injured in a mini-motorbike crash in a Melbourne shopping centre has been granted bailed.

It is alleged Caleb Jakobsson was driving a mini-motorbike in the car park of the Carrum Downs complex when he struck Andrea Lehane.

Justice Phillip Priest imposed 14 conditions in granting bail.

He will be subject to a 10:00pm to 9:00am curfew, he has to report to police three times a week, and he cannot leave the state or the country.

He has also been banned from contacting the other teenagers charged in this case, including by social media, as well as being ordered to live with his relative, who cannot be identified because of a suppression order.

“It was a very close run thing that you got bail,” Justice Priest told the teenager.

The 18-year-old is due back in court in January.

Photo: Andrea Lehane pictured with her husband James. (Supplied: Andrea Lehane fund-raising page)

Mini-motorbike hit-and-run: Bail refused for teen charged over death of woman at Carrum Downs shopping centre

Updated 30 Sep 2015, 5:15pm
Related Story: Teen charged over mini-motorbike hit-and-run ‘unlikely’ to get bail: magistrate
An 18-year-old man charged over a mini-motorbike hit-and-run that killed a mother of two at Carrum Downs, in Melbourne’s south-east, has been refused bail in court.

Caleb Jakobsson, 18, faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court for a second day in a row, charged with culpable driving over the death of Andrea Lehane, 34, who was hit by a mini-motorcycle at a pedestrian crossing at a Carrum Downs shopping centre last Wednesday.

She died in hospital on Friday after suffering what her husband described as “unsurvivable” injuries.

Jakobsson was charged with culpable driving, failing to stop and render assistance, unlicensed driving and driving an unregistered vehicle.

A relative, who cannot be named for legal reasons, told the court that if Jakobsson were to be released on bail, he could live with her on a property in rural Victoria.

She told the court there would be plenty of opportunity for Jakobsson to be involved in volunteering, and he would have lots of support.

“We all want to help Caleb,” she said.

Photo: Andrea Lehane pictured with her husband James. (Supplied)

“We’re a tight family, everybody will get involved.”

But the prosecution argued Jakobsson posed an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

Magistrate Frank Holzer agreed, adding Jakobsson could face a lengthy prison sentence if found guilty of culpable driving.

Jakobsson will return to court next year.

Yesterday in court, police described the “chaotic” scenes at the pedestrian crossing in the aftermath of the crash, which was caught on CCTV.

Detective Senior Constable Leigh Miller said he thought Jakobsson was driving at 30 kilometres per hour in a 10kph zone.

 

 

Teen charged with hitting and killing mother-of-two with his mini-bike is granted bail AGAIN despite breaching his curfew eight times and being ‘insolent and disrespectful’ to her family

  • Caleb Jakobssen, 19, faced court in relation to a hit-and-run accident 
  • He was charged with a string of offences relating to a woman’s death
  • Andrea Lehane, 34, a mother of two, died after being hit by his motorcycle
  • Jakobssen has avoided being returned to custody after breaching bail
  • When granted bail in 2015  he was given a curfew between 10pm and 9am 

By Aneeta Bhole For Daily Mail Australia and Aap

Published: 16:29 EST, 16 May 2016 | Updated: 16:35 EST, 16 May 2016

A teenager charged with killing a mother-of-two with his mini-motorbike has been granted bail despite repeatedly breaching a court-imposed curfew and ‘acting disrespectfully’ toward his victim’s family.

Melbourne Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg once again granted Caleb Jakobsson, 19, bail at a hearing on Monday after prosecutors asked for it be revoked because of the curfew breaches.

The ruling came even though the magistrate said Jakobsson had ‘an attitude that can only be described as insolent’.

‘Not only have you breached your bail conditions but you do so in a way that is disrespectful to the family and loved ones of the deceased,’ Rozencwajg told the teenager.

Scroll down for video

Caleb Jakobsson (pictured), 19, accused of striking a mother-of-two with his mini-motorbike as she crossed a pedestrian crossing will avoid going back to custody despite breaching bail conditions

Jakobsson was first granted bail last year after being charged with culpable driving causing the death of nurse Andrea Lehane, 34, in September.

The teen is accused of striking Ms Lehane with his mini ‘monkey’ motorbike as she walked across a pedestrian crossing at a shopping centre in Carrum Downs – It’s alleged the teen then sped away.

The mother-of-two died on September 25 when her family turned off her life support after being told she wouldn’t survive her brain injuries.

When Jakobsson was granted bail, his conditions included a curfew between 10pm and 9am.

Prosecutors applied in April to have his bail revoked after it was revealed the teen had breached his curfew multiple times – and that the relative he is staying with had not immediately reported it to police.

Mr Jakobsson fronted the Melbourne Magistrates Court last month after the relative he was staying with, who cannot be identified, reported him to police for breaching his curfew.

At the April hearing, Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg added more conditions to Jakobsson’s (pictured) bail, including he attend court for regular reviews

Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg told Jakobsson that he would not not revoke the teens bail this time at a bail review hearing, but mentioned that Jakobsson had a an attitude that can only be described as ‘insolent’

At the April hearing, Magistrate Charlie Rozencwajg added more conditions to Jakobsson’s bail, including he attend court for regular reviews.

The teen’s relative said she had failed to report Jakobsson’s breaches, despite giving an undertaking to the Supreme Court that she would, because she was trying to show mercy.

She said: ‘I didn’t think he was a threat. In every one of those instances he was somewhere local.’

Jakobsson is scheduled to attend a review in June before facing a committal hearing in July.

Andrea Lehane(left), 34, died on September 25 2015 leaving behind a son and daughter (right)

The 19-year-old (pictured) was granted bail last year with conditions that included a curfew between 10pm and 9am.  Prosecutors asked for Jakobssons bail to be revoked because he breached curfew eight times

Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.

Mother confesses to murder of her daughter Sanaya Sahib


What a tragic situation, the precious little Sanaya who was abducted has been found in the creek nearby.Anyone who could do that needs to be locked up and the key thrown away!

Update : Taking an awful shift with investigators actions.Sadly this could become some else all together. I hope not

THE mother of 14-month-old Sanaya Sahib has confessed to the murder of her toddler after she was charged by homicide detectives earlier today.

5.01pm MOTHER CHARGED WITH MURDER

Post mortem reveals Sanaya Sahib was smothered

Sanaya Sahib death: Mother charged with murder of Melbourne toddler

Sanaya Sahib
Sanaya Sahib’s body was found in Darebin Creek at Heidelberg West. (Facebook)
Map: Melbourne 3000

A 22-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of 14-month-old Sanaya Sahib, whose body was found in a Melbourne creek early on Sunday morning.

She was charged with one count of murder and will face an out of sessions court hearing shortly.

The girl’s mother had earlier told investigators her daughter was snatched from her pram by a stranger as they were walking in Olympic Park at Heidelberg West on Saturday morning.

An emotional vigil was held for Sanaya on Monday night and her family, including her grandmother, attended a football match in which a minute’s silence was held in memory of the toddler.

Police said on Monday a post-mortem examination would be carried out on the toddler’s body, but no details of the results were released.

Sanaya was found in Darebin Creek at Heidelberg West in the early hours of Sunday.

Victorian Police Commissioner Graham Ashton tweeted his thanks to officers “for their hard work” on the case.

More to come.

Update April 12, 2016 10:58am

IT HAS been revealed that an ambulance was called a week before the murder of toddler Sanaya Sahib because the little girl had suffered a seizure.

Sanaya’s body was found in a creek early Sunday hours after her mother Sofina Nikat claims a shoeless African man smelling of alcohol abducted her 15-month-old daughter while she was walking with her in Melbourne’s Olympic Park on Saturday afternoon.

A post mortem is expected to show she died of smothering, however police media said the results have not been finalised.

Meanwhile, her uncle Habib Ali has told the Herald Sun an ambulance was called to his Heidelberg West home, where the mother and daughter had been staying, a week before her murder because Sanaya suffered a seizure.

Mr Ali dismissed the episode as “nothing really”, but paramedics were worried the seizure had been triggered through a lack of oxygen via smothering, the Herald Sun reported.

Sanaya Sahib, 15 months, with her mother Sofina Nikat. Picture Facebook

Sanaya Sahib, 15 months, with her mother Sofina Nikat. Picture Facebook Source:Supplied

Sanaya Sahib. Picture: Facebook

Sanaya Sahib. Picture: Facebook Source:Supplied

Memorial for 15 month old baby Sanaya Sahib, murdered at Darebin Creek.

Memorial for 15 month old baby Sanaya Sahib, murdered at Darebin Creek.Source:News Corp Australia

Habib Ali, brother of Sofina Nikat and uncle of Sanaya Sahib. Picture: Hamish Blair

Habib Ali, brother of Sofina Nikat and uncle of Sanaya Sahib. Picture: Hamish BlairSource:News Corp Australia

Police have not commented on what — if anything — was captured on CCTV cameras located have near the park where the abduction took place.

No independent witnesses have come forward to confirm the 22-year-old mother’s account. She is being kept in an undisclosed location and hasn’t yet been interviewed by homicide squad detectives.

She is said to be “hysterical”.

Ms Nikat gave chase after the alleged abductor but then returned home with the stroller.

Mr Ali told media outside his home Sanaya “didn’t deserve” what happened to her. She’s such a cute little kid … I don’t know why this happened. Whoever done it, shame on him, he is a coward.”

Ms Nikat and Sanaya had been living with Mr Ali after she split with Sameer Sahib, Sanaya’s father.

He said Ms Nikat was shocked and “crying a lot”.

“She doesn’t know what to do or what’s going on, obviously.” He said the family still did not know what had happened to Sanaya or how she died.

Darebin Creek, where Sanaya’s body was found early on Sunday morning.

Darebin Creek, where Sanaya’s body was found early on Sunday morning.Source:News Corp Australia

He said the family had a lot of sympathy for Mr Sahib, who is struggling to understand what has happened.

Fairfax reported on Tuesday two men that Sanaya had contact with in recent days were facing serious criminal charges, including family violence and assault.

Victoria Police have not commented officially on the inquiry for almost 24 hours, other than to confirm no arrests had been made. But according to The Age, detectives were expected to investigate the links the men had to the slain toddler.

The tributes for Sanaya continued last night with soccer players from Heidelberg United Football Club last night observing a minute’s silence for Sanaya before their match against Port Melbourne.

Dozens of people have also left flowers and cards for the toddler near the creek where her body was found.

One crying woman said she didn’t know the family bit couldn’t believe something so tragic could happen in their community.

“RIP sweetheart. So very sorry for your family, our heart breaks with them,” read one of the many cards left alongside a soft pink toy.

—additional reporting: AAP

Update 10am 11/04/16

Police make desperate appeal for information about toddler Sanaya Sahib’s death

Police have made a desperate appeal for information as they hunt for the person responsible for the death of Melbourne toddler Sanaya Sahib.

The 15-month-old girl’s body was found in Darebin Creek, Heidelberg West, in the early hours of Sunday.

Sanaya’s mother, Sofina Nikat, 22, said her daughter was snatched by a stranger from her pram.

Police have searched a home in Heidelberg West where Ms Nikat had been staying.

On Sunday afternoon, police were seen searching through bins and leaving with forensics bags.

It is understood Ms Nikat is helping police with their inquiries.

Police said the only suspect is the attacker, described as a barefoot man with dark skin between the ages of 20 and 30.

He was wearing black pants and a black zipper top, and smelled heavily of alcohol, police said.

Detectives are investigating all possibilities and will today doorknock streets in Melbourne’s north-east.

The body was found just before 3:00am Sunday by a local family who had once lost a child and wanted to assist.

Heidelberg West residents left a floral tribute near the scene, which is less than a kilometre away from the Northland shopping centre.

The Mayor of the City of Banyule, Craig Langdon, said the community was grieving.

“I know the area well enough to know the area will be grieving greatly because it’s a very close community,” he said.

“My thoughts are with the family. It would be a tragic loss to any family, to find a child like that in the Darebin Creek, I can not imagine the grief they’re going through.”

Mr Langdon said counselling would be made available through the council to anyone who needs it.

No charges have been laid over Sanaya’s death.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out on the body.

Any witnesses have been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Body found in search for toddler missing from Olympic Park, Heidelberg West

April 10, 2016 8:00pm
ANTHONY GALLOWAY AND DAVID HURLEY Herald Sun

THE GRIEVING mum of toddler Sanaya Shaib has left her home as investigators continue to hunt for the 15-month-old’s killer.

The police forensics team are now searching a home address of the mother of the dead toddler. They have been joined by members of the homicide division. Forensics Police said they were expected to stay at the house for several hours.

Local residents paid tribute to the 15-month-old with flowers and teddy bears near where her body was found.

Forensic police have started their search of the house by checking discarded rubbish near the property and in the back garden.

Homicide Squad detectives were investigating after the discovery of the body at Heidelberg West this morning. The body was found in the Darebin Creek by four people searching together, about 2.45am.

Earlier police said the only suspect in the toddler’s death is described to be a man of African appearance, between the ages of 20 and 30, six-feet-tall, wearing black pants, a black hooded zipper top, no shoes and smelling heavily of liquor.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey said parents in the area should be alert and mindful of what they do.

“This is obviously extremely concerning for Victoria Police if this is a random abduction,” he said.

“We think it’s completely random at this point in time.

“We need to be careful and alert, given what’s taken place at this present time.”

The warning comes after the body of a child, believed to be that of Sanaya, was found in a creek in Melbourne’s north-east at 2:45am this morning.

The body was found by a family of four, including a child, who were searching for the girl after seeing a Facebook post requesting help from volunteers.

The family, who had also lost a child in the past whom they later found alive and well, found the toddler partially submerged as they were walking along the western side of Darebin Creek. The child will be taken back to the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine for a postmortem today.

Sanaya Shaib with her mother Sofina Nikat. Picture: Supplied.

Sanaya Shaib with her mother Sofina Nikat. Picture: Supplied.Source:Supplied

Sanaya was abducted from her pram in Olympic Park yesterday. Senior Sergeant Bailey said the toddler’s mother, Sofina Nikat, noticed the suspect walking towards her around 10:10am.

“That male has then folded behind her and has then pushed her to the ground, taken the child from the pram and run in a south-westerly direction on the eastern side of Darebin Creek, and crossed over a footbridge that takes you to the Northland Shopping Centre area and then pershaps towards Wood St,” he said.

“Once the child has been abducted, she (the mother) has chased the offender for a short period of time, realised she wasn’t making any ground there, so she has returned back to her home with the stroller and notified authorities there.

“We notified both the mother and father at 6:45am this morning (that the body had been found) and they are obviously in an extremely distressed state.”

Police don’t know how long the body had been in the creek.

A body has been found on the banks of Darebin creek. Picture: David Crosling

A body has been found on the banks of Darebin creek. Picture: David CroslingSource:News Corp Australia

EARLIER

Crews armed with torches scoured Darebin Creek in Heidelberg West until late last night. Ms Nikat was assisting police, but they stressed she was not being held in custody.

Inspector Paul Tymms urged anyone who knew the location of the child to come forward. He said authorities were hopeful Sanaya was still alive.

Ms Nikat’s older brother, Habib Ali, said the family had been supporting the young mother after she ­recently separated from her partner. He said his sister had taken an unsettled Sanaya out for a walk but ­returned home soon after with dirt on her clothing.

Mr Ali said: “She came screaming and crying, she said, ‘Somebody’s snatched my baby’. She was mumbling out of ­control.

“I just pray to God that whoever’s done this, please ­return the baby.”

The mother’s family claimed her daughter had been snatched from her pram at a popular park in Melbourne’s northeast.

Inspector Paul Tymms confirmed on Saturday evening that the disappearance was being treated as suspicious.

Sanaya’s uncle Habib Ali told the Herald Sun his sister had been hysterical when she arrived home from a walk without the baby.

“I’m devastated,” Mr Aly said. “This is shocking … why would anyone want to hurt this little girl?

“We just don’t know what to do.”

Sanaya and her mother were visiting Mr Aly’s Heidelberg West home for the day, he said.

He said his sister told family that as they sat down on a park bench she noticed a man watching her.

“She said someone was standing and watching her … but she didn’t make anything of it,” Mr Aly said.

The man then undid the clips in the toddler’s pram, picked up the girl and ran away toward Northland shopping centre, Mr Ali said he’d been told.

Next-door neighbour Melynda Smith said the family were quiet and she had not heard any disturbances.

“We’re just terrified,” Ms Smith said.

“We are shaken up over the situation.

“You hear it in other states, you hear it in other countries … you don’t expect it to happen in your own backyard.”

She said the family was close and had hosted Sanaya’s first birthday party at Mr Aly’s Perth St home.

“They support each other,” Ms Smith said.

“I always see the mother out walking with her, getting fresh air … they are always spending time with the bub and the bub is never out of the mum’s sight.

“She is a very well cared for and looked after little girl.”

Mr Aly said he and his family had been supporting his sister through her separation from her partner, who lived in Hallam.

He said his sister and Sanaya had been staying in Mitcham but visited his home regularly.

The toddler was last seen wearing a short-sleeved white top with pink and yellow hearts, koala print pants, socks, and a black necklace with an oval locket.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

andrea.hamblin@news.com.au

Originally published as Hunt continues for tragic tot’s killer

 

12.16pm 10/04/16

A toddler who was found dead in a creek in Melbourne’s north-east this morning was snatched from a pram while walking with her mother in a park yesterday, homicide detectives say.

Police said 15-month-old girl Sanaya Sahib, who had been missing since yesterday morning, was found in Darebin Creek in Heidelberg West by four people searching together just before 3:00am.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey said the toddler was with her 22-year-old mother, Sofina Nikat from Mitcham, at Olympic Park about 10:00am, when the little girl was grabbed and taken.

“[Ms Nikat] noticed a male walking towards her, that male has folded in behind her and has then pushed her to the ground, has taken the child from the pram and run in a south-westerly direction on the eastern side of Darebin Creek,” he said.

“He crossed over a footbridge that then takes you into the Northland Shopping Centre area and perhaps towards Woods Street.

“This is obviously extremely concerning for Victoria Police if this is a random abduction.”

Detective Senior Sergeant Bailey said police believed it was a random attack.

The man has been described as between 20 and 30 years of age, about six feet tall with short dark hair and not wearing shoes.

Police said he was wearing black pants and a black zipper top.

They said he had dark skin and smelt heavily of alcohol.

Detective Senior Sergeant Bailey said Ms Nikat had tried to chase the man, but was unable to and returned to her friend’s home and contacted police.

He said authorities had worked hard to find the girl when she was reported missing, but she was found in the early hours by a local family who had once lost a child and wanted to assist.

Police said clothing on the body found in the creek matched that reported on the missing toddler.

Heidelberg West residents Michelle and Faye left a floral tribute near the scene and said they knew of the family.

“I just wanted to put flowers for the baby,” Michelle said.

“I couldn’t sleep knowing she was out here somewhere.

“I was hoping she was alive.”

Anyone who saw the incident has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

From other news sites:

http://www.skynews.com.au/news/top-stories/2016/04/10/body-found-in-search-for-missing-toddler.html#ooid=FwOXJwMjE6J1zstYobPFuToZCYxBx0bN

Vic kidnapped girl’s body found in creek | SBS News

A toddler who was snatched from her pram in a Melbourne park has been found dead in a nearby creek.

Police say 15-month-old Sanaya Sahib was with her mother at Olympic Park in Heidelberg West about 10am on Saturday when she was grabbed by a man who smelt strongly of alcohol and was not wearing shoes.

Sofina Nikat, 22, told officers she was pushed to the ground by the man, who ran off with her daughter towards a nearby shopping centre.

Ms Nikat gave chase but when she realised she couldn’t catch him, she raced home to alert police.

She never saw the face of the man, who is described as being of African appearance, between 20 and 30 years old and about six feet tall.

The toddler’s body was found in Darebin Creek just before 3am on Sunday by a family of four who had seen social media posts about her disappearance and wanted to help.

The family, who had once lost a child who had later been found, spent the night looking for little Sanaya.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stuart Bailey said it wasn’t known how long the body had been in the water.

“It is obviously extremely concerning for Victoria Police if this is a random abduction,” he told reporters at the scene on Sunday.

“We need to be careful, alert, given what’s taken place at this present time, but we’ll wait and see how the investigation unfolds.”

He appealed for anyone who saw the incident, the child or her blue and yellow pram to come forward.

It’s believed Sanaya and her mother, from Mitcham, were staying with friends in Heidelberg West near the former 1956 Olympic Village following a separation from the tot’s father.

A large orange tarpaulin was erected on Sunday morning around a part of the creek where the girl’s body was found.

An air ambulance hovered above as police, positioned at the southern end of Northland shopping centre, diverted traffic, cyclists and pedestrians from the area.

Sanaya’s tiny body, on a large stretcher, was later taken away by forensic police.

Both parents have been helping police and are said to be extremely distressed.

The tot is yet to be formally identified and a post-mortem examination will be carried out later on Sunday.

Homeless man Reginald Mullaly, had $70 in his wallet but $30,000 in the bank when his body was found


As a society it should not matter where someone ranks in in life when a  murder occurs.Their death MUST be investigated to the fullest extent.So maybe with some info from someone we can find out what really happened to Reggie Mullaly?

January 18, 2016

Left to die under a bridge

The body of Reginald Mullaly, 69, was found in September 2015 under a bridge in Bathurst, with 11 stab wounds to his arms and chest. Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.

Every day Reginald Mullaly would stir from his makeshift shelter under the Denison Bridge and take the $8-$9 cab ride into Bathurst’s CBD.

Twice a week, he would stroll into the Reliance Credit Union and withdraw a few hundred dollars from the almost $30,000 he had in his bank account.

This money would be spent on pies at a bakery, cans at the bottle shop and a loaf of bread to feed the ducks on the banks of the Macquarie River.

Dawn, the sister of homeless man Reginald Mullaly, holds a photo of him.Dawn, the sister of homeless man Reginald Mullaly, holds a photo of him. Photo: Kate Geraghty

His spare change would go into the guide dog donation tin at Liquorland.

It is this money that police suspect might have led Mr Mullaly, who chose the life of a vagabond despite the thousands in his bank account, to be targeted in a vicious and fatal attack.

The 69-year-old homeless man’s body was found lying under the bridge he called home on September 20, 2015.

The shelter under Denison Bridge in Bathurst where Reginald Mullaly slept and where his body was found.The shelter under Denison Bridge in Bathurst where Reginald Mullaly slept and where his body was found. Photo: Kate Geraghty

He was clutching a tissue and was holding it up against a bloody wound on his temple. Small blood spots dotted rocks that formed his sleeping nook.

A blanket, given to him by staff at the bakery, covered his bottom half and his boots were off, as if he had settled in for the night.

Days later, staff at the Newcastle Morgue removed his six layers of clothing and found 11 stab wounds on his body.

A bag where Reginald Mullaly's body was found.A bag where Reginald Mullaly’s body was found. Photo: Kate Geraghty

“It’s a cowardly attack on a vulnerable member of the community,” Detective Senior Constable Adrian Graham said.

Mr Mullaly was last seen about 3.15pm on Thursday September 17, when a taxi dropped him off at his usual spot near Lions Club Drive.

Police are still hunting for the person or persons responsible for Mr Mullaly’s death but they believe his financial status, in stark contradiction to the itinerant life he led, may have been a motive.

A hat where Reginald Mullaly was found.A hat where Reginald Mullaly was found. Photo: Kate Geraghty

While detectives found about $70 in Mr Mullaly’s wallet at the crime scene, his attackers may have been disappointed to find he did not have a bank card to access the money in his account.

He inherited tens of thousands of dollars after his mother died a few years ago but resisted putting it towards accommodation.

It was no secret that Mr Mullaly had money but the exact figure would fluctuate depending on who you spoke to in town.

Reginald Mullaly was last seen getting out a taxi on September 17 last year.Reginald Mullaly was last seen getting out a taxi on September 17 last year. Photo: NSW Police

Twice a week he would withdraw enough cash to cover his daily routine, which seldom changed.

Some days he would sit beside Kerry Hodge, as he strummed his guitar and sang Johnny Cash songs on the Howick Street footpath.

“With his little bag alongside him, he would have a bit of a beer hidden and he kept it so nobody could see his beer,” Mr Hodge said.

Detective Senior Constable Adrian Graham stands near the shelter where Reginald Mullaly's body was found.Detective Senior Constable Adrian Graham stands near the shelter where Reginald Mullaly’s body was found. Photo: Kate Geraghty

“But I knew and I didn’t mind because he never, ever, ever, said anything to upset me.

“Then he would come along with bread and feed the little sparrows.

“Now that he is gone, I am feeding the sparrows for him.”

Reginald Mullaly's sister Dawn holds a lock of his hair.Reginald Mullaly’s sister Dawn holds a lock of his hair. Photo: Kate Geraghty

Mr Hodge, who was one of the last people to see “Reggie” alive, had heard that Mr Mullaly often knocked back offers for accommodation.

Despite his generosity, people would sometimes confront Mr Mullaly for money, Mr Hodge said.

One of five children, Mr Mullaly was well known in the area, having grown up fishing and shooting on a property near Newbridge, about 30 kilometres outside Bathurst.

Kerry Hodge, a friend of Reginald Mullaly and one of the last people to see him alive.

Kerry Hodge, a friend of Reginald Mullaly and one of the last people to see him alive. Photo: Kate Geraghty

He moved between the family property and his sister Dawn’s house in Bathurst and worked as a wardsman at the Bathurst Base Hospital and a shearer in adulthood.

But it was his penchant for a drink and Dawn’s loathing for alcohol that often caused their relationship to become unstuck.

“He lived with me for 13 months and just one day he would pick up with fellas that he knew,” Dawn said.

“He always knew he could come back [to my house] but the conditions were no drink and you smoke your rollies outside.”

They were simple conditions that would have put a roof over his head. Yet Mr Mullaly wanted to do things his way, even if it meant sleeping in the dirt between two bridge pillars.

“Say he lived with you and you had the TV too loud, if you started the mower or vacuum cleaner or you were watching Home and Away on TV, that would be enough to make him pack up and leave,” Dawn said.

“He packed up and left in what he stood up in.

“I just don’t understand it because Dad was a hard worker and mum was and the four of us girls don’t drink.”

 

 

Despite their differences, Dawn always kept a caring eye on her drifting brother and was there when he needed help.

On Wednesdays, Mr Mullaly would meet Dawn’s daughter at the river, where they would feed the ducks together. Sometimes he would return with his niece to Dawn’s neat and comforting home.

If he didn’t show up, Dawn would go looking for him. Once she reported him missing.

Those who knew Mr Mullaly conceded that, while sometimes he was gruff, he caused nobody any harm.

“It doesn’t matter if you live in a mansion or under a bridge, you don’t deserve to be murdered,” Dawn said.

“There is someone out there that knows what happened and I’m just hoping they come forward.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Bathurst police on 02 6332 8699.

Man accused of Salt Creek attack camped there just 3 weeks before attack


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3441815/Campsite-Salt-Creek-accused-attacker-two-woman-camped.html#v-5384190120167520728

The eerie picture of accused rapist’s Salt Creek campsite that he took three weeks before he was charged with a brutal kidnapping attack on two female backpackers at the SAME spot

  • Man accused of Salt Creek attack camped there just 3 weeks before attack
  • The 59-year-old posted pictures of his camp site in January at Salt Creek
  • The man has frequented the spot for decades and took his son there
  • He is in prison charged with allegedly kidnapping and raping two women

By Candace Sutton for Daily Mail Australia

11 February 2016 | Updated: 20:00 EST, 11 February 2016

This is the campsite at Salt Creek where two women escaped with their lives, photographed by the 59-year-old man accused of their kidnap, rape and attempted murder.

The photograph was taken just over three weeks before he allegedly kidnapped, raped and attempted to murder a 23-year-old South American woman and her European travelling companion in the sandhills at Salt Creek 200km south-west of Adelaide.

Posted on one of the accused man’s social media accounts, the photo shows the man’s car, two small tents, picnic tables and eskies.

One of the man’s friends is posing in the picture at the spot where the alleged attacker has camped.

This is the campsite at Salt Creek where two women escaped with their lives, photographed by the 59-year-old man accused of their kidnap, rape and attempted murder more than three weeks before the alleged attack

This is the campsite at Salt Creek where two women escaped with their lives, photographed by the 59-year-old man accused of their kidnap, rape and attempted murder more than three weeks before the alleged attack

The man accused of kidnapping, raping and attempting to murder two female travellers in the sandhills at remote Salt Creek in South Australia is pictured (above)

The accused man (pictured) claims on dating sites to be an 'outdoors' and 'athletic' person interested in fishing, camping and swimming

 The man accused of kidnapping, raping and attempting to murder two female travellers in the sandhills at remote Salt Creek in South Australia is pictured (above)
A photograph of Salt Creek taken by the man accused of raping and kidnapping the female tourists taken weeks before the alleged attack and posted on his social media site

A photograph of Salt Creek taken by the man accused of raping and kidnapping the female tourists taken weeks before the alleged attack and posted on his social media site

Pictured: One of the two women, who are both overseas tourists, who were allegedly kidnapped, raped and brutally attacked by the 59-year-old man at a remote beach called Salt Creek in South Australia

 Pictured: One of the two women, who are both overseas tourists, who were allegedly kidnapped, raped and brutally attacked by the 59-year-old man at a remote beach called Salt Creek in South Australia

The man, who claims on dating sites to be an ‘outdoors’ and ‘athletic’ person interested in fishing, camping and swimming, has several photographs of himself camping with a young boy, believed to be his son.

In other photographs, the man is pictured on the beach or camping out with friends.

The accused has several profiles on dating websites in which he describes himself as ‘outgoing’ and looking for a woman between ’22 and 56′.

On different sites, he says he is ‘friendly and ‘respect people and other cultures’, as well as saying he is ‘respectful to women’ and able to ‘get along with anyone, well almost haha’.

He says that he wants to meet ‘a kind, loving and thoughtful woman ready for marriage and to start a new life with.

On the day of the alleged incident two women tourists, believed to be a 23-year-old South American woman and a European woman in her twenties, were in the company of the man at Salt Creek, which is in the vast Coorong National Park along the south coast of South Australia.

Police called to the terrifying incident after the local roadhouse receiving a 'panicked' phone call from a group of fishermen on the beach found this campsite along with a seriously injured woman

 Police called to the terrifying incident after the local roadhouse receiving a ‘panicked’ phone call from a group of fishermen on the beach found this campsite along with a seriously injured woman

Police at the camp site at Salt Creek, which is in a remote spot 200km south-east of Adelaide and is popular with campers, including the man allegedly responsible for the terrifying attack on two women tourists

 Police at the camp site at Salt Creek, which is in a remote spot 200km south-east of Adelaide and is popular with campers, including the man allegedly responsible for the terrifying attack on two women tourists

Police wrestle the man to the ground and handcuff him late on Tuesday after called to Salt Creek to investigate the attack on two women

It was around 6.30pm on Tuesday, when nearby fisherman saw one of the women, naked and bleeding, running from the sand dunes towards them and screaming that she was going to be killed.

Ali Mohammed and Abdul-Karim Mohammed, were driving near the sand dunes at Coorong National Park when the naked backpacker ran towards them.

‘She didn’t know what was going on… She’s jumped in the car and is telling us “please get out of here”,’ Ali Mohammed told Seven News.

The woman screamed ‘Get me out of here, get me out of here. He’s going to kill us all.’

According to Seven News, the two women had split up to escape the man after he allegedly attacked them, with one getting away to alert the witnesses.

She told her rescuers that the man had allegedly hit one of the women over the head with a hammer, and run the other over with a vehicle

A photograph of the accused holding a gun posted on one of his social media accounts

 A photograph of the accused holding a gun posted on one of his social media accounts

The alleged attack took place at Salt Creek in the vast Coorong National Park (above) along the South Australian coast at around 6.30pm on Tuesday

The second backpacker was recaptured later in the evening, when she was discovered barely conscious and seriously injured in the sand dunes. Seven News showed footage of a man being arrested on the beach by police.

The man was seen on his stomach on the ground, with his arms behind his back as two officers detain him. He was wearing a black and white t-shirt and grey pants.

Police also found a campsite about a kilometre from where the man was arrested. There was a fishing knife and hook left behind.

Both women are in hospital in a stable condition after they were rescued at Salt Creek in Coorong National Park.

The 59-year-old is in custody following a brief appearance via videolink in Adelaide Magistrates Court.

He is charged with charged with kidnapping, rape, causing aggravated harm to another and attempted murder and is remanded in custody until April 18.