Latest news with #Crimes
Otago Daily Times
17-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Voyeurism: What to do if someone is covertly filming you?
By Serena Solomon of RNZ It is unclear how often people are recorded without their consent in intimate situations and settings, but advances in digital cameras are likely making it more common. Voyeurism has been in the news frequently over the last few weeks. On Wednesday, news broke that a Dunedin man in his 20s pleaded guilty to filming himself and a woman performing a sex act without her knowledge and sharing it on his rugby team's group chat. His flatmate also pleaded guilty to filming a video of her while she slept. He shared the content that contained images of her in her underwear with her breasts exposed. Last month, a Stuff investigation revealed the Prime Minister's deputy chief press secretary Michael Forbes recorded the audio of his sessions with sex workers without their consent. He also amassed covertly taken images of women in grocery stores, at the gym and filmed some in homes through their windows. The revelations resulted in his resignation but Forbes is yet to be charged with a crime by New Zealand police. Then came a court martial hearing of Corporal Manu Smith where he was sentenced for filming sex with a girlfriend without her consent. Whether it reaches the attention of the law, the media or even victims, it's possible that voyeurism - sexual gratification from observing others in private settings without their knowledge - is happening constantly. However, because of its secretive nature, we will never know how prevalent it is and whether the greater risk comes from strangers or if perpetrators are more likely to be known by victims, as is the case with other sexual abuse. What is voyeurism? The Crimes (Intimate Covert Filming) Amendment Act 2006 addresses voyeurism when a recording device is involved. The act makes it illegal to create visual recordings without the knowledge or consent of the person being recorded in a situation where that person 'would reasonably be expected to provide privacy..." It is generally legal to take unconsented images and video of others in public places, but not in private places such as a public change room or a toilet and if that person is 'naked, in underclothes, showering, toileting etc,' says Detective Inspector Rebecca Cotton from New Zealand Police. The 2006 law was introduced in response to increased instances of 'upskirting and downblousing,' according to Dr Cassandra Mudgway, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury's law school. At the time, digital recording technology paved the way for perpetrators to install, say, small cameras on their shoes and walk around town recording up women's skirts. 'These days, we don't have good numbers around prevalence and of course, this is covert so by its very nature it is secret,' says Mudgway, adding that technology advances makes voyeurism easier to pull off and likely more common. The covert recordings Forbes made have highlighted gaps in the 2006 law, where audio recordings are not covered. The images he secretly took of women in public likely didn't meet the law's threshold of an "intimate visual recording". Advocates and survivors of voyeurism are pushing to change that. When it comes to sexual abuse in general, the vast majority of victims will know their perpetrator such as a family member, a teacher, or a co-worker. No such data exists for crimes involving intimate and covert recording or peeping tom cases, voyeurism that does not involve a recording. However, Auckland-based clinical psychologist Barry Kirker has noticed a pattern in his work with perpetrators. An adult victim is more likely to be filmed in public by a stranger, and a young person is more likely to be filmed in their home, he says. Why is voyeurism a violation? It's true that many victims of voyeurism will never know that a crime has been committed against them. It's also true that a perpetrator may never lay a finger on their victim, but that doesn't make the crime any less painful for those who know they have been recorded, says Ruth Money, the government's chief adviser for victims of crime. 'It's violating because it is... somewhere where you should be safe and feel completely private and safe and that's what sexual assault is - power and control - and that is why people feel incredibly violated and vulnerable.' Some victims might be able to brush it off. But many will not - and shouldn't. It could also trigger the trauma of past abuse, says Money. '...then you go take yourself down a very understandable route of thinking, 'Well, what has this person done with the content? Because it's unauthorised images.' In the case of the New Zealand soldier and the Dunedin men who themselves himself having sex with women without consent, they were accused of sending that content to others. Social media and now AI's ability to generate deep fake images including pornographic photos and videos has also changed the game. '...Something like online harms or harms that involve technology, we're seeing increasing prevalence from strangers, people that you don't know [as perpetrators] which is something that's quite new, I think', says Mudgway. What to do if you think you are being recorded? If you believe you are being recorded in breach of the Crimes (Intimate Covert Filming) Amendment Act 2006, you should report it to police by calling 105, according to Detective Inspector Cotton. 'Police would then assess the information provided to determine whether any criminal offending had taken place and/or if any further investigation was required.' If the incident occurs in a gym or a pool, inform the manager. This could result in the perpetrator losing their membership or facing a ban from the establishment, says Mudgway. 'I've actually just looked at all of the gyms that have chains around New Zealand and seen that almost all of them have some kind of [voyeurism] policy. '... even if nothing comes of it, I think it's really important that people understand that it's still a breach of your right to privacy and your right to personal dignity, even if there is no specific law that covers that, you still have those rights.' A civil suit - essentially suing the accused perpetrator - is also a possible but potentially expensive option, according to Mudgway. 'The difference between criminal and civil is that civil has a lower burden of proof, which means that you only have to prove that it's more likely than not that in that place [the victim] had a reasonable expectation of privacy versus a crime where it has to be beyond reasonable doubt.' Finding help if you're a victim of voyeurism New Zealand still has room for improvement when it comes to reducing the burden on victims and survivors when it comes to seeking help, says Money. 'When your world is turned upside down, when you are violated and there is a trauma response, it means that you don't necessarily think rationally or in a linear fashion anymore.' When you report a crime to the police, they can refer you straight to local agencies such as rape crisis centres or women's centres that help victims of sexual crimes. However, sometimes referrals fall through the cracks or agencies lack the funding to truly help all referrals, says Money. Victims can also self-refer to those agencies including Victim Support, a national organisation that supports those who have experienced various crimes. ACC's Sensitive Claims Service accepts self-referrals and provides help for mental harm caused by sexual assault or abuse. The Safe to Talk hotline is another avenue for help. 'I do acknowledge it's difficult being a survivor and navigating the system so, I just want to encourage people not to be afraid to ask for help because it is out there,' says Money. 'It does exist.' Where to get help Call the Safe to talk hotline on 0800 044 334 or visit their website Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357 . any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any 0800 543 354 or text to . Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends. Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202 . . Samaritans: 0800 726 666. Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@ or email talk@ What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds. Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832 . Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English. . Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English. Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254. Healthline: 0800 611 116. Rainbow Youth: 09 376 4155. OUTLine: 0800 688 5463. Eating Disorders Carer Support NZ: Also on Facebook. If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
Los Angeles Times
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
LA Time Studios' New Podcast ‘Making Los Angeles' Features Interviews with Prominent Angelenos
'Making Los Angeles' is a new podcast from LA Times Studios, featuring in-depth conversations with the dreamers and visionaries shaping L.A. Each week, host Glenn Gritzner will interview prominent Angelenos – politicians, business leaders, cultural icons, chefs, authors, scientists, community builders and more – about their journeys and the impact they have had on L.A. The first episode is available now on all podcast platforms. The debut episode features a conversation with Sen. Alex Padilla, California's senior U.S. Senator. Padilla discusses his upbringing in the San Fernando Valley as a child of Mexican immigrants, his experience studying engineering at MIT and how he ultimately got into politics. Future episodes will feature conversations with Father Gregory Boyle, founder of Homeboy Industries; author Michael Connelly; earthquake expert Lucy Jones; award-winning chef Bricia Lopez and many more. 'Making Los Angeles' joins a growing slate of podcasts from LA Times Studios, including 'Rebuilding Los Angeles,' 'L.A. Crimes,' 'Boiling Point' and 'Crimes of The Times.' Additional podcast series are in development with launch dates to be announced. The first episode of 'Making Los Angeles' is available now; new episodes will be available every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.
Hans India
03-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Cyberabad Commissionerate marks June 2 celebrations with gusto
Hyderabad: The 11th Telangana State Formation Day was celebrated with utmost enthusiasm on June 2 at the Cyberabad Police Commissionerate. The event commenced with the National Flag being unfurled by Cyberabad police Commissioner Avinash Mohanty. The Commissioner also received the Guard of Honour from the Parade Commander. On this occasion, the commissioner emphasised the importance of collective effort in building a strong and progressive Telangana. He called upon all personnel to serve with unity, dedication, and renewed energy. 'By giving our best in every role, we can make a meaningful impact and uphold the true spirit of service,' he stated. He concluded by extending his best wishes to all, saying, 'I hope you achieve great success in your career.' Cyberabad Joint CP Traffic Dr Gajarao Bhupal, DCPs Dr Vineeth G (Madhapur), Koti Reddy (Medchal), Suresh Kumar (Balanagar), Ch Srinivas (Rajendranagar), B Rajesh (Shamshabad), EOW DCP K Prasad, Crimes DCP LC Naik, SB DCP Sai Sri, and ADCPs, ACPs, Inspectors, ministerial staff, and other personnel were present.
Los Angeles Times
21-05-2025
- Los Angeles Times
L.A. Times Studios Releases Podcast Series ‘L.A. Crimes'
L.A. Times Studios today released 'L.A. Crimes,' a video podcast delving into the biggest cases and long-running investigations in Los Angeles. The series is hosted by Madison McGhee, true crime podcast creator and host of 'Ice Cold Case.' The first episode is available now on all podcast platforms. The weekly podcast will feature conversations with Los Angeles Times reporters sharing a rare behind-the-scenes look at their reporting process, plus crime experts and pop culture personalities sharing their insights on some of the most consequential crime cases shaping L.A. today, from scams and celebrity stories to notorious criminal cases. 'We're thrilled to continue expanding our podcast offerings with the launch of our latest series, 'L.A. Crimes,'' said Anna Magzanyan, president of L.A. Times Studios. 'With host Madison McGhee leading conversations alongside esteemed Los Angeles Times reporters and special guests, each episode unpacks notable crime cases through compelling storytelling and new perspectives that will captivate listeners.' The debut episode features Times Staff Writer Richard Winton and journalist Josh Mankiewicz discussing the notorious Menendez brothers case, including the latest legal updates for Lyle and Erik, who have served more than 35 years in prison. Upcoming episodes include Times Staff Writer Harriet Ryan detailing the case of Tom Girardi defrauding clients and The Times' Clara Harter on the suspected homicide deaths in California prisons this year. 'Boiling Point,' 'Crimes of The Times,' 'The Envelope' and 'Dodgers Debate' round out the L.A. Times and L.A. Times Studios collection of podcasts available to download now. Additional podcast series are in development with launch dates to be announced. The first episode of 'L.A. Crimes' is available now to download or stream, with new episodes released weekly. Exclusive bonus content is available to L.A. Times Studios Podcasts+ subscribers.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
‘We solved my mother's murder': Mansfield doctor up for parole; son speaks out
MANSFIELD, Ohio (WJW) – New Year's Eve 1989, Collier Landry, 11, was in his bed at 3:18 a.m. when he said he heard two loud thuds in the house. 'I can hear my father, voice really low, like murmuring, and I'm laying in my bed, and I always sleep with my door open as a kid, and I'm laying in my bed, and I'm just kind of frozen,' he told Fox 8 News. Pregnant woman, 2 children die in Kingsville Township trailer home fire 'Everything inside me at that moment is telling me, don't look up.' Collier Landry 'I'm trying to think of, like, what to do. Do I get up? Do I or what do I do? And I'm just trying to think of all the scenarios, like, what could I do? I'm a child. My father, six foot three, what is going on in there? But I decide to stay in my bed and I'm just holding this pose and I and I hear the footsteps walk down the hall and out of my peripheral vision, I can see my father's feet standing in the doorway because I recognize his shoes and everything inside me at that moment is telling me, don't look up,' said Landry. In the morning his mother was not there. 'I came downstairs, and I confronted my father. He was sitting in our living room on our couch, and he had a towel wrapped around his waist. He had just gotten out of the shower, and I said, 'Where is my mother?' And he didn't say anything at first. And I said again. I said, 'Where is my mother?' And I'll never forget. He just looked up so coldly and just said to me, 'Well, Mommy took a little vacation Collier.'' 'Mommy took a little vacation, Collier.' Collier Landry testimony 'Right then, I knew he had done something to her.' Landry's father, John Boyle, a prominent osteopathic physician in Mansfield, convinced him not to call police. But Landry had kept telephone numbers for some of his mother's closest friends, and he reasoned they could call police. 'Drug trafficking enterprise' taken down on Cleveland's westside: I-Team At that point Noreen Boyle was just considered a missing person. Detective David Messmore took the case believing within a day or two Noreen would return home. But during his first visit to the Boyle home, he said Collier was adamant that something had happened to his mother and he wanted to share what he knew with Messmore. NE Ohio man faces felony in 'worst' animal cruelty case 'All the detectives that work for me in the Major Crimes were busy. They had a lot of work to do, there were stabbings and armed robberies and burglaries. And so, I took the case myself just to dispose of. And hopefully I would find out that she was back home the next day. Not that didn't happen. I went to the house and talked to him for a short period of time, and he was very, very upset,' said Messmore. 'His grandmother was Dr. Boyle's mother was there, and she walked around and any time she got away from us, Collier would indicate to me that he was very concerned. And so I came back that evening, I probably seven or 8:00 at night, and I wanted to talk to him again and she said, no, there wasn't a day where I could talk to him,' said Messmore. Arrests made in 'prolonged, severe' torture of 6 children Impressed by Collier's maturity at his young age and his determination to share what he knew, the detective started meeting with Collier at his school. 'He actually was extremely concerned, and said his mother never left without telling him where she was going or he would be with her. And so, Collier is a very convincing 11-and-a-half-year-old. I mean, he was, is very intelligent and it raised a lot of red flags.' Collier was already aware that his father had an extramarital affair and that his mother had filed for divorce. 'I must have talked to him for, I think like, probably 2 hours and just laid out the entire timeline of what I knew about my parent's marriage, my father's proclivity for violence, his apoplectic temper. My mother and my fear of him, the divorce, the girlfriend, everything I knew,' said Landry. Authorities searched the Boyle house in Mansfield but found no evidence of foul play there. But Messmore discovered that Dr. Boyle bought a home near Erie, Pennsylvania, with his girlfriend posing as his wife. The doctor had also rented a jackhammer in Mansfield and purchased concrete mix and indoor-outdoor carpeting in Erie days in advance of his wife's disappearance. He obtained a search warrant for the Pennsylvania house first focusing on the garage where he found nothing unusual about the cement floor. 'And so I turned as I opened the door into the basement, there was a very loud odor of fresh concrete and paint,' said Messmore. In the basement were new wooden shelves that had just been built. Underneath them was another piece of the indoor-outdoor carpeting. Judge reduces Menendez brothers' murder sentences Another detective found a piece of what appeared to be some uncured concrete, so they removed the shelving and underneath the carpeting they found an area where the cement was not yet fully dried and underneath it they found a body buried in a tarp. 'There was a tarp which I knew he had purchased a tarp, and we finally excavated all of that and as they pulled the tarp up there was a body in it and we unrolled it and I looked at the picture and it was definitely Noreen,' said Messmore. Police in Mansfield went to the Boyle home and placed Dr. Boyle under arrest. What followed was one of the most publicized trials ever in Ohio. Cameras were permitted in the courtroom, and a television had been placed in the hallway of the courthouse where an overflow crowd could watch the trial. 'Outraged': Cats thrown from truck onto local highway Messmore sat at the prosecutors table through the entire proceeding. One of the key witnesses against his dad at the trial was Collier. 'No child wants to be in that situation where they're testifying against one parent, no matter how terrible the parent is or what they might think for the murder of another parent,' said Landry. 'I, I don't regret standing up for my mother. I don't regret testifying. I don't regret, I mean, I regret the situation, if that makes sense. But I don't regret doing what I did,' he told Fox 8 News. A jury convicted Boyle of murder, and he was sentenced to 20 years-to-life in prison. With his mother dead and his father in prison, Collier said no one in his extended family wanted to raise him. Man wanted for alleged rape and beating of elderly woman in Cleveland By now he had developed a close relationship with Messmore and his family and asked the detective if they would adopt him. Messmore agreed, but a local judge rejected the request, placing Collier with another family and denying him the opportunity to even visit with the Messmores. Landry avoided having any relationship with his father. For years he says he received threatening letters from prison with his dad demanding he recant his testimony. On his 18th birthday he showed up at the Messmore's house. The detective said Landry told them no one could keep him from visiting them any longer. 'Dave and I have a bond that I will never have with anyone else in my life. He together, we solved my mother's murder. He stood up. He helped me. He helped give me a voice, a voice to the voiceless and helped convict my father of a heinous crime that he could have gotten away with if it wasn't for him,' said Landry. Now 47 years old, the same age as his father was when he was convicted, Landry lives in Los Angeles where he produced a film called 'Murder in Mansfield.' For that documentary he finally confronted his father, now in the Marion Correctional Institution, but got no answers to what or why he did what he did. He is the host of a podcast focusing on the investigation and the conviction of his father. It was during a podcast that his dad finally offered an explanation, not an apology, for what he said happened. WATCH: State trooper rescues loose dog on I-77 Dr. Boyle contends it was during a heated argument that Noreen fell hitting her head. He placed a plastic bag over her head and kept her nearby until the next day when he drove her body to the house near Erie and buried her there. Detectives, however, say there was a mountain of evidence to show that the crime was planned days, if not weeks, in advance to kill and bury his wife, so Dr. Boyle could move into his new home with his pregnant girlfriend. Boyle was denied parole in 2010 and again in 2020. But later this year he will once again be eligible for parole. Landry, who for years has called his father a monster, says he has mixed emotions. 'How do you let someone who has been incarcerated for 35 years out on the street when the entire world has changed and is that even compassionate? What is he going to get a job? He can't be a doctor again, you know. He is 82 years old. And so those are a lot of factors that come in, the compassion of release in my mind. And also, is he even ready to rejoin society? Because I don't know if he has come to grips with the crime that he committed, more than willing to admit his part in it fully as he probably should,' said Landry. Messmore is more direct in what he believes, saying he is willing to write to or speak with members of the parole board. 'He could stay there until he is expired, until his life has ended; he has no business getting out,' said Messmore. 'He has no business getting out.' Detective David Messmore, Mansfield Police Department (ret.) In the meantime, Messmore and Landry continue to have a close relationship. Landry visits the Messmore family when he is in Mansfield. He likes to re-direct attention on his story to his mother. 'Victims get lost in all of this. We really focus on the killer, and what they have done; we never think about the beautiful woman that my mother was and the kind and caring and generous person she was,' said Landry. He wants to use his voice and his platform to be a positive influence for others who have experienced tragedy. 'The most important thing I like your viewers to take away from is and this might sound strange, but I am grateful that and I hope that I can show by leading a good life that you don't have to let these things define who you are.' Check out his podcast here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
