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The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Stepping out on a 250km trek to Crescent Head in honour of fallen heroes
IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website. IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website. IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website. IT started with a knock at the door. It was supposed to be routine. Two police officers in uniform, responding to a domestic violence dispute. It was about 1am on July 9, 1995, when Senior Constables Robert Spears and Peter Addison, both aged 36, left Kempsey police station. They were heading out to see 35-year-old John McGowan, in a quiet street in Crescent Head. The officers, who had moved to Kempsey about six months before with their young families, had no idea what they were in for. McGowan, who neighbours later described as "just a normal bloke", had kitted himself out in sniper's attire and was armed with a semi-automatic rifle. The police had been to speak to McGowan's girlfriend before pulling up into the driveway in their 4WD. The two cops were carrying standard-issue Smith and Wesson .38 calibre revolvers. They were no match for McGowan's modified, high-powered weapon, about which there'd been no warning. What happened next changed policing. It shattered the lives of two families, and sent shockwaves through a sleepy, surfside community. And it struck deep into the hearts and souls of serving policemen across the state, including Newcastle-based, former homicide detective Pat Gleeson. Mr Gleeson, who was on scene later that day, said there was some kind of verbal exchange between McGowan and the two police when he opened the front door. Moments later, he opened fire. His rifle, a modified Ruger 14 with two magazines, could fire 30 rounds without reloading. Constable Spears was shot in the first salvo while attempting to get back to the car to radio for help. Constable Addison made it into a house across the road, hoping to find a phone there to call for help. "There was an old fellow in there, Noel, who was hiding in the fridge," Mr Gleeson said. He was hiding because shots had been coming through the World War II veteran's house. But he didn't have a phone, he told Constable Addison, because it was his holiday house. So, knowing his partner had been shot, Constable Addison went back out into the street to either stop the gunman or to find a phone to call for help. He, too, was shot in the line of duty. "They would have thought they were going out to a run-of-the-mill type of job ... there's no way you would have been expecting to be confronted by that," Mr Gleeson said. McGowan later shot himself. That was nearly 30 years ago, and tomorrow (June 29) Mr Gleeson will set off on a 250km ten-day walk from Port Stephens to Crescent Head in honour of their sacrifice, and to raise money for police legacy. He has already surpassed his initial goal to raise $15,000, but is still accepting donations. Mr Gleeson says by the time he got to the scene of that crime in Walker Street, a police command had been set up, the tactical operations unit was there, and Polair was in the air above. Being attached to the homicide unit, he'd seen a lot of bodies, but here he was confronted for the first time with the murder of two men in uniform - two of his own. Family. It was a moment of realisation for Mr Gleeson, bringing into sharp focus for the first time the peril police place themselves in every day to protect the community. "It gave me a new level of respect for first responders who turn up to every job," Mr Gleeson said. It changed his view of the potential dangers of the job. There is another side to the story, which has its beginnings in Mr Gleeson's own childhood, very close to home. In fact, he says he can't remember when Legacy wasn't a part of his life. Mr Gleeson's father served in the 1st Australian Mountain Battery, fighting at Kokoda and Milne Bay before joining the occupation forces in Japan. He died when Pat was eight years old, and Legacy was there. They helped with school fees, ensured the family had what they needed, and always checked in on his mum, himself, and his brother Jim, Mr Gleeson said. "'They never missed a birthday or Christmas, ensuring we felt supported and remembered," he said. "Being a single mum raising two boys in the 1970s was a tough gig, but Legacy ensured we never felt alone," Mr Gleeson said. "That support shaped who I am today." This is his way of giving back. The deaths of Senior Constables Spears and Addison were subject to a coronal inquiry headed by Former State Coroner Derrick Hand. He found the two officers had been "massively outgunned", lacked bulletproof vests, and were hampered by poor radio communications. He was told that a speedloader, a round device used to load all six bullets into the then-standard police weapon, would have let Constable Addison reload more efficiently under pressure. The incident sparked a transition from revolvers to automatic pistols, bulletproof vests for first response officers, and improved radio coverage and equipment, as well as state-of-the-art tactical training for uniformed police. Both men were posthumously awarded the Commissioner's Medal for Valour and the National Police Service Medal. All are welcome to join Mr Gleeson for the last 30 kilometres of the walk from Port Macquarie to Crescent Head. Among those who are keen to join in is Constable Spears' widow, Kathy Spears. To find out more or to support his fundraising efforts, visit NSW Police Legacy's website.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Perth Now
Man arrested after alleged double stabbing
A man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing two women and threatening another man with a knife in NSW's north. Police were called to John St in Uralla in the Northern Tablelands about 9.40am Sunday after reports a woman had been stabbed in the face by a man with a knife, before fleeing in a Holden sedan. The 33-year-old woman was treated for facial injuries by paramedics before she was transported to Armidale Hospital in a stable condition. A short time later, police were called to a house on Rowan Ave in Uralla after reports a man had threatened another man with a knife. A man has been arrested after allegedly stabbing two women and threatening a man in NSW's north. Google Maps Credit: Supplied Police were told the armed man threatened a 23-year-old man with a knife before leaving in the Holden sedan after he was unable to enter the home. About 11am, police were called to a home in Noalimba Ave in Kentucky after reports a woman had been stabbed. Upon arrival, police found a 22-year-old woman with lacerations to her hand and mouth after she was allegedly assaulted by the same man outside the house. She was treated by paramedics and transported to Armidale Hospital for further treatment. With the assistance of Polair, police launched a desperate search to find the man. Shortly after 12.30pm, police found the man hiding in a children's cubby house on East St in Uralla. 'During the arrest police also located and seized a knife from the cubby house and a Holden sedan parked nearby,' a police statement read. The man was taken to Armidale Police Station. No charges have been laid. Multiple crime scenes have been established as police launch an investigation into the incidents. Anyone with information or witnessed the incidents are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
News.com.au
10-06-2025
- News.com.au
Thousands of NSW drivers caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol across King's Birthday long weekend
Thousands of drivers have been caught speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the King's Birthday long weekend. Police targeted dangerous driving in NSW and saw a 'concerning number' of incidents' including driving at excessive speeds, high-range drink driving and reckless driving. More than 4000 drivers received speeding infringements, 275 people were charged with drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test. Police attended 287 major crashes across the weekend, that saw 75 people injured and 3 people die. Police pursued one male driver aged 31 in a stolen 4WD who allegedly drove through multiple wire fences on a private property in Dunedoo before he was later spotted by Polair, arrested and charged. Another 27-year old man allegedly took police on a pursuit for 190km through the Hunter Region before he was stopped by road spikes on the New England Highway in Wittingham. Police allege a 54-year old man tested positive to a roadside drug test and his 64-year old passenger was found carrying drugs, lock picks and $9400 in counterfeit cash after police noticed their van had unauthorised plates in Budgewoi on Friday night. A 28-year old woman travelling on the wrong side of Bent St in South Grafton just after midnight on Saturday, allegedly returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.234. Another 49-year old driver returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland about 2.10pm on Saturday afternoon. He was also charged with high-range drink driving. A 44-year old woman with two passengers aged 5 and 15 allegedly made an illegal U-turn to avoid a roadside breath test in Wahroonga, before she was pulled over and returned a reading of 0.197. A 39-year old man in a Ford Mustang was allegedly driving 54km over the speed limit on the Hume Hwy in Liverpool, he was stopped and returned positive breath test reading of 0.098. Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community. 'Over the past few days of the Kings birthday long weekend, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured on our roads,' he said. 'Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, however when they occur lives can be lost, and others permanently changed. 'I want to really reiterate the message that driving is a high-risk activity, and all road users need to drive their vehicle with care and attention, and importantly adhere to the road rules.' Almost 400 mobile phone infringements were issued to drivers as well as 221 seatbelt infringements and 6,665 infringements for other offences.
West Australian
10-06-2025
- West Australian
Thousands of NSW drivers caught speeding and driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol across King's Birthday long weekend
Thousands of drivers have been caught speeding, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs across the King's Birthday long weekend. Police targeted dangerous driving in NSW and saw a 'concerning number' of incidents' including driving at excessive speeds, high-range drink driving and reckless driving. More than 4000 drivers received speeding infringements, 275 people were charged with drink driving and 655 drivers tested positive to a roadside drug test. Police attended 287 major crashes across the weekend, that saw 75 people injured and 3 people die. Police pursued one male driver aged 31 in a stolen 4WD who allegedly drove through multiple wire fences on a private property in Dunedoo before he was later spotted by Polair, arrested and charged. Another 27-year old man allegedly took police on a pursuit for 190km through the Hunter Region before he was stopped by road spikes on the New England Highway in Wittingham. Police allege a 54-year old man tested positive to a roadside drug test and his 64-year old passenger was found carrying drugs, lock picks and $9400 in counterfeit cash after police noticed their van had unauthorised plates in Budgewoi on Friday night. A 28-year old woman travelling on the wrong side of Bent St in South Grafton just after midnight on Saturday, allegedly returned a roadside breath test reading of 0.234. Another 49-year old driver returned a breath analysis test of 0.266 after a crash on Elizabeth St in Zetland about 2.10pm on Saturday afternoon. He was also charged with high-range drink driving. A 44-year old woman with two passengers aged 5 and 15 allegedly made an illegal U-turn to avoid a roadside breath test in Wahroonga, before she was pulled over and returned a reading of 0.197. A 39-year old man in a Ford Mustang was allegedly driving 54km over the speed limit on the Hume Hwy in Liverpool, he was stopped and returned positive breath test reading of 0.098. Assistant Commissioner David Driver said while the majority of drivers abided by the road rules there were a group of road users that continued to break the law, presenting a risk to the whole community. 'Over the past few days of the Kings birthday long weekend, we have seen three people lose their lives and 75 people injured on our roads,' he said. 'Motor vehicle crashes are preventable, however when they occur lives can be lost, and others permanently changed. 'I want to really reiterate the message that driving is a high-risk activity, and all road users need to drive their vehicle with care and attention, and importantly adhere to the road rules.' Almost 400 mobile phone infringements were issued to drivers as well as 221 seatbelt infringements and 6,665 infringements for other offences.
7NEWS
18-05-2025
- 7NEWS
Wild police chase across Brisbane suburbs ends with six teens charged
A wild police chase across Brisbane 's southwest on Saturday night has ended with six teenagers charged over an allegedly stolen car. Officers spotted a black Mitsubishi ASX on Learoyd Road at Willawong, Ipswich, just before 10.40pm on Saturday. When they tried to pull the vehicle over, the driver allegedly refused to stop — sparking a pursuit that stretched across multiple Brisbane suburbs and eventually involved Polair. The car was tracked through Inala and Oxley, before heading west on the Ipswich Motorway. A tyre deflation device was successfully deployed on Brisbane Road at Dinmore around 11.10pm, police said. But the car kept driving, turning back onto the motorway and heading inbound towards the city, before eventually coming to a stop in Wacol. The driver — a 13-year-old boy — and five passengers were taken into custody at the scene. Police allege the Mitsubishi was stolen from a carpark on Eastern Road at Browns Plains on Thursday night, May 16. The 13-year-old driver has been charged with dangerous operation of a vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and evading police. Another 13-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys and a 15-year-old girl have each been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. All of the boys have been refused police bail and are expected to face Ipswich Children's Court on May 19. Anyone who may have seen the black Mitsubishi ASX during the incident, or who has dashcam or CCTV footage, is urged to contact police.
