Latest news with #PottsPoint
ABC News
3 days ago
- ABC News
Defence accuses ex-detective of bungled investigation into Gareth Ward assault allegations
The former detective who led a sexual assault investigation into New South Wales MP Gareth Ward has come under fire from Mr Ward's counsel for breaching a court order after arriving hours late to give evidence despite being under subpoena. In March 2022 Mr Ward was charged with three counts of assault with act of indecency – an alternative charge of common assault – involving an 18-year-old man at Meroo Meadow in 2013. He was also charged with one count of sexual intercourse without consent relating to a 24-year-old man in Potts Point in 2015. Mr Ward has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Former detective senior constable Cameron Bignell failed to return to the witness box by the required 10am start time on Thursday. When the court resumed after 2pm he admitted, under cross-examination, to breaching his subpoena by arriving hours late. "I had commitments I could not get out of … and I advised I would be a little bit late," Mr Bignell told the court. Pressed on why he had not sought permission from the judge the previous day, he said he believed an officer would "handle it" after he explained the situation. Defence barrister David Campbell SC suggested Mr Bignell had shown disregard for his obligations and disrespect towards the court. "You defied that order, didn't you?" Mr Campbell asked. "I did, yes," Mr Bignell replied, before adding, "it certainly was not my intention to be disrespectful." The former detective said he had been unwell and had intended to get a medical certificate, but did not follow through after deciding to return to court. Mr Campbell accused the former officer of believing he could choose when to attend. "This is part of you, isn't it — that you do what you want to do, rather than what you should," Mr Campbell said. "Absolutely not," Mr Bignell replied. The defence said that same mindset had marked his handling of the case, which Mr Bignell also rejected. At one point, Bignell acknowledged telling police he was "happy to get arrested" but said he could not avoid his earlier commitments. He later described that as "an off-the-cuff comment". Mr Bignell, who led the investigation from May 2021 until his resignation from NSW Police in 2024, was called to give evidence by the Crown on Wednesday. He told the court he had reviewed and collected statements from both complainants, key witnesses and conducted a walk-through in Sydney's CBD in September 2021 related to the older complainant's account. But the defence grilled him on missed opportunities and delays in evidence collection. Mr Campbell questioned why police had never interviewed a third man who shared the Potts Point apartment with Mr Ward at the time of the alleged 2015 assault. "It would be rather central to determine whether [the flatmate] was in the lounge room," Mr Campbell said. "I agree," Mr Bignell responded. "You can't give us one reason why you didn't task anyone to make that enquiry?" Mr Campbell asked. "I cannot," the former officer said. The defence also criticised Mr Bignell's delay in seeking taxi records to verify the younger complainant's claim that Mr Ward paid for his ride home to Meroo Meadow. Police did not request the records until 2024, by which time the company had changed hands and the data was no longer available. "That was an unfortunate development, yes," Mr Bignell said. When asked why he had not spoken to Mr Ward's regular driver, Mr Bignell said he had relied on the complainant's version of events. The court has heard that Mr Ward, who is legally blind, was known to often rely on a driver for transport. Mr Campbell also challenged the pace of the investigation, including why the September 2021 walk-through – proposed months earlier – had taken so long to organise. "Why did it take you so long?" Mr Campbell asked. "I can't recall — scheduling conflicts," Mr Bignell replied. "It wasn't the only job I was working on." Mr Bignell pushed back on suggestions the complainant's movements during the walk-through were inconsistent or unclear and rejected claims he zig-zagged around the streets. "I think you're exaggerating there," Mr Bignell said. Mr Bignell is expected to continue being cross-examined tomorrow as the trial, now in its seventh week, continues.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Outbreak of potentially deadly disease grows as authorities scramble to identify the source
An outbreak of the potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease has grown, with two more Australians testing positive as authorities struggle to find the source. Potts Point residents, in inner-Sydney, have been warned they are most at risk of contracting the disease after two more locals were diagnosed in the past two weeks. This brings the total number of those infected since mid-May to five. Four of those cases required hospitalisation. The five who caught the infection do not know each other. The disease can be contracted when bacteria from environmental sources, such as cooling towers on top large buildings, become contaminated. South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Public Health Unit director Dr Vicky Sheppeard said the unit was working with the City of Sydney to find the source of the infections. 'People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure. 'Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. 'People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital.' Last week, NSW Health and City of Sydney environmental health officers examined and sampled all cooling towers and water fountains within 500m of the five infected residents' homes and asked all managers of cooling water systems to disinfect their systems. The bacteria was not found in any of the samples. Public Health Unit and City of Sydney staff returned to the area on Tuesday to search for unregistered cooling water systems and other potential sources of Legionella. Two Sydney residents have died from the disease this year. While serious, it is treatable with antibiotics, but can be fatal if people don't seek medical help. Legionnaires' disease is more dangerous for people with compromised immune systems or underlying health conditions. Those most at risk include people over the age of 50, people with chronic lung conditions, smokers, individuals on immunosuppressive medications and cancer and diabetes sufferers. The disease is normally contracted by inhaling contaminated water droplets or aerosolised water. In August, an outbreak in Melbourne traced to a cooling tower, led to more than 100 cases and the deaths of two people. NSW Health said anyone who was in the Sydney CBD during March and April and is experiencing symptoms should seek immediate medical attention. One patient was simply driving through Circular Quay when they were infected earlier in the year.
The Sun
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
MAFS groom spotted sharing ‘x-rated kiss' with influencer after bitter split from show bride
A MAFS GROOM couldn't keep his hands off a sexy influencer as the pair were spotted enjoying an 'x-rated kiss'. Ryan Donnelly, 37, who shot to fame on Married AT First Sight Australia earlier this year, proved that he has moved on from his show bride Jacqui Burfoot, 29, with a very steamy display. 6 6 6 6 It's fair to say that Ryan's marriage to Jacqui did not work out, with her now in a relationship with fellow groom Clint Rice, 44. Keen to show he has also moved on from his reality romance, Ryan was spotted getting VERY cosy with Suzan Mutesi. The pair were all over each other the influencer's Studio 54-themed party over the weekend. Suzan, who shot to fame as the "fake influencer" after it was alleged that she inflated her follower count, went all out for her 39th birthday bash. But the highlight of the night was when she packed on the PDA with Ryan. An onlooker spotted them kissing in a booth at the party, which was held at Pelicano in Sydney's Potts Point. They said that fellow party goers were left stunned as they passionately kissed in front of them. A source told the Daily Mail Australia that things between them were "nothing short of X-rated". A guest at Suzan's party told the outlet: "He was all over her. "Everyone was whispering and watching - it was impossible to ignore." Suzan made sure all eyes were on her as she enjoyed a steamy kiss. The social media star was dressed in a tiny silver sequin mini-dress with sheer cut-outs. While her kissing partner Ryan dressed casually in a white t-shirt and jeans. 6 6
Daily Mail
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MAFS groom Ryan Donnelly shares steamy kiss with infamous influencer Suzan Mutesi at her wild birthday bash following split from Jacqui Burfoot
Ryan Donnelly appears to be moving on in a spectacular way. The controversial Married At First Sight groom was spotted getting extremely cosy with notorious socialite Suzan Mutesi at a raucous Studio 54-themed party over the weekend, just weeks after his split from TV bride Jacqui Burfoot. The pair were snapped packing on the PDA in a dark booth at Pelicano in Sydney 's Potts Point, leaving fellow party goers stunned as they passionately kissed in full view of the room. Daily Mail Australia can reveal the steamy clinch went down during Suzan's wild 39th birthday bash - and according to insiders, things between the two were 'nothing short of X-rated'. 'He was all over her,' one guest revealed. 'Everyone was whispering and watching - it was impossible to ignore.' From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Mutesi, dubbed the 'fake influencer' after it was alleged that she inflated her follower count and Hollywood connections, appeared unbothered by the attention. She dressed to impress in a barely-there silver sequin mini-dress with sheer cut-outs and dramatic shoulder detailing. The social media sensation completed the look with platinum locks and glossy glam makeup. Donnelly, 38, looked a tad dishevelled as he clung to the glamorous birthday girl. His ex, Jacqui, has yet to comment on her former groom's headline-grabbing night out. The PDA spectacle stole the spotlight at an already star-studded night, which brought together a glittering (and chaotic) crowd of reality TV stars for the disco-themed bash. Former MAFS brides Alyssa Barmonde and Olivia Frazer turned heads as they arrived together in glitzy mini-dresses. The bash, hosted by Belvedere Vodka and Pelicano, transformed the venue into a retro party zone complete with disco balls, sequin frocks, and flowing champagne. Also in attendance were MAFS grooms Tony Mojanovski and James Pappalardo. FBOY Island's Joey Robson, Love Island star Aidan Knox, and Beauty and the Geek's Aaron Seeto with his girlfriend Caitlin Stewart, likewise came along. Nineties 'It Girl' Tali Jatali made an entrance in a leopard-print bodysuit with a plunging neckline. She paired it with a baby-blue micro mini and white knee-high boots, exuding Studio 54 excess. Meanwhile, MAFS intruder brides Lauren Dunn and Veronica Cloherty were spotted mingling in the VIP section, staying clear of the Ryan-Suzan PDA storm. Dean Wells also made an appearance alongside his fiancée Aimee Woolley. The former reality star embraced the theme with a blush cardigan and white jeans, while Aimee shimmered in a teal velvet halter jumpsuit and gold accessories.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Urgent warning as disease hits major city
An urgent health warning has been issued for people in an inner Sydney suburb amid several confirmed cases of legionnaires' disease. Three people from Potts Point, aged between their 40s and 70s and unknown to one another, have contracted the disease, NSW Health have confirmed. NSW Health is advising anyone who visited the Potts Point area between June 8 and June 18 to be vigilant and monitor symptoms of the disease. Legionnaires' disease is a lung infection caused by the legionella bacteria, and can trigger symptoms including a fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath. Without treatment, the disease can be fatal. The disease is not spread person to person and can sometimes be caused by environmental sources such as a cooling tower atop a large building, which can become contaminated by the bacteria. South Eastern Sydney local health district public health unit director Vicky Sheppeard said all three of those who contracted the disease have been admitted to hospital. 'People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in,' Dr Sheppeard said. 'Legionnaires' disease can develop up to 10 days after exposure. 'Symptoms include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia. 'People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital. 'Those most at risk are elderly people, people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions, and people who smoke.' NSW Health confirmed they were working alongside the City of Sydney and have completed samples of all cooling towers with a 500m radius of the resident's homes. All managers of cooling water systems have been urged to disinfect their systems. 'Building owners should ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022,' a statement read. The outbreak comes after a previous outbreak of Legionnaires' disease between March and April this year, which infected 12 people and left one dead. NSW Health confirmed 11 were hospitalised during the outbreak and another was treated out of the hospital. All of those infected had spent time in the Sydney CBD between March 13 and April 5. In April, a man in his 50s died from the infection after contracting the disease nearly a month earlier.
