7.30: Accused mushroom murderer Erin Patterson gives evidence in court
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Darryl Young triple-murder trial delayed to allow defence more time to assess evidence
The trial of a north Queensland grazier accused of killing three of his neighbours has been delayed a month before its start as the defence seeks more time to assess evidence. Darryl Valroy Young, 61, is charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder at a property in Bogie, west of Bowen, on August 4, 2022. Married couple Mervyn and Maree Schwarz, as well as Mrs Schwarz's son Graham Tighe, were shot dead. Mr Young is also facing a charge of the attempted murder of Mrs Schwarz's other son Ross Tighe who was shot and survived. The trial was set down for July 14, but that date was vacated in the Townsville Supreme Court this morning. Mr Young appeared via audio link and spoke only to confirm he could hear the proceedings. Appearing via audio link, barrister Greg McGuire applied to adjourn the trial following a recent change of solicitors. He said more than 400,000 pages of downloaded data needed to be assessed, which had only come to defence lawyers' attention this week. Mr McGuire said he would not feel prepared to start the trial next month. "It's simply the case, your honour, that we're not going to be in a position to properly defend Mr Young," he said. He noted Mr Young believed not all the data had been disclosed and another request would be made. Justice David North noted the volume of evidence to be sorted through. Mr McGuire said a forensic or ballistics expert may also need to be called. He noted a statement from a doctor who had examined Ross Tighe, the surviving son. "He gives the evidence that a firearm was used, a .22 [calibre firearm], a low velocity, and at close range," Mr McGuire said. "As I understand, the prosecution case will be that they'd been shot with a 30-30 rifle, and at a distance, so it's possible that issue might need to be explored … with the engagement of either a forensic medical person for an opinion, or a ballistics expert." Prosecutor Monique Sheppard did not object to the application by the defence for more time. The case has been set down for mention on July 21.
The Australian
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Pedestrian dies after being hit by light rail in Sydney CBD
A man has died after being hit by the light rail in Sydney's CBD. Emergency services were called to Devonshire Street in Surry Hills just before 1.15pm on Thursday. They found a man, believed to be aged in his 40s, under the carriage. According to the Daily Telegraph, the victim was in high-vis. was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics, however he died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified. Emergency services rushed to Devonshire Street in Surry Hills just before 1.15pm. Picture: NewsWire Police and paramedics are on the scene. Picture: NewsWire Witnesses have described the chaotic scene with about 20 police cars and multiple paramedics. Light rail services are not running between Moore Park and Central due to the incident. Passengers are being urged to delay travel or consider alternative transport. 'L2 and L3 light rail services are still running between Moore Park and Randwick, between Moore Park and Juniors Kingsford and between Central and Circular Quay,' Transport NSW said in a statement. 'Passengers are advised to check information displays at stops for service updates.' More to come Hannah Wilcox Cadet Reporter Hannah Wilcox is part of News Corp's National Cadet Program's 2024 cohort. She has previously written for both digital and print publications. Hannah Wilcox
ABC News
40 minutes ago
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Pets will no longer be considered property in family law disputes
When a relationship ends, you're sometimes faced with dividing possessions from the house down to the toaster. And traditionally, if you had to go to court to work it out, your pets would be included on that list of property, too. Eve Smith, a collaborative international family lawyer and pet custody expert, says in the eyes of the law, animals have long been "considered the same as a dining table and chairs, or car, or boat". "It really came down to whose name the dog or cat was in: who bought the animal?" That will no longer be the case across Australia from June 10, when the Family Law Amendment Act 2024 comes into effect. It provides a new framework for determining ownership of the family pet in property settlements. "Now it's not only whose name the animal is in, but other factors are taken into account such as who walks the dog, feeds it, takes it to the vet, pays for medical expenses," says Ms Smith. "And would the animal be better off with that party?" The amendment also includes a significant change for victim-survivors of family violence, says Monique Dam. She's the CEO of Lucy's Project, a national charity that aims to improve the safety of people and animals experiencing domestic and family violence. "[The court will have to consider] whether a person has used family violence against the other person, inflicted cruelty or abuse towards the companion animal, and whether a person or child of the marriage is attached to the companion animal," says Ms Dam. She says because perpetrators often harm or threaten to harm animals "to control the woman and children who love them", women may end up at risk while trying to protect their pets. "Women make the difficult decision to live out of their cars with their children and animals, or delay leaving a violent partner [because they don't want to abandon the pet]. "It is a really positive shift that courts will now need to consider family violence and cruelty towards a companion animal when making decisions about who should own the animal." Katy Barnett is a law professor at Melbourne University and hopes the changes will mean a "best interest for all approach", where the welfare of parties, any children, and the pet are all considered. "Animals are sentient beings. And often people have a particular emotional attachment. "You can't divide an animal up." Disputes about pets in family law are commonly about dogs, explains Ms Smith, and sometimes arrangements might involve the pet passing between two homes. She says the law changes means these arrangements will be analysed more closely. "It might be great for the children, but it might be too demanding on the pet who might actually need some downtime at home with one parent," she says as an example. Would the law change have made an impact in a breakup you've been through? Share with us: lifestyle@ The court will also look at who can best take care of the animal. "You need someone to be active with it, someone who will walk it, and feed it, that the pet isn't left at home all day," Ms Smith says. Veterinary behaviour specialist Kersti Seksel says finances should also be considered. "Like kids, pets come with illnesses that have to be paid for. And we don't have Medicare for pets." Accommodation is another factor. "If you're in a rental you may not be able to take a pet, or if you live in a 10-storey block of flats, is that suitable for the animal?" Laws aside, sometimes knowing what is best for the animal requires trial and error between the parties, Dr Seksel says. Especially if "sharing custody". So, where possible, if the situation is safe to do so, she recommends they "assess how the pet is coping, and be flexible in the arrangement".
