Police appeal over damage at play area in Swadlincote
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Shock details emerge after man sent Sunshine Coast childcare centre into lockdown and staff and children hid in a room while tense standoff unfolded with cops
A young man who took his own life at a Sunshine Coast childcare centre was an OnlyFans creator with a long history of crime that included drug trafficking. Reubhan Mickeal Gary Ralph, 29, was Tasered by police several times before using a sharp implement to take his life at Habitat Peregian Springs at 6pm on Monday. Five staff members and six children were forced to lock themselves in a room while the terrifying incident played out. Ralph was a fly-in, fly-out worker and OnlyFans content creator who was involved in a local drug syndicate and had a string of serious convictions, court records show. He was previously charged with stalking two women, one of whom was an employee at Maroochydore Police Station. In October 2023, Ralph applied for bail in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court, where police prosecutor Senior Constable Mark Burrell told the court the case against him was 'strong'. 'They are serious offences, there are two separate victims, which is more than normal, and the second victim is an employee of Queensland Police,' he said. Magistrate Matthew McLaughlin described the allegations as 'quite chilling' and highlighted the disturbing pattern of behaviour. 'The second complainant involves another woman who is a civilian working at a police station, and it seems the defendant has now taken an interest in this female, who he could only know through seeing his required visits to the police station,' Mr McLaughlin said. He said Ralph was a 'menace' whose actions left women fearing for their safety. 'It's said he has been loitering around the police station, photographing this woman and making lewd comments towards her, to the extent that she is now worried about even attending work,' the magistrate said. 'In all my years as a magistrate I have never seen a person simultaneously charged with stalking two different women, one of whom he barely knows, it's bizarre, it speaks of a man who has real problems. 'In the very least before I could feel comfortable letting him back into the community I'd need some sort of psychiatric report.' Ralph also played a role in a cocaine syndicate between November 2021 and May 2022, conducting drug deliveries and debt collections stretching from the Sunshine Coast to the Gold Coast. He later pleaded guilty to trafficking and drug possession. In July last year, Ralph made headlines for stealing a truck from a Gold Coast construction site and going on a destructive rampage, smashing into cars and even an ambulance while recording the chaos on his phone. Ralph had armed himself with a sharp object and began smashing a glass door at the childcare centre on Monday. A police officer, working covertly inside the building, quietly guided the children and staff out to safety after the group had locked themselves inside a room. Police attempted to negotiate with Ralph before trying to remove him, which included the deployment of Tasers several times. Police say Ralph began to self-harm and consequently sustained serious injuries. Attending police rendered first aid before other emergency services arrived; however, he was declared dead a short time later. The incident is being treated as mental health-related. No one else was injured in the incident.
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Paul Weller sues former accountants after being dropped over Gaza statements
Musician Paul Weller is suing his former accountants after they stopped working with the singer after public statements alleging Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, according to a legal letter. The former frontman of The Jam has filed a discrimination claim against Harris and Trotter after the firm ended their professional relationship after more than 30 years. In a pre-action letter seen by the PA news agency, lawyers for Weller say the singer-songwriter was told in March that the accountants and tax advisers would no longer work with the 67-year-old or his companies. According to the letter, a WhatsApp message from a partner at the firm included: 'It's well known what your political views are in relation to Israel, the Palestinians and Gaza, but we as a firm are offended at the assertions that Israel is committing any type of genocide. 'Everyone is entitled to their own views, but you are alleging such anti-Israel views that we as a firm with Jewish roots and many Jewish partners are not prepared to work with someone who holds these views.' Lawyers for Weller claim that by ending their services, the firm unlawfully discriminated against the singer's protected philosophical beliefs including that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that Palestine should be recognised as a nation state. Weller said: 'I've always spoken out against injustice, whether it's apartheid, ethnic cleansing, or genocide. What's happening to the Palestinian people in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe. 'I believe they have the right to self-determination, dignity, and protection under international law, and I believe Israel is committing genocide against them. That must be called out. 'Silencing those who speak this truth is not just censorship – it's complicity. 'I'm taking legal action not just for myself, but to help ensure that others are not similarly punished for expressing their beliefs about the rights of the Palestinian people.' Weller will donate any damages he receives to humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza, the legal letter also states. Cormac McDonough, a lawyer at Hodge Jones and Allen, representing Weller, said that his case 'reflects a wider pattern of attempts to silence artists and public figures who speak out in support of Palestinian rights'. Mr McDonough added: 'Within the music industry especially, we are seeing increasing efforts to marginalise those who express solidarity with the people of Gaza.'
Daily Mail
2 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Why did Casey-Louise die? Heartbreaking photos show girl, 13, cradling her baby sister - amid mystery over her tragic final hours as teen arrested over 'her rape and murder' is bailed
The teenage boy suspected of the rape and murder of 13-year-old Casey-Louise Horrocks is back home behaving 'like he doesn't have a care in the world,' according to neighbours. The schoolgirl was found by paramedics 'unresponsive' last Monday night. She died later in hospital. West Yorkshire Police arrested the boy, who lives in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, on suspicion of Casey-Louise's rape and murder and the alleged rape of another local girl, aged 16. He was released on conditional police bail pending further enquiries on Friday, August 15. A neighbour said: 'I saw him come home on Friday lunchtime and he can't have spent more than 15 minutes in the house before he was heading out again. 'He left through the gate and jogged away, probably off to meet his mates. 'He is acting like he doesn't have a care in the world.' Another local said: 'He is well known in the area and you would think he would be keeping a low profile under the circumstances. 'I mean, a young lass has died and I think he should show a bit more respect. Maybe stop in and not go out so much.' Today new photographs of Casey-Louise, including one of her cradling what is believed to be her baby sister, Mia, were posted by friends and relatives on a tribute site online. A link to the site, posted on Facebook by Anthony Barton Funeral Directors, encouraged people to share memories, poems and pictures of the 'bright, caring soul who touched the lives of everyone around her.' Among those leaving their 'thoughts' was Casey-Louise's 'best mate', named Cole, who wrote: 'RIP Casey you'll be missed so much. Can't believe you left us so early your (sic) flying with the angels now, fly high love you lots my thunder buddie in the sky.' Her Auntie Dani added that she missed her 'so much,' saying: 'Forever 13. Love you so much bubba xxxx.' While Paula Mills wrote: 'Fly high with the angels beautiful girl. I hope there's an amazing afterlife waiting for you where all your hopes and dreams come true. #foreveryoung#forever13.' While another contributor added: 'You've left a massive hole in the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing you. Sweet dreams Casey, you'll be sadly missed xx.' In a statement, Mossley Hollins High School, in Manchester, where Casey-Louise was a pupil, said they were 'heartbroken' at the death of the 'big-hearted' youngster. 'We are heartbroken by the loss of Casey‑Louise, a one-of-a-kind young person who brought spirit and warmth wherever she went,' the statement said. 'Casey was bright, full of character, always full of life, and never afraid to be herself. Those lucky enough to know her saw what a big heart she had. 'She was funny, sweet, had a smile that could brighten anyone's day and will be deeply missed by our school community. 'This heartbreaking news has deeply affected our community and as we come to terms with this loss, our thoughts are with Casey-Louise's family, loved ones and all those impacted at this incredibly difficult time.' Pupils will be offered emotional support when they return in September, the statement added. Casey-Louise was found unresponsive by emergency services just after 11.30pm last Monday, August 11. She was taken to hospital but died in the early hours of the following day. A postmortem was inconclusive and it is understood police are awaiting the results of toxiocology tests and a second autopsy to try and establish her cause of death. Originally from Manchester, Casey-Louise was in local authority care when she died. She had been living in Liverpool and was just visiting Huddersfield at the time of her death. Friend Tina Cooper also set up an online fundraiser for the youngster's funeral. So far more than £2,000 has been donated. She said: 'Casey was a vibrant happy 13-year-old with all her life ahead of her. 'Our hearts go out to Casey's family. No one should have to bury their child. Let's help her family send their daughter on her final journey with dignity.' Detective Chief Inspector Stacey Atkinson, of West Yorkshire Police's Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, previously said: 'A post-mortem was not able to determine how she died, and we continue to treat her death as unexplained at this time, pending more enquiries. 'Those enquiries are complex and are likely to be lengthy as we work to fully understand the circumstances of the girl's death. Specially trained officers are supporting her family at this time.' The news of Casey-Louise's death has sent shockwaves through the town. Huddersfield MP Harpreet Uppal said: 'This is a tragic case and my thoughts remain with the 13-year-old teenager and her family and friends. I have been in contact with the police and I am being updated on the investigation.'
