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1News
05-06-2025
- 1News
'You knew they were death caps': Prosecution grills Erin Patterson
The prosecution has launched a blistering cross-examination of Erin Patterson, accusing her of knowingly preparing deadly death cap mushrooms for a lunch that left three people dead and a fourth critically ill. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one attempted murder charge over a poisonous beef Wellington lunch she made for her former husband's family in July 2023. The 50-year-old has spent days giving evidence in her own defence. But, on Thursday, the tone in the courtroom shifted dramatically as prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC began questioning Patterson over what she knew, what she did, and what she lied about. 'You were keen to get rid of the evidence, correct?' Patterson admitted earlier in the week that she threw out her food dehydrator days after the fatal lunch and factory reset her phone to delete photos of mushrooms and the machine itself. ADVERTISEMENT 'I panicked and didn't want [the detectives] to see them,' she told the court. 'It was a stupid kneejerk reaction… I was just scared. But I shouldn't have done it.' Erin Patterson (Source: Nine) But the prosecution argued that her actions were not about fear — they were about concealment. 'You knew that they were death cap mushrooms that you'd been dehydrating, correct?' Rogers asked. 'No, I didn't know that,' Patterson replied. 'You were very keen to dispose of any evidence that might connect you with the possession of death cap mushrooms?' ADVERTISEMENT 'No, I didn't,' she said again. Photos, scales, and a possible 'fatal dose' The court was then shown photos found on Patterson's phone — images of mushrooms sitting on a dehydrator tray, balanced on kitchen scales. Rogers said expert evidence from mycologist Dr Thomas May suggested the mushrooms were consistent with Amanita phalloides — the toxic species commonly known as death caps. 'I suggest you were weighing these mushrooms so you could calculate the weight required for... a fatal dose,' Rogers said. 'I disagree,' Patterson replied. She also rejected the claim that she had foraged those mushrooms after seeing a post online showing where they were growing, saying simply: 'That's not correct.' ADVERTISEMENT Cancer lie under new scrutiny The prosecution also turned its focus to Patterson's admitted lie about having cancer — a claim she made during the lunch to explain an upcoming medical procedure. Earlier this week, Patterson said the lie was a cover for planned gastric bypass surgery and that she had felt ashamed. Now, the court has been shown images and internet searches related to ovarian and brain cancer, allegedly accessed in May 2023. "I suggest this information from the internet would allow you to tell a more convincing lie," Rogers said. "That's theoretically true, but it's not what I did," Patterson replied. She said she had previously feared she might have cancer in late 2021 or early 2022, but not in 2023. ADVERTISEMENT Religious tension, emojis and messages Patterson was also questioned over Facebook messages that the prosecution claimed mocked her in-laws'religious advice, particularly her use of emojis such as 🙄 and 😐 when referring to prayer. Patterson denied mocking Don and Gail Patterson, saying she was "frustrated" and didn't even know how to describe the emoji she used. Don and Gail Patterson. (Source: Supplied) "All I can say is it's a face with a straight line for a mouth." Rogers suggested the tone of her messages combined with her claim she was an atheist in a religious household reflected deeper resentment. Patterson denied making those posts publicly. Trial timeline extended ADVERTISEMENT Justice Christopher Beale told jurors on Thursday the trial was now likely to stretch into late June. Erin Patterson was expected to remain on the stand into next week, with court sitting Tuesday to Friday due to the King's Birthday public holiday in Australia. Once her testimony concluded, legal discussions would take place behind closed doors before closing arguments and final jury directions began. "Take all the time you need," Justice Beale told the jury. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges and continued to maintain her innocence.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie councils push for tougher fines for millions of pet owners amid worrying trend
Major city councils are calling on the state government to implement much tougher pet laws, including higher fines and stronger enforcement powers, amid a rise in irresponsible owner behaviour and attacks from dogs. Over the last 20 years Randwick City Council, in Sydney's east, has reported a sharp rise in dog attacks, from 900 in 2004 to an incredible 5,000 last year. It said pet owners have also dropped the ball, with reports that many had stopped picking up after their dogs, while failing to monitor them adequately at off-leash parks, particularly around children and wildlife. In response, as part of the state government's review into the Companion Animals Act 1998, Randwick has asked the NSW government for higher fines and stronger penalties. "Randwick City Council is calling for tougher pet laws, stronger enforcement powers and better education," it stated in a council meeting in late May. The submission, endorsed by councillors, also recommends mandatory cat containment, more public education on responsible pet ownership, and expanded powers for councils to act on dangerous dogs and nuisance animals. Roaming domestic cats can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, hunting and killing birds, reptiles, and small mammals, even when they're well-fed at home. In NSW, dog owners can be fined up to $330 for walking their pet off-leash in areas where it's not permitted, and $275 for failing to clean up after their dog. While councils enforce these fines, they do not set them independently — the amounts are dictated by state legislation. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the law currently states that a dog that attacks another dog attracts the same fine as when it attacks a child. "Clearly, that's not right," he told 9News. "Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that's why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century." Adjacent council Waverley is also joining the campaign, reportedly calling on pet owners who break the rules to attend training courses. "We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone, including our four-legged companions, can enjoy our parks and community," it said. Yahoo News Australia has contacted Randwick and Waverley councils for comment. New rule change legalises common pet act in graveyards Inner city suburb terrorised by roaming dogs as locals report attacks Aussie's five-year legal battle with council over pet dogs With an estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs in NSW alone, responsible pet ownership is crucial to minimising their impact on local ecosystems, public spaces, and community safety, both councils say. Pet ownership nationally experienced a significant surge during and directly after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by lockdowns, remote work, and a collective search for companionship. Figures suggest households with pets rose from 61 per cent to 69 per cent. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
USA Today
29-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
The Ultimate All-Aggie NFL Offensive Team - Who made the cut?
The Ultimate All-Aggie NFL Offensive Team - Who made the cut? Texas A&M has a strong history of producing elite NFL players who go on to have long, successful careers, some even earning Hall of Fame recognition. Over the years, the Aggies have seen 324 players drafted, including 46 Pro Bowl selections, 13 All-Pro honorees, and six Hall of Famers. While some picks are obvious, others spark debate depending on the era in which the player competed or whether they've had sufficient time in the league to be fairly evaluated. For this list, the only requirement is that active players must be key contributors. Beyond that, anyone who has been drafted is eligible. This selection process includes three teams - Offense, Defense, and Coaches (which also covers special teams) - along with honorable mentions. After reviewing the Aggies' All-NFL Offensive Team, let us know if you think any players should be swapped out. Below is the Aggies' offensive All-NFL team: Ryan Tannehill - QB Team: Miami Dolphins / Tennessee Titans Games Played: 155 Career Stats: Completion% - 64.3 / Yards - 34,881 / TDs - 216 / Ints - 115 / Passer Rating - 91.2 Accolades: Pro Bowl / Comeback PoY De'Von Achane - RB Team: Miami Dolphins Games Played: 28 Career Stats: Rushes - 306 / Yards - 1707 / TDs - 14 / Rec - 105 / Yards - 789 / TDs - 9 Accolades: N/A Mike Evans - WR Team: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Games Played: 168 Career Stats: Rec - 836 / Yards - 12684 / Avg. 15.2 / TDs - 105 Accolades: 6x Pro Bowl / Super Bowl Champ Christian Kirk - WR Team: Arizona Cardinals / Jacksonville Jaguars Games Played: 93 Career Stats: Rec - 404 / Yards - 5176 / Avg. 12.8 / TDs - 29 Accolades: N/A Gerald Carter - WR Team: New York Jets / Tampa Bay Buccaneers Games Played: 103 Career Stats: Rec - 239 / Yards - 3443 / Avg. 14.4 / TDs - 17 Accolades: N/A Martellus Bennett - TE Team: Dallas Cowboys / Chicago Bears / New England Patriots / New York Giants / Green Bay Packers Games Played: 144 Career Stats: Rec - 433 / Yards - 4573 / Avg. 10.6 / TDs - 30 Accolades: Pro Bowl / Super Bowl Champ Jake Matthews - OT Team: Atlanta Falcons Games Played: 179 / 179 (Started) Accolades: Pro Bowl Steve McKinney - OG Team: Indianapolis Colts / Houston Texans Games Played: 143 / 133 (Started) Accolades: N/A Eric McCoy - C Team: New Orleans Saints Games Played: 81 / 81 (Started) Accolades: 2x Pro Bowl Jerry Fontenot - OG Team: Chicago Bears / New Orleans Saints / Cincinnati Bengals Games Played: 239 / 195 (Started) Accolades: N/A Richmond Webb - OT Team: Miami Dolphins / Cincinnati Bengals Games Played: 184 / 183 (Started) Accolades: 7x Pro Bowl / 2x All-Pro / Rookie of the Year Honorable Mentions QB - Kyler Murray - Kyler Murray RB - John David Crow, Curtis Dickey, Earnest Jackson - John David Crow, Curtis Dickey, Earnest Jackson WR - Bobby Joe Conrad, Josh Reynolds - Bobby Joe Conrad, Josh Reynolds TE - Matt Schobel - Matt Schobel OL - Don Mulbach, Dennis Swilley Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Migrants who lie about dissidence can delete social media to return home
Asylum seekers who use social media accounts to falsely demonstrate their opposition to their country's regime can have them deleted to enable them to return home, a tribunal has ruled. Claimants from countries such as Iran and Iraq have been known to start attending demonstrations opposed to their home regimes and posting political statements on Facebook after they arrive in the UK. They then argue that these posts will put them at risk if they are returned to their home countries, which have a history of tracking protesters via their online activities. Now an immigration tribunal has said an asylum seeker can be asked to delete their account in order to return home if it is found the beliefs expressed are not 'genuinely held'. The explanation came in the case of an Iraqi asylum seeker whose application was refused by the Home Office in 2022 on the grounds his credibility was 'adversely affected' by inconsistencies in his account. He appealed to a lower-tier tribunal but his case was dismissed and he was told he could delete his Facebook account, which showed him at various anti-regime protests. The tribunal concluded that the Iraqi had 'no political profile' and his social media had not been monitored by the state so he could delete his account and safely return to Iraq. He appealed and claimed he had shown opposition and criticism of his country's government on a Facebook account he opened once he was in the UK. This included videos of him at demonstrations outside the Iraqi embassy, advertising protests linked to a Kurdish support group, and posting about corruption. He argued that these would put him at risk if he returned to the country, where people have previously been targeted for their social media activism. He claimed the lower-tier judge had made a legal error by not considering whether his political opinion was genuine. However, the hearing was also told that he had said in an asylum interview that he was 'not a political man'. The Home Office also argued that there was no evidence the posts had been seen in Iraq, so he was free to delete his account and return. Lucy Murray, an upper-tier tribunal judge, concluded that the lower chamber should have made a ruling on whether the asylum seeker's beliefs were not genuinely held before requiring him to delete his social media account. Because it had not determined this fact, the case needed to be reheard by the first-tier tribunal. Judge Murray said: 'An [asylum seeker] can only be expected to delete their account if it does not reflect a genuine political belief... [His] Facebook posts showed his attendance at a number of demonstrations and posting about corruption in Iraq. That was evidence of political activity. 'It was of course open to the first-tier tribunal to find that these activities were not the expression of a genuine political belief that he would be obliged to conceal to avoid persecution but such a finding was a prerequisite to the conclusion that he could delete his Facebook account.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The South African
28-05-2025
- The South African
5 Western Cape towns that feel like Italy's Cinque Terre
Italy's Cinque Terre (five lands/towns) is famous for its five colourful cliffside villages, sea views, and relaxed pace of life. But you don't need to fly here to get that same charm. With its coastal gems and historic towns, the Western Cape offers spots that echo the spirit of the Italian Riviera – minus the tourists and euro exchange rate. Here are five Western Cape towns that feel surprisingly like Cinque Terre… While Knysna has more greenery than the arid cliffs of Liguria, its deep connection to water and small-town elegance mirror places like Monterosso. The Knysna Heads, dramatic cliffs at the mouth of the lagoon, give you the sweeping sea views you'd expect in northern Italy. Add in fresh oysters, boutique lodges, and sunset cruises, and you've got your Mediterranean fix. Cinque Terre feel: Nature, tranquility, and the kind of place that makes you slow down. Knysna, Western Cape. Image: canva This naval town sits along the False Bay coastline with colourful Victorian buildings and cobbled streets. The pace is relaxed, the views are spectacular, and the atmosphere is unmistakably maritime. Plus, with Boulders Beach and its famous penguins nearby, you get something even Italy's Cinque Terre can't offer. Cinque Terre feel: Quiet beauty, marine heritage, and postcard-worthy scenery. Simon's Town, Western Cape. Image: canva Kalk Bay hits the same notes as Riomaggiore or Vernazza – vivid buildings tumbling down a hillside, narrow alleys packed with cafés, and the ocean never more than a few steps away. Once a sleepy fishing village, it's now an artsy hotspot, full of independent shops, fresh seafood joints, and quirky boutiques. The working harbour, bobbing boats, and resident seals seal the deal. Cinque Terre feel: Vibrant, walkable, and filled with salty air and local life. Fishing boats in Kalk Bay. Image: wikimedia commons Paternoster could be plucked straight from the Amalfi coast – think white homes with blue shutters, fishing boats on the shore, and restaurants serving up the catch of the day. It's laid-back, windblown, and stunning. Unlike the steep cliffs of Cinque Terre, Paternoster's charm lies in its raw, unfiltered openness. Cinque Terre feel: Seaside simplicity with a side of seafood pasta. Paternoster, Western Cape. Image: wikimedia commons Famous for whale watching, Hermanus has more to offer than migrating giants. Its clifftop paths wind past dramatic sea views, echoing the rugged walks between Cinque Terre villages. The town itself blends upmarket cafés, art galleries, and seafood restaurants with a laid-back vibe. Wander the Old Harbour, watch fishermen haul in their catch, and feel that same seaside rhythm that makes Cinque Terre special. Cinque Terre feel: Clifftop drama, oceanside cafés, and a lifestyle that hugs the coast. Hermanus, Western Cape. Image: canva Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
