Latest news with #MaroochydoreMagistratesCourt
Perth Now
20 hours ago
- Perth Now
Man accused of cold case murder of ex-partner
A man charged over the cold case murder of his former partner nearly three decades ago was mentioned in a Sunshine Coast court on Monday. Keith Lees, 72, is accused of murdering Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, whose body was found at the base of cliffs at Point Cartwright in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997. His matter was the subject of a committal mention in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday following his extradition from NSW in January. Mr Lees' acting solicitor requested a 'lengthy adjournment' due to complexities in the case file. Meaghan Louise Rose's body was found at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997. Qld Police Credit: Supplied Keith Lees is accused of her murder. Queensland Police Credit: News Corp Australia Police allege Mr Lees was in a relationship with Ms Rose at the time of her death, which was initially ruled a suicide. The case was reopened by homicide detectives in 2022 following new information. After being questioned by police in Victoria in 2023, Mr Lees allegedly disappeared. His car was later found abandoned in Portland, on the state's southwest coast, and police were unable to track him down for about 18 months. He was arrested in Sydney recently over the 27-year-old cold case death on the Sunshine Coast. Steve Pohlner Credit: News Corp Australia Police allege Mr Lees was unknowingly assisted by religious groups in NSW who were unaware of his true identity or that he was wanted by police. A $500,000 reward was offered as part of the renewed investigation, and police later confirmed that a listener of the Australian True Crime podcast helped lead them to Mr Lees' arrest. He was taken into custody at a property in Dural, in Sydney's northwest, and extradited to Queensland. His matter was initially mentioned in Brisbane before being transferred to the Sunshine Coast. Mr Lees has been charged with one count of murder and remains in custody on remand. He is yet to enter any pleas. The case has been adjourned until August 4 for a further committal mention.
Perth Now
21 hours ago
- Perth Now
Man accused of 1997 murder of ex-partner
A man charged over the cold case murder of his former partner nearly three decades ago was mentioned in a Sunshine Coast court on Monday. Keith Lees, 72, is accused of murdering Meaghan Louise Rose, 25, whose body was found at the base of cliffs at Point Cartwright in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997. His matter was the subject of a committal mention in the Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday following his extradition from NSW in January. Mr Lees' acting solicitor requested a 'lengthy adjournment' due to complexities in the case file. Meaghan Louise Rose's body was found at the base of Point Cartwright Cliffs in Mooloolaba on July 18, 1997. Qld Police Credit: Supplied Keith Lees is accused of her murder. Queensland Police Credit: News Corp Australia Police allege Mr Lees was in a relationship with Ms Rose at the time of her death, which was initially ruled a suicide. The case was reopened by homicide detectives in 2022 following new information. After being questioned by police in Victoria in 2023, Mr Lees allegedly disappeared. His car was later found abandoned in Portland, on the state's southwest coast, and police were unable to track him down for about 18 months. He was arrested in Sydney recently over the 27-year-old cold case death on the Sunshine Coast. Steve Pohlner Credit: News Corp Australia Police allege Mr Lees was unknowingly assisted by religious groups in NSW who were unaware of his true identity or that he was wanted by police. A $500,000 reward was offered as part of the renewed investigation, and police later confirmed that a listener of the Australian True Crime podcast helped lead them to Mr Lees' arrest. He was taken into custody at a property in Dural, in Sydney's northwest, and extradited to Queensland. His matter was initially mentioned in Brisbane before being transferred to the Sunshine Coast. Mr Lees has been charged with one count of murder and remains in custody on remand. He is yet to enter any pleas. The case has been adjourned until August 4 for a further committal mention.
Perth Now
22-04-2025
- Perth Now
Aussie twins go viral for speaking in sync during interview
A pair of identical twin sisters from Queensland are quickly going viral after recalling the terrifying run-in they had with an alleged gunman — but it's not the story that's capturing attention. Bridgette and Paula Powers, affectionately known as the Twinnies, have made the news several times before due to their uncanny knack for finishing each other's sentences and undeniable likeness. Interviewed by 7NEWS on the Sunshine Coast on Monday, the sisters recounted the moment they fled from an unpredictable alleged car thief after he emerged from the wreckage of a rolled SUV holding a gun. Their mother, Helen, and another man were also engaged in the high-pressure situation that unfolded on Steve Irwin Way on the Sunshine Coast. Twinnies, Paula and bridgette Powers. Credit: 7NEWS Sunshine Coast 'The one guy, he was up there with our mum. And he went up there, and he was coming back down towards us,' they told a 7NEWS reporter in unison. 'And he goes, 'Run, he's got a gun'.' 'And oh, our heart started to pound and I said, 'Mum, where's Mum?' They said their mother approached the driver, who appeared agitated in response to their advances. 'But poor Mum was stuck up there. But apparently our brave mum, she goes, 'Are you alright?' Because he had blood all over his face',' they said. 'And he goes, 'I'll shoot you.'' They said their mother remarked, ''Hey, I'm here to help''. 'And Mum distracted him to make him look the other way. And he looked the other way, and Mum ran into the bush behind the fence. 'And the guy goes to her, 'I'll find you and I'll shoot you'. WATCH THE INTERVIEW IN THE PLAYER ABOVE 'All I was thinking about when were were running, 'I hope he doesn't fire'. So blessed.' Bradley Towle, a 41-year-old man from Tawentin in Queensland, has been charged with a string of offences relating to the crash, including driving causing death and two counts of armed robbery. Maroochydore Magistrates Court raised the case on Tuesday, but it has since been adjourned until Wednesday as Mr Towle recovers in hospital. Asked 'How close to him do you think you were?' the sisters said, 'Well, he was up there past our driveway...' However, it was the sister's closing remarks they might be ruing, choosing alternate ways to conclude their final sentence. 'You don't think of all of that at the time, you just run for your life,' one said, while the other traded the word 'life' for 'safety'. Adding to the eye-catching interview was the sisters' clothing choice — sporting matching Easter bunny scrubs, with their blonde pony tail resting over their backs and their fringes hanging almost identically. The nature-loving pair have been interviewed by the likes of Piers Morgan in years gone by, and have regularly shared their experiences working in animal welfare and conservation. Bridgette and Paula Powers interviewed on Good Morning Britain eight years ago. Credit: Good Morning Britain / YouTube They run their Twinnies' Pelican and Seabird Rescue facility with their mother, near where the incident took place. Somewhat fittingly, the Twinnies were also recruited to work alongside legendary conservationist Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo after he observed their care in rescuing a beached sea turtle.
ABC News
21-04-2025
- ABC News
Man charged after fatal Sunshine Coast crash, shooting and string of alleged carjackings
A man has been charged over a fatal crash and a string of alleged carjackings at gunpoint on Queensland's Sunshine Coast yesterday. A 41-year-old Tewantin man is accused of being behind the wheel of his red Porsche, which crashed on the Bruce Highway near Aussie World. The man has been charged with 15 offences following the incident, including armed robbery, acts intended to cause grievous bodily harm, and dangerous operation of a vehicle causing death. Other charges include possessing dangerous drugs and the unlawful possession of a firearm. He has also been charged with failing to remain at the incident and driving on a suspended licence, as well as driving while affected by an intoxicating substance. Police say further charges are likely. Six-vehicle pile-up A 41-year-old man was arrested after a fatal crash and alleged shooting on the Sunshine Coast yesterday. ( ABC News ) Police were called to the scene shortly after midday, following reports of a six -vehicle pile-up caused when the man allegedly lost control of his vehicle near Palmview and crashed into a Nissan Micra. The 22-year-old female passenger of the Micra from Mount Gravatt died from her injuries, while the driver was transported to hospital with minor injuries. It is alleged the man then got out of the Porsche, which was registered to him, shot the driver of another car in the arm, and stole his car at gunpoint before fleeing the scene. Police say the man who was shot was a 62-year-old from Branton who had stopped to help others involved in the crash. That second car was later found crashed in Landsborough around 12:35 pm. It is alleged the man then stole another car at gunpoint. That car was being driven by a 16-year-old learner driver from Newmarket, and the girl's parents were also in the vehicle. All three ran from the scene. Man to face court today The man is expected to appear before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court today. ( ABC News: Owen Jacques ) Police arrested the alleged offender on Steve Irwin Way and recovered a firearm from his vehicle. He was taken to Sunshine Coast University Hospital where he remained overnight under police guard. He sustained head and body injuries during the incident. The man is expected to appear before the Maroochydore Magistrates Court today. Chief Inspector Jason Overland was visibly emotional when he addressed media yesterday. ( ABC News: Owen Jacques ) Speaking to reporters yesterday, Queensland Police Chief Inspector Jason Overland described it as a "tragic" end to the holiday period. He said he was not going to speculate on the man's motivations. "I've given up trying to work out why people do stuff, particularly this," he said. The Bruce Highway was shut for several hours in the southbound direction on Monday afternoon. ( ABC News: William Murray ) Police have renewed their appeal for any witnesses to come forward and are calling for dash cam or CCTV footage from the incident. ABC Sunshine — local news in your inbox Get our local newsletter, delivered free each Wednesday Your information is being handled in accordance with the Email address Subscribe
