Latest news with #Marsters
West Australian
3 days ago
- West Australian
Handshake turns deadly in shocking courtroom footage
A former NRL hopeful allegedly accepted an apology from a man, only to fatally punch him moments later during a heated early morning altercation on the Gold Coast. Oshae Jackson Tuiasau, 29, has pleaded not guilty to unlawfully striking 39-year-old Toro George, claiming he acted in self-defence during an escalating street argument. The court was told the confrontation unfolded just before 4am on December 19, 2021, on View Ave in Surfers Paradise. CCTV footage played to the jury showed a group of five men and one woman walking together when Mr George leaned toward Mr Tuiasau, who then struck him once in the face. Mr George fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement. He died in hospital eight days later, on December 27. In court, Mr George's widow became visibly emotional as the moment was replayed on screen, turning away as the fatal blow was shown to the jury. On the second day of his Brisbane Supreme Court trial, Mr George's cousin, Junior Marsters, told the jury he saw the men shake hands and make peace shortly before the alleged punch, which left Mr George unconscious on the pavement. The court was told earlier in the night at the Havana RnB Nightclub, Mr Marsters had heard rumours that Mr George had 'touched' a woman, and confronted him about it. He said Mr George denied the allegation. Footage from inside the nightclub showed a heated confrontation involving Mr George and another man, leading to more people gathering and arguing with some pushing. The court was told the incident was sparked by the allegations that Mr George had sexually assaulted a woman from the other group on the dance floor. Mr Marsters said he was trying to keep two groups apart during the heated dispute. CCTV footage showed the altercation then led outside of the nightclub when uniformed police officers stepped in and attempted to disperse the crowd. Mr Marsters said he walked off with Mr George before meeting back up with Mr Tuiasau and their niece Lekisha Marsters. 'He (George) apologised … (Tuiasau) accepted the apology,' Mr Marsters told the court. The group began walking together, but tensions soon flared again. Several witnesses said Mr George became increasingly agitated as he insisted on returning to find his brothers. However, the others were unwilling to go back and told him to meet them at the hotel instead. Mr Marsters told the court that Mr George began 'screaming' at him in a mix of Cook Island Māori and English 'He was firm on finding his brothers,' Mr Marsters said. He said the two of them were getting 'angry' at each other. The CCTV footage, leading up to the punch, showed the group arguing with some shoving. Mr Tuiasau is shown walking on the far right side of the group, not appearing to be involved in any physical confrontation. As Mr George leaned toward him, Mr Tuiasau quickly struck him once in the face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement. He immediately lost consciousness. Family members of Mr George looked away each time the footage of the punch was played to the jury. During the first viewing, one relative audibly gasped at the confronting vision. The footage then showed several people rush to his aid, while Mr Tuiasau walked away. Lekisha Masters described being in disbelief, seeing her uncle fall to the ground. 'I was in shock … I tried to help him up to get him on to the chair,' Ms Marsters said. Mr Marsters also described feeling in 'shock' at seeing his cousin go down. 'I told the boys, that's enough, because I'm worried about my family now,' Mr Marsters said, Another witness, Odain Masters, said he heard Mr Tuiasau say 'that is what you get'. Ms Marsters said she didn't hear him say anything as he walked away from the scene. Under cross-examination, Ms Marsters admitted she initially told police her uncle had fallen and hit his head, and not that he had been punched. She didn't explain why she and another witness gave that version to police. Mr Tuiasau was arrested at 4.30am and interviewed at the Southport watch house later that morning, while Mr George was still fighting for his life. He was initially charged with grievous bodily harm. In a video of the police interview played to the jury, Mr Tuiasau appeared subdued and admitted to throwing the punch. 'I looked at him and then I, I hit him … I punched him,' Mr Tuiasau told police. 'It was a good night … up until the very end.' He said he got a 'shock' when Mr George fell and admitted he had been drinking throughout the night. Mr Tuiasau told police the confrontation began while the group was leaving Havana RnB Nightclub and that Mr George had 'started swearing'. He said hearing that Mr George had allegedly assaulted a woman known to him inside the club 'triggered' him. 'We got face-to-face,' he said. Crown Prosecutor Toby Corsbie told the court Mr Tuiasau had lashed out after learning of the alleged assault, but the punch was a 'single moment in time, a single choice' that caused Mr George's heart to stop. Mr Tuiasau's barrister, Craig Eberhardt KC, argued his client acted in self-defence against 'a drunk and aggressive man who had already sexually assaulted a woman that night.' 'It is tragic that he died,' Mr Eberhardt told the court. He said some of the witnesses were not being truthful in their accounts of what happened that night. Mr George's wife, Arden George, became visibly emotional during the proceedings, as the events leading to her husband's death were replayed in court. The trial is expected to last five days, with further witnesses expected to give evidence this week.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Perth Now
Grieving wife watches fatal punch replay
A former NRL hopeful allegedly accepted an apology from a man, only to fatally punch him moments later during a heated early morning altercation on the Gold Coast. Oshae Jackson Tuiasau, 29, has pleaded not guilty to unlawfully striking 39-year-old Toro George, claiming he acted in self-defence during an escalating street argument. The court was told the confrontation unfolded just before 4am on December 19, 2021, on View Ave in Surfers Paradise. CCTV footage played to the jury showed a group of five men and one woman walking together when Mr George leaned toward Mr Tuiasau, who then struck him once in the face. Mr George fell backwards and hit his head on the pavement. He died in hospital eight days later, on December 27. In court, Mr George's widow became visibly emotional as the moment was replayed on screen, turning away as the fatal blow was shown to the jury. Former Queensland and Gold Coast Titans player Oshae Jackson Tuiasau at the Brisbane Supreme Court where he is facing charges of one count of unlawful striking causing death. NewsWire/Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia On the second day of his Brisbane Supreme Court trial, Mr George's cousin, Junior Marsters, told the jury he saw the men shake hands and make peace shortly before the alleged punch, which left Mr George unconscious on the pavement. The court was told earlier in the night at the Havana RnB Nightclub, Mr Marsters had heard rumours that Mr George had 'touched' a woman, and confronted him about it. He said Mr George denied the allegation. Footage from inside the nightclub showed a heated confrontation involving Mr George and another man, leading to more people gathering and arguing with some pushing. The court was told the incident was sparked by the allegations that Mr George had sexually assaulted a woman from the other group on the dance floor. Mr Marsters said he was trying to keep two groups apart during the heated dispute. CCTV footage showed the altercation then led outside of the nightclub when uniformed police officers stepped in and attempted to disperse the crowd. Toro George, 39, died eight days later in hospital after the alleged punch. Facebook Credit: News Corp Australia Mr Marsters said he walked off with Mr George before meeting back up with Mr Tuiasau and their niece Lekisha Marsters. 'He (George) apologised … (Tuiasau) accepted the apology,' Mr Marsters told the court. The group began walking together, but tensions soon flared again. Several witnesses said Mr George became increasingly agitated as he insisted on returning to find his brothers. However, the others were unwilling to go back and told him to meet them at the hotel instead. Mr Marsters told the court that Mr George began 'screaming' at him in a mix of Cook Island Māori and English 'He was firm on finding his brothers,' Mr Marsters said. He said the two of them were getting 'angry' at each other. The CCTV footage, leading up to the punch, showed the group arguing with some shoving. Mr Tuiasau is shown walking on the far right side of the group, not appearing to be involved in any physical confrontation. As Mr George leaned toward him, Mr Tuiasau quickly struck him once in the face, causing him to fall backwards and hit his head on the pavement. He immediately lost consciousness. Arden George, the widow of victim Toro George, outside the Brisbane Supreme Court. NewsWire/Tertius Pickard Credit: News Corp Australia Family members of Mr George looked away each time the footage of the punch was played to the jury. During the first viewing, one relative audibly gasped at the confronting vision. The footage then showed several people rush to his aid, while Mr Tuiasau walked away. Lekisha Masters described being in disbelief, seeing her uncle fall to the ground. 'I was in shock … I tried to help him up to get him on to the chair,' Ms Marsters said. Mr Marsters also described feeling in 'shock' at seeing his cousin go down. 'I told the boys, that's enough, because I'm worried about my family now,' Mr Marsters said, Another witness, Odain Masters, said he heard Mr Tuiasau say 'that is what you get'. Ms Marsters said she didn't hear him say anything as he walked away from the scene. Under cross-examination, Ms Marsters admitted she initially told police her uncle had fallen and hit his head, and not that he had been punched. She didn't explain why she and another witness gave that version to police. Oshae Tuiasau, 2016 Gold Coast Titans headshot. Photo – NRL Photos Credit: No Source Mr Tuiasau was arrested at 4.30am and interviewed at the Southport watch house later that morning, while Mr George was still fighting for his life. He was initially charged with grievous bodily harm. In a video of the police interview played to the jury, Mr Tuiasau appeared subdued and admitted to throwing the punch. 'I looked at him and then I, I hit him … I punched him,' Mr Tuiasau told police. 'It was a good night … up until the very end.' He said he got a 'shock' when Mr George fell and admitted he had been drinking throughout the night. Mr Tuiasau told police the confrontation began while the group was leaving Havana RnB Nightclub and that Mr George had 'started swearing'. He said hearing that Mr George had allegedly assaulted a woman known to him inside the club 'triggered' him. 'We got face-to-face,' he said. Oshae Jackson Tuiasau, 29, (centre) has pleaded not guilty to unlawfully striking 39-year-old Toro George, claiming he acted in self-defence during an escalating street argument. NewsWire / John Gass Credit: News Corp Australia Crown Prosecutor Toby Corsbie told the court Mr Tuiasau had lashed out after learning of the alleged assault, but the punch was a 'single moment in time, a single choice' that caused Mr George's heart to stop. Mr Tuiasau's barrister, Craig Eberhardt KC, argued his client acted in self-defence against 'a drunk and aggressive man who had already sexually assaulted a woman that night.' 'It is tragic that he died,' Mr Eberhardt told the court. He said some of the witnesses were not being truthful in their accounts of what happened that night. Mr George's wife, Arden George, became visibly emotional during the proceedings, as the events leading to her husband's death were replayed in court. The trial is expected to last five days, with further witnesses expected to give evidence this week.
Wales Online
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response
Buffy star addresses Doctor Who return despite Russell T Davies' blunt four-word response The Buffy the Vampire Slayer star formerly appeared in Doctor Who spin-off, Torchwood. James Marsters starred opposite John Barrowman in Torchwood James Marsters, renowned for his role as vampire Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has disclosed his eagerness about potentially re-entering the Doctor Who universe. The actor, who's looking forward to the Buffy revival featuring Ryan Kiera Armstrong as the newest slayer, expressed his appreciation for Torchwood in an exclusive interview with Reach. The new chapter of Buffy will also see a return of Sarah Michelle Gellar in her famed role and behind the scenes as an Executive Producer, with Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao at the helm for the initial pilot episode. Despite being iconic for his portrayal in Buffy, avid Doctor Who followers distinctly remember Marsters for his part as Captain John Hart in the spin-off, Torchwood, in the explosive episode Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang. Season 2's opening instalment unveiled Captain John, a past lover and associate of Captain Jack Harkness (John Barrowman), and it was a role written specifically with Marsters in mind. James Marsters played Captain John Hart in Torchwood Article continues below Ncuti Gatwa pulls out of Eurovision amid ban controversy READ MORE: Presently, Marsters has spoken on the prospect of joining the latest series of Doctor Who, having formerly made an appearance in its sister show, reports Surrey Live. He revealed: 'I actually asked Russell (T Davies) about this, if I could come on Doctor Who, and he said, 'No way in hell.' Chuckling at the blunt four-word response, Marsters continued: 'I was like, 'Why?' And he said 'You're too naughty. Your character is way too naughty for Who. Torchwood was my four goals only treatment of the Who Universe. And then Doctor Who has a wide audience. '[He said]: 'Both adults and children are watching that, and your character's way too edgy for it.' And I said, 'So don't make me so naughty.' And he said, 'There would be nothing left of your character if we did that! All your character has is naughty, that's the whole point.' 'So that's what he said back when we were filming Torchwood,' Marsters added. 'But if he ever changed his mind I would love to be Captain John again. That was a really fun character, and I think we offended all the right people with Torchwood, so that would be fun to do again.' James Marsters played Spike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Reflecting on the mischievous roles he often finds himself in, Marsters pondered: "It's the kind of role that anybody would love to play. That's the best role and I just have to pinch myself that it has kind of been my brand. "I kind of play the jerk who will be there for you in the end," he elaborated. "That's kind of the Han Solo character, you know? "I didn't fall into the Luke Skywalker kind of thing where he's just good all the time - and everybody wants to be Han Solo! "When you were kid, everyone wanted the Star Wars Han Solo blaster and, if you were Luke that's good too, but everyone actually just wants to be Han Solo," he added with a laugh. Regarding the Buffy revival, Marsters remained tight-lipped, but did comment: "I think the world needs Buffy Summers. The world needs that message maybe more than ever. Article continues below "And I think that it's wonderful that Sarah is willing to come back and deliver that message again." All seven seasons of Buffy the Vampire Slayer are available to stream now on ITVX.
BBC News
20-03-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Salford beat Giants for first Super League win
Betfred Super LeagueSalford (16) 23Tries: Marsters, Wilson, Nikorima 2 Goals: Brierley 3 Drop-goal: BrierleyHuddersfield (0) 10Tries: Swift, Lolohea Goal: Sutcliffe Salford Red Devils put their off-field issues behind them as they comfortably beat fellow strugglers Huddersfield Giants for their first Super League win of the Marsters battered his way over to send Salford ahead and Harvey Wilson did well to barge in for Salford's second try within 20 minutes.A stunning Salford move saw Jayden Nikorima touch down for their third of the half and he added a second after the break with ease as the hosts took control and never looked Brierley added an audacious drop-goal in between Adam Swift and Tui Lolohea managing to spare winless Huddersfield's blushes with a pair of tries before the hooter. Their first victory in five league matches was a much needed restbite for the Red Devils who have been plagued with financial issues of uncertainty has seeped its way into first-team matters, leading to Paul Rowley's side losing their first four games including a record 82-0 defeat at St Helens in the season they were good value for their victory, which started after Marsters scored his first Super League try of the season when he weaved his way through to the line to get the hosts weathered a Huddersfield offensive storm after getting on the scoreboard but went 10-0 up midway through the first half as former Giants prop Chris Hill put in the offload for Wilson to touch Red Devils' best was still to come as they shifted the ball with speed from deep inside their own half, as Ethan Ryan gained significant ground before teeing up Nikorima to go in poor half was perhaps best summed up by a move right before half-time which saw Sam Halsall fumble Niall Evalds' promising pass to him on the wing, with the ball eventually rolling in to was unable to continue for the second half due to a foot injury and Halsall almost atoned for his earlier error but Salford hooker Chris Atkin thwarted his efforts in trying to ground a high kick for what would have been Huddersfield's first for all the visitors' effort at the start of the second half, it was Salford who extended their lead courtesy of Nikorima racing past the Giants' defence to score in fine fashion and bring his tally to five tries for the kept up his own fine try-scoring form with a his fourth in as many games and Lolohea touched down under the posts but it was much too little, much too late on a poor night for the visitors as they sank to a fifth consecutive defeat in Super League and sixth in all competitions. Salford: Connell; Ryan, Marsters, Watkins, Cross; Brierley, Nikorima; Hill, Atkin, Ormondroyd, Wright, Wilson, Morgan, Sangare, Bullock, Evalds; Swift, Milne, Bibby, Halsall; Lolohea, Sutcliffe; Rogers, Golding, English, Hewitt, Murchie, Deakin, Rushton, Wilson, Tom Grant.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' star James Marsters says New York and Chicago 'wish' they were like Toronto
While the Buffy the Vampire Slayer legacy is haunted by the cloud of its creator, Joss Whedon, who has faced several allegations of misconduct since 2021, fans are still incredibly supportive of the show's stars. The Toronto Comicon main stage was packed with people excited to hear from James Marsters, who played Spike on Buffy, and then Angel. Marsters started the discussion by putting the crowd in a great mood, where he shared his love for Toronto. It's the city where he filmed the 2005 movie Cool Money. "I think that Toronto is kind of like what New York or Chicago wishes it was like," the 62-year-old actor said on Saturday at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. "Whenever they use Toronto for New York, I'm just like, 'New York doesn't look that good.'" But one of the first questions of the discussion had Marsters confirm that his beloved Buffy character, Spike, was only supposed to have a small arc in the show's second season before quickly being killed off. As Marsters revealed, when he started working on the show, things changed after an act of rebellion on the actor's part. "Joss backed me up against a wall one time and he goes, 'I don't care how popular you are, you are dead.' ... Like, dude, it's your football, whatever," Marsters said. "I was told that ... vampires for Buffy were just metaphors for the challenges that one has to overcome in adolescence, and they were designed to be overcome." While Marsters initially said he would oblige, he had other ideas. Specifically, Marsters remembers Season 2, Episode 14, titled "Innocence." In that episode, Drusilla said she's naming all the stars and Spike responded by saying, "You can't see the stars, love. That's the ceiling." Marsters highlighted that in the script it was a rather rude line. However, he decided to play it in a way that was more endearing on the day, which the actor still can't believe he got away with while filming that episode. Marsters also shared that becoming a father gave him the confidence to go against the script. As he explained to the crowd in Toronto, he moved to Los Angeles because he had become a dad. While he had a "blast" as a performing artist, he was also "poor" and had to think about financially providing for his child. "When you're a father and you can't provide health coverage to your baby, that's not a good place to be in," Marsters said. "So almost anything becomes justified." Later in the Comicon discussion in Toronto, Marsters confirmed a few interesting tidbits about filming Buffy and Angel. Firstly, Angel was "easy" in terms of the schedule because the Buffy spinoff filmed for about 12 hours a day. On the other hand, Buffy was minimum 16-hour days, but oftentimes 20-hour days. Additionally, instead of reading the lines for Spike in his first audition, he decided to perform lines from Macbeth. "I had just come from Seattle, where I had done a really successful Macbeth, and I was so arrogant, which worked for Spike," Marsters said. "I felt like I was the only real actor, ... the rest of these people wanted to be stars, and that was a very different thing." The actor also has a particular affinity for Spike, saying that he had "the best role on the show" and that "I still pinch myself that I got to do that." A significant element of Buffy is that it has been able to establish and sustain this intense fandom for decades. Even after Whedon's scandal, the show and these character are particularly important to people worldwide. When asked about the impact Buffy has made, Marsters highlighted that the show is truthful about one of the most universal, timeless messages: "it's hard to be a human being." "To just admit that, it's very powerful," Marsters said. "What Buffy did was ask the writers ... to come up with their worst day, the day that they don't like to talk about, the one that keeps them up at night, ... the day they almost gave up, and then slap fangs, metaphorically speaking, on that painful memory of theirs, and tell the whole world about it. "It was a sustained act of courage and vulnerability from some very talented writers. ... And then it says the kicker, which is, but life is worth it. Keep going. Don't give up. And a lot of projects have the 'don't give up' part, ... but it lands so much harder with Buffy because ... of giving space to the truth, which is hard, for all of us."
