Latest news with #Nealon
Miami Herald
10-06-2025
- Miami Herald
FWC cuffs man who speared protected goliath grouper off Pompano Beach: officials
Florida wildlife officers arrested a man who they say shot a state-protected goliath grouper just offshore of Pompano Beach on Monday. Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission police added that 44-year-old Juan Nealon tried to surreptitiously discard his catch when officers signaled for him to come to shore, which he denies. The officers said they saw Nealon in a canoe close to the beach and tried to contact him from shore. FWC spokeswoman Arielle Callender noted that 'despite repeated commands to stop,' Nealon paddled farther away from the beach and purposely tipped his canoe to get rid of the fish and his speargun. The officers went into the water and found the grouper, which weighed more than 100 pounds, with the spear lodged in its body, Callender said. Nealon was arrested on a total of seven misdemeanors, including spearfishing within 100 yards of the beach, harvesting a goliath grouper without a permit and spearing a goliath grouper. He told the Herald the entire incident was a mix of ignorance of fishing regulations and not realizing the police were trying to get his attention. He also said he did not intentionally try to conceal the fish that he shot. Nealon, a professional musician, said he got excited when he saw the large size of the grouper and pulled the trigger without realizing he'd violated the regulations. He called a friend from the canoe, who told him it was illegal to harvest goliaths and to try to release the fish alive back in the water. He said that's what he was doing when the officers saw him from the beach. He said he rarely shoots fish when swims in the ocean and was actually looking for invasive lionfish, which are legal to kill. 'I'm an Earth-friendly hippy. I do music for a living, I don't even hurt ants,' he said, adding he was surprised he was cuffed and booked into jail for about 12 hours before posting a $500 bond. 'I'm sorry. I didn't know,' Nealon said. 'I understand now, but what's with the hostility?' Goliath groupers are highly protected in Florida. They almost went extinct from overfishing in the 1980s, and the FWC banned their harvest in 1990. They can grow up to eight feet long and 800 pounds, in addition to having a long lifespan — between 30 and 50 years old, according to the FWC. After years of lobbying from various fishing interests who maintain the species not only made a comeback, but were wiping out other species because of their voracious appetites, the FWC agreed in 2022 to open a very limited goliath grouper season. Still, not many people can harvest them. The season is open from March 1 through May 31, and anglers taking part are chosen from a random lottery. The bag limit is one fish per person, per season, per the FWC. Callender said the public can report conservation violations by downloading the agency's Wildlife Alert app, calling the Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-FWCC (888-404-3922), or submitting a tip online at
Indianapolis Star
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indianapolis Star
Is the haunted doll Annabelle to blame for a plantation fire? The internet says yes
Is a demonic doll touring the U.S. to blame for the mishaps in Louisiana? That's what the internet is saying, which has led to a ghost tour company receiving multiple death threats. Ghost City Tours hosted and sold tickets to the public to see Annabelle, the haunted Raggedy Ann doll that inspired the movie "Annabelle," which is a part of the "Conjuring" universe. "It was nice to have our own weird event," said Tim Nealon, the founder, president and former CEO of Ghost City Tours. However, despite the success of the sold-out event, the internet began to blame the escape of 10 inmates from a New Orleans jail and a fire that destroyed the Nottoway Plantation on Annabelle's visit. Ghost City Tours teamed up with "Annabelle's Caretakers," an extension of the now-closed Warren Occult Museum, while they were touring the U.S. with the allegedly haunted doll. The doll was originally on display at the Warrens' Occult Museum, which permanently closed to the public in 2019 after Lorraine Warren, one of the original owners, died, according to Atlas Obscura. Annabelle's tour stopped in several states and cities, including the Ghost City Tours office in New Orleans from May 13 to May 14, where fans of the paranormal were able to visit Annabelle and learn more about her origin story. The event sold out immediately. "It was literally sold out within seconds," said Nealon. "I mean, I felt like it was some big-name concert." While some people took to social media to joke about the coincidence of Annabelle's visit, others didn't think it was a joke at all. "I did not think people were taking it seriously, (because) I kept seeing jokes about it on Instagram and TikTok," said Nealon. "But, I didn't realize people were out here like, actually thinking that this was legit." Some people online are "absolutely convinced that Ghost City Tour is responsible" for the plantation fire and the inmates' escape, according to Nealon. People are even sending them death threats. "I could never imagine sending anybody a death threat at all, let alone over a (expletive) haunted doll," said Nelon. Annabelle visited San Antonio, Texas, where the doll was displayed at the annual San Antonio Psychic & Spirit Fest from May 17-18. In 1970, a mom gave her daughter, Donna, a 28-year-old nursing student, the now-infamous doll, according to the New England Society for Psychic Research, NESPR. She'd purchased Annabelle from a hobby store. Donna and her roommate, Angie, noticed weird paranormal activity happening around the apartment, which began to escalate. Legend has it that the paranormal activity only became worse. The doll was thought to be inhabited by the spirit of a young girl, but Donna soon believed it was actually possessed by something "demonic and inhuman." The doll was later handed over to Ed and Lorraine Warren, a couple famous for collecting paranormal objects and artifacts.
USA Today
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Is the haunted doll Annabelle to blame for a plantation fire? The internet says yes
Is the haunted doll Annabelle to blame for a plantation fire? The internet says yes "I didn't realize people were out here like, actually thinking that this was legit," said Tim Nealon, the owner of Ghost City Tours. Show Caption Hide Caption Here's how paranormal investigators actually hunt ghosts Paranormal investigators share their tips, techniques, and tools of the trade. Most importantly, if you encounter a ghost or spirit DO NOT ENGAGE IT. Grateful Is a demonic doll touring the U.S. to blame for the mishaps in Louisiana? That's what the internet is saying, which has led to a ghost tour company receiving multiple death threats. Ghost City Tours hosted and sold tickets to the public to see Annabelle, the haunted Raggedy Ann doll that inspired the movie "Annabelle," which is a part of the "Conjuring" universe. "It was nice to have our own weird event," said Tim Nealon, the founder, president and former CEO of Ghost City Tours. However, despite the success of the sold-out event, the internet began to blame the escape of 10 inmates from a New Orleans jail and a fire that destroyed the Nottoway Plantation on Annabelle's visit. Annabelle doll appeared at sold-out New Orleans event Ghost City Tours teamed up with "Annabelle's Caretakers," an extension of the now-closed Warren Occult Museum, while they were touring the U.S. with the allegedly haunted doll. The doll was originally on display at the Warrens' Occult Museum, which permanently closed to the public in 2019 after Lorraine Warren, one of the original owners, died, according to Atlas Obscura. Annabelle's tour stopped in several states and cities, including the Ghost City Tours office in New Orleans from May 13 to May 14, where fans of the paranormal were able to visit Annabelle and learn more about her origin story. The event sold out immediately. "It was literally sold out within seconds," said Nealon. "I mean, I felt like it was some big-name concert." Social media reacts to Annabelle's New Orleans visit While some people took to social media to joke about the coincidence of Annabelle's visit, others didn't think it was a joke at all. "I did not think people were taking it seriously, (because) I kept seeing jokes about it on Instagram and TikTok," said Nealon. "But, I didn't realize people were out here like, actually thinking that this was legit." Some people online are "absolutely convinced that Ghost City Tour is responsible" for the plantation fire and the inmates' escape, according to Nealon. People are even sending them death threats. "I could never imagine sending anybody a death threat at all, let alone over a (expletive) haunted doll," said Nelon. Where did Annabelle go next? Annabelle visited San Antonio, Texas, where the doll was displayed at the annual San Antonio Psychic & Spirit Fest from May 17-18. What is Annabelle the doll? In 1970, a mom gave her daughter, Donna, a 28-year-old nursing student, the now-infamous doll, according to the New England Society for Psychic Research, NESPR. She'd purchased Annabelle from a hobby store. Donna and her roommate, Angie, noticed weird paranormal activity happening around the apartment, which began to escalate. Legend has it that the paranormal activity only became worse. The doll was thought to be inhabited by the spirit of a young girl, but Donna soon believed it was actually possessed by something "demonic and inhuman." The doll was later handed over to Ed and Lorraine Warren, a couple famous for collecting paranormal objects and artifacts. Annabelle was put on display in their museum, which was located in Monroe, Connecticut.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- The Independent
Peter Sullivan was wrongly jailed for 38 years – and it's not a bizarre one-off
has had his conviction for the murder of Diane Sindall quashed. He is not the Beast of Birkenhead. He is an innocent man who got ensnared in a malfunctioning system that then took 38 years to admit its mistake. He was wrongly convicted in 1987 for the brutal attack on the part-time pub worker. The 21-year-old was beaten to death and sexually assaulted as she walked home after a shift in Bebington, Merseyside. Sullivan is now 68 and has lost the best years of his life. Remarkably, in a statement read by his lawyer after his conviction was overturned, he said he was 'not angry, not bitter'. He said he had experienced horrors but would not dwell on them: 'I've got to make the most of what is left of the existence I am granted in this world.' Given he's the victim of the longest miscarriage of justice experienced by a living inmate in the UK, no one would begrudge Sullivan that. But it would be a mistake to see his case as a bizarre one-off. In March, I wrote in detail about how the English criminal justice system continually betrays victims of injustice – from cases like the Birmingham six and the Guildford four to the hundreds of victims of the Post Office scandal. There are also immediate parallels to be made with two other miscarriage of justice cases – Victor Nealon and Andrew Malkinson. The Sullivan, Malkinson, Nealon cases were all exposed as miscarriages of justice thanks to new DNA evidence, but only after a reluctant and incurious appeal system was dragged kicking and screaming into agreeing to new forensic testing. Malkinson was wrongly convicted of rape and spent 17 years in prison. The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) twice rejected his submissions that he was innocent, and he was only cleared when his own lawyers tracked down DNA evidence that proved his innocence. Nealon who was wrongfully convicted of attempted rape spent an additional ten years in prison because the CCRC refused to carry out DNA tests that would have proved his innocence. He applied to the CCRC twice but was rejected both times. In the Sullivan case, the CCRC feels it deserves credit for ordering the retesting that led to his exoneration, and it does. But it's worth noting that he applied to the CCRC in 2021 and it took until now for him to be freed. No compensation Justice delayed is justice denied and all three men spent unnecessary years of their lives behind bars thanks to a sluggish and often inept appeals system. It took decades, but Sullivan is now a free man. He leaves prison with £89 in his pocket, and that's it. There will be no automatic compensation, no system that eases him back into ordinary life. When Victor Nealon was released after 17 years in prison, he would have been homeless if it were not for the kindness of a journalist who allowed him to sleep on his couch. Nealon has never received compensation. After multiple rejections, he and Sam Hallam, another miscarriage of justice victim who was accused of murder, took their claims for compensation all the way to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). They lost. The judges at the ECHR concluded that it was virtually impossible for victims of miscarriage of justice to receive compensation in the UK, noting that 93 per cent of people who applied for compensation were rejected. The two men have never seen a penny of compensation. But it appears that Malkinson may be one of the lucky 7 per cent who do. It has been reported that the Ministry of Justice is to pay him 'a significant sum' and no one in their right mind would object to Malkinson receiving compensation. He is an innocent man who spent 17 wasted years in prison. Hallam, Nealon and so many more are also innocent but have been refused compensation. Why? It is difficult to come to any other conclusion than Malkinson is being compensated because of the media coverage his case attracted. Malkinson is a very impressive person – erudite, thoughtful and reasonable – someone capable of guest editing the Today programme. His case, along with his criticisms, threw the CCRC into crisis and led to the resignation of its chair. But not everyone can be Andrew Malkinson, and they shouldn't have to be. Sullivan is a very different person. 'He's a very quiet, private man,' his lawyer told the BBC. He has so far shunned the media and it's clear that he will not have the same high profile as Malkinson. His story will fade as the news agenda moves on and there will be a danger that the lessons from this case will be ignored or forgotten. For example, Sullivan's case is a reminder that there are still people in prison who were jailed based on false confessions, and these cases should be reviewed urgently. And the project announced by the CCRC to identify cases where new forensic testing could provide fresh evidence needs to happen urgently. As Chris Henley KC, the lawyer who led a review into the CCRC's handling of the Malkinson case, said, more miscarriages of justice cases are 'inevitable' and so it is better to identify them as quickly as possible. No need for more innocent people to languish unnecessarily in prison. Ultimately, the main lesson for the criminal justice system to learn is humility. If a plane crashes, accident investigators will painstakingly piece the wreckage back together to identify what went wrong. If there is an infectious outbreak, medical experts will urgently seek out the source. They do this so that they can find out what went wrong and avoid future tragedies. But somehow the criminal justice system appears to feel it is above this approach, despite the fact that Peter Sullivan was failed by the police, by the legal system, courts and the Court of Appeal. As Henley said: 'I think that there is a fundamental problem in relation to our appeal system generally, that it just won't face up to the fact that mistakes can be made. It stubbornly wants to stick to the original flawed conviction.' But first and foremost, Peter Sullivan must receive the compensation he deserves. He was wronged and the state should swiftly and fairly do what it can to make that right.
BBC News
01-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Leisure centre in Rye to re-open under new management
A popular community leisure facility is set to re-open under a new operator, which says it has "exciting plans" for the Sports Centre, formerly managed by Freedom Leisure, is due to open on Tuesday under new operators Rye Recreation & Wellbeing (RRW). Chairperson Barry Nealon said the group had renamed the facility Rye Leisure Centre. He said the group had given the centre a new name because "we want to include more sporting activities for the community" such as padel tennis and Pilates. RRW will manage the centre on behalf of Rye Town Council under a 20-year lease, which it signed on Monday, granted by East Sussex County Council. Mr Nealon said: "This is one of the town's biggest assets. We are still at the planning stages for other exciting offers at the leisure centre."He said the charity had received a £140,000 grant from Sports England which went towards installing solar panels on the building's roof."This will help save a lot of energy costs," Mr Nealon added."We have received a £500,000 Levelling Up Grant from the government, which goes towards repairing facilities including the technical infrastructure that keeps the swimming pool running, changing rooms and roof repairs as there was a leak." Three years ago, the former operator of the leisure centre temporarily closed its swimming pool over rising energy costs.
