Latest news with #NeilThomson
West Australian
3 days ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Newly re-elected Liberal MLC to retain focus on region
Newly re-elected MLC Neil Thomson says the new Upper House structure which sees the Labor State Government without a majority will benefit regional communities such as the Goldfields. The State Government this week agreed to send its new firearms laws to a parliamentary committee to look at how it was implemented. This followed concern being expressed by regional people, including those in the Goldfields, who rely on guns as part of their everyday work. Mr Thomson said the decision was a 'very important signal' to the community that the Opposition would still be able to achieve things for the regions, despite not being in government. 'That was a promise we took to the election because we knew that so many firearms owners out there in the Goldfields were really frustrated about the massive red tape that's been imposed upon them by these poorly thought through laws . . . which needlessly tie good people down in red tape,' he said. 'I think that is a very exciting change for the people of WA that now here we go, notwithstanding the Upper House changes, we now have democracy being exercised and that the authority of Parliament can start to impose itself upon some of these reckless decisions made by the WA Labor Cabinet.' Despite changes to the Upper House seeing regional electorates abolished in favour of one Statewide electorate, Mr Thomson said he would continue to be a voice for the Goldfields, having served as a member for the Mining and Pastoral region during his previous term. 'There's that benefit as so far as you're representing the whole State, but that is far outweighed by the loss to the specific representation by the Upper House in those distinct regions,' he said. 'Ultimately, we will work with the system we have and I will continue to be very strong on the regional issues, and particularly . . . providing that counter to the Government's position out of the Goldfields, out of Kalgoorlie, and obviously the Kimberley and the Pilbara in particular, and down for the Gascoyne region as well.' Mr Thomson now serves as the shadow minister for planning and land, Aboriginal affairs and seniors, all of which he said would see him continue to work closely for the Goldfields region. He said his office would also remain in Kalgoorlie-Boulder despite him relocating from Broome to Carnarvon, and he encouraged the community to get in touch with any issues or concerns. He said antisocial behaviour, crime rates, power reliability and issues with the nickel industry would continue to be major issues going forward which would have his attention on behalf of the community.
Daily Record
23-05-2025
- Daily Record
Cannabis farmer fled during raid in Hamilton
Officers found plants and herbal cannabis worth more than £58,000 in the detached three-bedroom property. A cannabis gardener climbed on to the roof of a house before fleeing into woods during a police raid in Hamilton. Officers found plants and herbal cannabis worth more than £58,000 in the detached three-bedroom property. Rezart Hoxhaj, 33, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week. He admitted producing cannabis and being concerned in its supply at a house in Arran Gardens, Silvertonhill, on October 2 last year. The court heard police officers armed with a search warrant arrived at 9am. Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said: "As they tried to force entry, they became aware of the accused opening a window upstairs and saw him scaling down to the roof of an extension. "Thereafter he ran towards a wooded area. The police officers gave chase and the accused was arrested a short time later. "The officers searched the house and saw that most of the rooms were being used for the cultivation of cannabis plants. "They found 217 plants as well as 7kg of packaged herbal cannabis in vacuum-sealed bags. "Expert police officers say the total retail value of the drugs could have been £58,200." Sentence was deferred until later this month. Hoxhaj, an Albanian national, has been in prison since his arrest and he was again remanded in custody.
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Machete thug, 17, hacked at teenager's neck with 3ft blade in horror attack in Scots town
BLADE NIGHMARE Machete thug, 17, hacked at teenager's neck with 3ft blade in horror attack in Scots town A BLADE thug left a teenager with blood 'spewing' from a wound after hitting him with a 3ft machete. The yob, 17, was part of a group that clashed with the 16-year-old victim in East Kilbride, Lanarkshire. Advertisement Horrified witnesses watched as the boy was hit on the back of the neck with the weapon. The impact caused blood to pour from the wound before the attacker and two accomplices fled the scene in June last year A passer-by took the injured boy to University Hospital Hairmyres where doctors discovered a 4cm wound just 3mm away from his spinal column. Medics said only quick treatment had stopped the injury being potentially fatal. Advertisement An image was later sent on social media to the injured boy showing the thug holding the blade and he was later arrested. The accused appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of life as well as possession of the machete. Depute fiscal Neil Thomson said: "One of the boys with the accused made some remark that the complainer had been cheeky or disrespectful to his aunt and this particular youth then punched the complainer to the face and a melee broke out. "During this melee the accused is seen to pull out a large knife, which appears to be in the region of 3ft in length maybe even longer, from his trousers and swing it around trying to hit the complainer. Advertisement "An eyewitness then sees the accused strike the complainer on the back of the neck with this large knife. "Blood then spews from the back of the complainer's neck and the accused seems to be shocked by the sight of how much blood is spurting from his neck. "It is this graphic flow of blood that causes the incident to stop and the accused runs away while the complainer is taken to hospital by a passer-by." The prosecutor added: "Had it not been for medical intervention the injuries sustained could have proved potentially fatal, medical intervention stopped things from being more serious than they are." Advertisement Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence on the teenager, who is currently being held in a secure unit, until next month for reports. He added: "This is an extremely serious matter to which you have pled guilty to. 1 A yob admitted at Hamilton Sheriff Court to hacking teen's neck with 3ft blade Credit: Les Gallagher "I'm told that only due to prompt medical attention this was not more serious." Advertisement Earlier this week, Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs warned of the potential 'tragic consequences' of youngsters carrying blades. He said: "The clear message is do not carry weapons, do not carry knives."
