Latest news with #SouthSydneyPoliceAreaCommand
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Dad's desperate plea to find son who vanished 20 years ago after never arriving at work
The then 32-year-old was reported missing when he failed to show up to work on the morning of July 21 2005. A body has never been located and the circumstances remain unknown The dad of a man who went missing 20 years ago has issued an emotional plea as police renew an appeal for information into his disappearance two decades on. Simon Knight was 32 when he was last seen at a Crown Street hotel on the morning of July 21, 2005, and was reported missing later that day after he did not arrive for his shift at a café in Newtown. At the time there were few clues leading detectives to what happened to the aspiring chef. Despite extensive investigations at the time, and over the years, Simon, from Redfern, has never been found with a second coronial inquest in 2015 finding it was likely Simon had died. However, a body has never been located and the circumstances are unknown. Detectives from South Sydney Police Area Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Knight's disappearance under Strike Force Glenlea. In November 2020, a NSW Government reward was increased to $250,000 for information into Simon's disappearance. At the time of his disappearance, Simon was described as being of Caucasian appearance, 183cm tall, with blue eyes, a fair complexion, red hair and facial hair. When he was last seen, it is believed he was wearing a dark green T-shirt and blue jeans. Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Yasmin Catley said that despite the passage of time, Simon's family needed answers. She said: 'Losing a loved one is devastating, but the not knowing makes the loss so much harder. 'Today we appeal to anyone who might have the smallest piece of information, which can help police bring answers about Simon's disappearance for the Knight family." South Sydney Police Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Christopher Hill said police believe there is someone out there that knows something about Simon's disappearance. Mr Hill said: 'To support this search for answers, anyone who may have held onto information since Simon's disappearance, is urged to come forward. 'We are keen to speak with anyone who lived or frequented Crown and Oxford streets, Surry Hills, in July 2005, particularly if they knew Simon and have not yet spoken to police. Any piece of new information – no matter how seemingly insignificant – could be the key to solve this case and help provide much-needed answers to Simon's family about what happened to him.' Simon's father, Bob Knight said although it has now been 20 years since Simon's disappearance, our family are very grateful to the police for their assistance and the work they have done to find out what happened to Simon. He said: 'Our family are still waiting, hoping one day we will get answers and closure. So please if you know anything, please get in touch with the police or Crime Stoppers.' The $250,000 reward is available for information leading to the discovery of Simon Knight's whereabouts or disclosing the circumstances of his disappearance.
Sky News AU
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
'Fresh take': NSW Police investigation into Married At First Sight quietly dropped after five months as Nine insiders hint at major changes to format
A police investigation that cast a shadow over the last season of Channel Nine's Married At First Sight has been quietly dropped after five months. NSW Police launched the investigation into the reality TV juggernaut in February after groom Paul Antoine punched a wall, sparking fan outrage. A NSW Police spokesperson on Wednesday told that "following an investigation conducted by officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command, no further police action is expected." The matter has now been resolved privately and out of the spotlight, and MAFS producers are promising a 'fresh take' on the dating show's format, which has dominated Australian reality TV for more than a decade. Nine launched a full-scale reset for the show's highly anticipated 2026 season, reportedly issuing a very clear directive: 'Go hard on challenging the participants, but keep the drama out of the courtroom.' can reveal that the network has implemented stricter background checks, more in-depth psychological screening, and tough new guidelines aimed at avoiding another police scandal. 'Safe Work was also heavily involved in reviewing the show's future, and Channel Nine has taken their recommendations very seriously,' a network insider said. 'They want compelling TV but not at the expense of cast wellbeing or legal risk.' Casting for the 2026 season is now complete, and filming is officially set to begin later this month in Sydney. The staple drama-filled events, including the infamous hens and bucks parties, will be first to kick off at a private Sydney residence. The full lineup of brides and grooms have meanwhile commenced preparation for an intense 12-week production schedule. Insiders say next year's couples reflect a shift away from 'influencer types' and toward 'everyday Australians' genuinely seeking love. 'There's a lot less slicked-back hair and neck tattoos and a lot more relatability,' one casting source told 'This cast feels real, and that's a big part of what we're aiming for in 2026.' While Channel Nine has yet to confirm an official air date for the next season, MAFS season 13 is expected to premiere in January 2026. Returning relationship experts John Aiken, Alessandra Rampolla, and Mel Schilling are committed and will fly in from across the globe to participate. 'John's back from Thailand, Alessandra's flying in from the US, and Mel's just wrapped commitments in the UK," a production source said. "They're all excited to be reuniting." It comes as the final weeks of pre-production weren't without stress. 'We struggled a bit locking in the last few grooms,' the source said. 'We had some really strong women and didn't want to lose them, so it was a bit of a puzzle to get the right matches.' As for the weddings, locations have been secured, but the dates for the for the nuptials still remain under wraps, even from the cast themselves. 'They've all (the cast) flown in for promotional shoots but still haven't been told who they're marrying or when,' one insider said. 'There's a lot of nervous energy. Everyone's hoping for love and not the bad edit.' Despite fan scepticism over past promises of format changes, insiders believe this season could really deliver something genuinely different. 'Every year we hear it'll have a new vibe,' one long-time production staffer quipped. 'But this time, the cast, the experts, even the tone. It actually feels different.'
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
MAFS Australia airs groom's punching scandal that's under police investigation
Married at First Sight Australia has aired the scandal that saw Paul Antoine become the subject of a police investigation. The groom, who was coupled up with Carina Mirabile for the 12th season of the reality show, was widely condemned for an incident in which he punched a hole in a door, with the police subsequently looking into the matter. As the latest episode aired in the UK, the context of the incident was explained, with things getting heated between Paul and Carina following a night out with their co-stars Rhi Disljenkovic and Jeff Gobbels. After spending the night apart, Paul explained that he had initially become upset after Carina shared that she had slept with a 'famous rapper' prior to them tying the knot on the show. The argument continued to their apartment, culminating with Paul punching the bedroom door. The following morning, Paul apologised to Carina for his 'regretful' and 'unacceptable' behaviour, adding that he was 'ashamed' and 'remorseful' for his 'disgusting loss of control and nerve.' Related: Carina echoed Paul's words in stating that the incident was 'unacceptable', continuing by sharing that she wouldn't 'condone' or 'tolerate' his behaviour. She did later state that she wanted to give Paul the 'benefit of the doubt', reasoning that she 'wasn't scared' of being in the 'same environment' as her husband despite the initial 'shock' of the incident. Paul later informed his co-stars of the incident at the latest dinner party, with Jeff and Dave Thomas Hand criticising him for his behaviour. Expert John Aiken also condemned Paul's actions, labelling his behaviour as 'very serious' and 'totally unacceptable'. Related: New South Wales Police announced on March 6 that they would be investigating the incident, with a spokesperson saying: 'The matter has been referred to officers from South Sydney Police Area Command, who have commenced an investigation. As the investigation is current, police will not be making any further comment in relation to the matter.' 'All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast and once the program has ended,' added Nine and Endemol Shine, the producers of the series, in a joint statement. 'We would always cooperate with authorities in any investigation. We will not be making any further comment at this time.' Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK. Interested in talking about Married at First Sight? Visit our dedicated sub-forum Read more Married at First Sight news on our dedicated homepage You Might Also Like PS5 consoles for sale – PlayStation 5 stock and restocks: Where to buy PS5 today? IS MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE 7 THE BEST IN THE SERIES? OUR REVIEW AEW game is a modern mix of No Mercy and SmackDown
