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Mercury
21-05-2025
- Mercury
Cherylee Masters murder linked to William Tyrrell person of interest Frank Abbott, according to inquest evidence
Don't miss out on the headlines from National. Followed categories will be added to My News. Tony Masters wants people to know his sister Cherylee was someone who used to play hopscotch and skip, and who loved horses, cats and dogs – she wasn't only the teenager who went missing. If more people knew her story, Tony said, maybe Cherylee wouldn't have ended up the victim of an unsolved murder. Her body was found buried in a shallow grave on the NSW Mid North Coast. 'I just feel like every possible system really let her down,' said Tony. Today, podcast Witness: William Tyrrell can reveal just how badly Cherylee was let down – and it is shocking. After Cherylee's remains were recovered in 2006 they were lost again by the authorities for years, meaning Cherylee's father died before the family could hold a funeral. The police did not attend a memorial service for her, despite being invited, Tony said. The records of an inquest into Cherylee's death also seem to have been misplaced, with the Coroner's Court of NSW now saying ' archives have not had any luck finding this file after numerous searches'. The podcast also reveals new evidence linking Cherylee to a convicted child abuser came to light at the William Tyrrell inquest almost six years ago – but was not followed up with her family by the police. 'I feel annoyed that people knew this,' Tony said. 'I just feel like she surely is now just another number on someone's desk. Or locked away in a room that nobody bothers to go into anymore.' Tony said he has not heard from the NSW Police Force for years, but called them after speaking to us about these revelations, to ask who is handling his sister's case. Months later, he has still not heard back. Earlier this week we revealed other evidence tendered to the inquest into three-year-old William Tyrrell's disappearance allegedly links two other unsolved murder victims to the same convicted child offender, Frank Abbott. Abbott, who is in prison for assaulting two girls and a boy, was named a 'person of interest' by police investigating William's likely death but was not questioned at the inquest. He has privately denied any role in what happened to William and was found not guilty of one of those murders, of 17-year-old Helen Harrison. We are not suggesting the alleged links are true, or that Abbott was in any way involved in either case, just that they are contained in evidence before the inquest and have not been fully investigated. Cherylee Masters was last seen in 2000 when she was 17. Cherylee's remains were recovered in 2006 but authorities then lost them. Seventeen-year-old Cherylee spent much of her life in and out of foster care, said Tony, and had developmental challenges that meant she was mentally closer to a 13- or 14-year-old. She was last seen in 2000, telling friends she planned to hitchhike from the city of Taree down the coast to Maitland. She never arrived. She was reported missing, but a former police officer who oversaw the work of the Taree detectives at this time told us he did not remember Cherylee's case being passed on for investigation. Six years later, her body was discovered in a shallow grave near what is now the Brimbin Reserve Picnic Area, just north of Taree. Police 'couldn't tell us anything – not how they believed she died, not any leads,' said Tony, and it was left to a funeral director to show the family that Cherylee had suffered a blow to the head. The findings of a 2009 inquest into her death make depressing reading, appearing to misspell Cherylee's surname and seeming not to acknowledge evidence she was seen alive in 2000. 'The deceased Cherylee Master (sic), between October 1995 and October 2005, at an unknown place in the state of New South Wales, died of an undeterminable cause in circumstances that I have also not been able to determine,' the coroner wrote. The coronial inquest essentially concluded she died somehow, somewhere, sometime. Cherylee was found buried in a shallow grave six years after she went missing. Ten years after this inconclusive inquiry, a woman called Iris Northam gave a written witness statement to the inquest investigating William's unrelated disappearance. That statement describes a teenage girl who went missing from Taree a few years after the disappearance and murder of another local woman, Margaret Cox, and whose body was found 'in Brimbin Road'. 'I don't remember the girl's name but her father was Rex Nolan,' Mrs Northam said in her statement. Rex Nolan was Cherylee's father. Mrs Northam told us that Abbott also used to work at a local market where Cherylee's father had a stall: ' He helped at the markets out there, where Rex and (Cherylee's stepmother) Karen used to sell stuff.' Her statement alleges that Frank Abbott used to describe how he drove a particular back road north of Taree, close to the site where Cherylee's body was discovered. It also alleges a number of potential links between Abbott and Margaret Cox, whose body was recovered from the Manning River outside Taree in 1996. The detective who took this statement, and who worked on the strike force investigating William's disappearance, said this information would be provided to the force's Unsolved Homicide Team, Mrs Northam told us. Years later, she has not heard back from the police. Another potential witness named in her statement has also not been contacted. Cherylee and Margaret are two of 67 women and children murdered or reported missing between 1977 and 2009 on the NSW North Coast whose cases remain unsolved. Inquest files from some of these cases describe failures in the police investigations. Frank Abbott, then 79, in June of 2014. Abbott is a person of interest in the disappearance of William Tyrrell and has been linked to three other murders including that of Cherylee Masters, according to new evidence tendered at the inquest. Frank Abbott as a younger man in 1994. Picture: Dean Sewell/SMH The Witness: William Tyrrell podcast has also revealed major flaws within the Unsolved Homicide Team, including missing evidence, huge backlogs of cases and files sitting unopened on one senior officer's desk unopened for a year. Mrs Northam said it weighed heavily on her that she had given that evidence to the William Tyrrell inquest and ' even though I did say something to someone … nothing's been done or I haven't heard anything'. Tony Masters now wants to see the police investigate these latest allegations, saying ' you think you would at least inquire and ask around and do a little bit of digging.' Abbott and the Coroner's Court of NSW both declined to answer questions. The NSW Police Force also declined to answer questions, except to release a statement, saying, 'The Margaret Cox and Cherylee Masters matters are with the Unsolved Homicide Team, who are also aware of the Helen Harrison matter. 'Any information that is identified relating to a homicide is assessed and relevant inquiries conducted,' the statement continued. Tony Masters is still waiting for the police to get in touch. | Originally published as Third murder victim linked to William Tyrrell person of interest Frank Abbott, according to inquest evidence
West Australian
19-05-2025
- West Australian
William Tyrrell: Buried near the ‘Bird Tree' on NSW Mid North Coast, according to explosive new claims
Explosive allegations have surfaced pointing to a new location where William Tyrrell's body could be buried. It is believed that William is buried near the 'Bird Tree' on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, according to fresh claims revealed in investigative podcast, Witness: William Tyrrell . The claims were allegedly made by the brother of a convicted pedophile, who was named a 'person of interest' to the investigation. It is reported that the disputed allegation was never heard during the inquest into the three-year-old's disappearance. The Bird Tree is a prominent landmark near Kendall, the area where William was reported missing in September 2014. It is one of a pair of very tall eucalyptus trees, with the other known as Benaroon. William disappeared from Benaroon Drive, which is around a 20-minute drive from the two trees, although reports state the area has not been searched by police. The allegation is one of a series of disturbing claims revealed during a months-long investigation into the former person of interest, Frank Abbott, reports. Among the claims are allegations that Mr Abbott, who is currently in prison for child sex offences, also sexually assaulted other young or teenage individuals. These claims were made independently by three people: one alleged victim, one alleged witness and a third man who said he personally knew the victim. Mr Abbott's history of child abuse convictions was also widely known among his former neighbours in Johns River, a small town not far from Kendall, where William was reported missing. The inquest looking into William's disappearance heard other claims about Mr Abbott, including that he boasted about having killed the three-year-old and burying him in a suitcase. Mr Abbott was not questioned at the inquest. Members of Mr Abbott's family have told they used to visit the Bird Tree as children.
Perth Now
19-05-2025
- Perth Now
Shock new claims surface in William Tyrrell investigation
Explosive allegations have surfaced pointing to a new location where William Tyrrell's body could be buried. It is believed that William is buried near the 'Bird Tree' on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, according to fresh claims revealed in investigative podcast, Witness: William Tyrrell. The claims were allegedly made by the brother of a convicted pedophile, who was named a 'person of interest' to the investigation. It is reported that the disputed allegation was never heard during the inquest into the three-year-old's disappearance. The Bird Tree is a prominent landmark near Kendall, the area where William was reported missing in September 2014. It is one of a pair of very tall eucalyptus trees, with the other known as Benaroon. It is believed that William is buried near the 'Bird Tree' on the NSW Mid North Coast, according to fresh claims. Credit: News Corp William disappeared from Benaroon Drive, which is around a 20-minute drive from the two trees, although reports state the area has not been searched by police. The allegation is one of a series of disturbing claims revealed during a months-long investigation into the former person of interest, Frank Abbott, reports. Among the claims are allegations that Mr Abbott, who is currently in prison for child sex offences, also sexually assaulted other young or teenage individuals. These claims were made independently by three people: one alleged victim, one alleged witness and a third man who said he personally knew the victim. Mr Abbott's history of child abuse convictions was also widely known among his former neighbours in Johns River, a small town not far from Kendall, where William was reported missing. The inquest looking into William's disappearance heard other claims about Mr Abbott, including that he boasted about having killed the three-year-old and burying him in a suitcase. Mr Abbott was not questioned at the inquest. Members of Mr Abbott's family have told they used to visit the Bird Tree as children.
Herald Sun
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Herald Sun
India Pakistan conflict: ‘This is no ceasefire': Horror sight after agreement
The conflict breaking out between India and Pakistan has escalated overnight despite both nuclear-armed nations reaching a surprise ceasefire agreement on Saturday. Both sides have accused the other of breaking the agreement. India first accused Pakistan of violating the deal and declared it would be retaliating. A short while later, Pakistan then pointed the finger at India and said attacks were still being carried out in some areas. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has praised himself for broking the ceasefire deal which was then allegedly broken within hours. Tensions between the two nations blew up after a terrorist attack by Islamist militants in the Indian-administered part of Kashmir. That attack on April 22, in the town Pahalgam, targeted Hindu tourists. The perpetrators killed 26 people, 25 of whom were Indian. Pakistan has denied any connection to it. Earlier this week, the Prime Minister of Pakistan has promised to 'avenge each drop of blood' spilt as a consequence of India's air strikes, in a chilling indication that tensions between the two nuclear powers are likely to keep escalating. India said Wednesday's missile strikes were launched in response to the terrorist attack and massacre of its people. The total civilian death toll for both sides sits at 66 as of early this morning. Follow live coverage below for updates. Originally published as India Pakistan conflict live updates: Both sides accuse the other of breaching ceasefire deal
New York Post
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
New breed of cheating on the rise — and women are fighting back
A Perth woman has revealed she dumped her boyfriend for subscribing to a popular porn star's OnlyFans account, stating it's the same as 'cheating' – and it turns out, she's not alone in that view. New data has revealed most Australians believe that if their partner looks at explicit videos and photos shared by adult content creators on the popular subscription site, then it's akin to straying from their relationship. Advertisement The divide over what constitutes the ultimate relationship betrayal was uncovered in the results of Great Aussie Debate, a 50 question survey that delves into what Australians really think about the hot topics of 2025. Over two weeks, more than 54,000 Australians took part in the survey, revealing their thoughts on everything from the cost of living and homeownership, to electric vehicles and going shoeless in supermarkets. 3 A Perth woman says she broke up with her boyfriend after she subscribed to a popular porn star's OnlyFans account. Shutterstock No subject was off the table, including attitudes towards the pay-for-view platform massively occupied by sex workers, that has boomed in recent years. Advertisement What emerged in the findings was that, with certain caveats, the vast majority of people consider it cheating if their other-half has a subscription to view X-rated content on OnlyFans. Of those surveyed, 50 percent said it was 'definitely' cheating, while another 42 percent said it 'depends on the type of interactions' being had with the creator, showing that perceptions of a partner's 'cheating' are highly subjective and depend heavily on individual values and relationship context. Only 8 percent of people consider using OnlyFans a 'normal' part of a relationship. Maddi Miller, an OnlyFans star earning USD $19,272 every month, said that, despite her highly lucrative salary as a sex worker, she draws a line in her own relationships. Advertisement 'Trust is so important, which is why I had to end it with an ex after I caught him looking at naked photos of other women while in bed with me,' she told 'If my ex had maybe asked to watch some content together, or he had expressed that he was curious, then we could have had a conversation about it. 'But the fact that he was deliberately looking at porn created by people I knew was not okay.' 3 Maddi Miller, who earns around USD $19,272 per month from OnlyFans, said she also draws a line in her own relationships despite being a sex worker. Instagram/@maddimillerr Advertisement 'It was a huge breach of my trust. I wouldn't be asking his mates for nudes. It's the same thing. It's betrayal.' The 20-year-old, who lives in a small mining town in Western Australia, said her former boyfriend tried to cover his tracks and lied about his OnlyFans consumption. 'I only found out because saw it on his phone one night over his shoulder,' she explained. 'He tried to cover it up, and said his mate sent him a link that he opened it without knowing what it was.' 'But once I investigated further, I could see in his emails that he had subscribed to multiple women that I knew. The timestamps on the emails showed that he had been laying in bed next to me while he did it.' 3 Miller told 'Trust is so important, which is why I had to end it with an ex after I caught him looking at naked photos of other women while in bed with me.' Instagram/@maddimillerr Ms. Miller described the act of 'betrayal' as extremely damaging, stating it created a lot of self-doubt that still feeds into her relationships today. 'Being young and having financial independence is great but it often attracts men who don't have the best intentions,' she said. Advertisement 'And like this circumstance, they think it's okay to push boundaries that we've set in place.' 'Like it's owed to them because I do OnlyFans. But it's a job for me. It doesn't mean he can go and do whatever he wants.' Much like Ms. Miller's experience, the Great Aussie Debate findings reflect the complexity of the modern relationship issue, with a stark difference between male and female attitudes to OnlyFans. The vast majority of women surveyed (61.3 percent) believe their partners subscribing to OnlyFans is definitely cheating. Advertisement In contrast, 46.1 percent of men quizzed stated it depends on the interaction, while only 35.5 percent of female respondents felt the same way. The findings demonstrate the complexity of defining infidelity in the digital age, says Lucy Banks, a sex worker and owner of 'spicy' talent agency, Million Billion Media. 'I've been in the OnlyFans sphere since before Covid and have seen it evolve from a side hustle that everyone seemed unsure about, to a full blown machine that has transformed the entire adult industry,' she told Advertisement 'Along with that, society and relationships have also evolved, meaning the level of transparency, emotional intelligence, and communication required to maintain a healthy relationship is now much higher.' 'Is it cheating if your partner subscribes to someone on OnlyFans? It really depends on the relationship.' 'As someone who not only makes content but also works with other women in the industry, the pattern I see consistently, regardless of age, gender, or content type, is that the strongest relationships are the ones built on trust, open dialogue, and mutual respect.' When hit the streets, everyday Aussies echoed the data, showing men and women were divided on what constitutes cheating on OnlyFans. Advertisement One activewear-clad woman said it was cheating, but it depended on what sort of explicit content her partner was watching. While her friend, who was also dressed head-to-toe in figure-hugging workout gear agreed, stating 'how much money' was being spent also played into it. 'If you're paying for something, interacting and have a particular person of interest, that's definitely cheating,' she said. Meanwhile two blokes who were asked 'is subscribing to OnlyFans cheating?' said they didn't think it was akin to having an affair. However one described it as a 'dog act' as it crossed a line in a relationship. 'If I was with someone for say five years, I'd be like, 'what's going on here?',' he reasoned. 'That would be a big fight. Whereas with someone new? Bye.'
