Thursday, February 19, 2015
Malevolent koala evicts rival from tree
A koala has been spotted wrestling another koala out of a tree in a territorial dispute in Adelaide, Australia.
The victim was not injured and wandered off to find a tree of its own.
YouTube link.
The victim was not injured and wandered off to find a tree of its own.
YouTube link.
Dog that chased squirrel rescued from crevice 50-feet down cliff by firefighters
Firefighters rescued a dog who'd become stuck in a California cliff crevice while chasing a squirrel.
Smokey the dog was being walked along the top of the Santa Monica Bluffs on Monday afternoon when he spotted the critter.
80-pound Smokey charged off to chase the animal into some bushes. But he then fell 50-feet down a gap in the rocks and became trapped.
Fire crews were called and traffic was stopped on the Pacific Coast Highway below so they could carry out the risky rescue attempt. Two firefighters were hoisted up on a ladder.
YouTube link. Original BBC News video. Longer alternative video.
They then spent 30 minutes coaxing the petrified pup out from his hiding hole. The pooch was then safely reunited with his relieved owners on the ground.
80-pound Smokey charged off to chase the animal into some bushes. But he then fell 50-feet down a gap in the rocks and became trapped.
Fire crews were called and traffic was stopped on the Pacific Coast Highway below so they could carry out the risky rescue attempt. Two firefighters were hoisted up on a ladder.
YouTube link. Original BBC News video. Longer alternative video.
They then spent 30 minutes coaxing the petrified pup out from his hiding hole. The pooch was then safely reunited with his relieved owners on the ground.
Woman who accidentally fatally shot herself in the eye had been adjusting her bra holster
A woman who accidentally shot herself in the eye on New Years Day at her Lake Michigan home was adjusting the handgun in her bra holster, police say.
St. Joseph Public Safety detectives are still waiting on the full autopsy report in the death of Christina Bond, 55, but released the new details on Wednesday. "She was having trouble adjusting her bra holster, couldn't get it to fit the way she wanted it to.
"She was looking down at it and accidentally discharged the weapon," said St. Joseph Public Safety Director Mark Clapp. Officers responded to her lakeside home at 5:10pm on January 1 to find Bond with a gunshot wound to the eye. She was taken to Lakeland Hospital and then airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital where she died the next day.
According to her obituary, Bond joined the United States Navy out of high school. She served 2 terms and was an active MP (Military Police) Officer. As an active member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, Christina was on FIRE for the LORD. She often served the Berrien County Jail in ministry as well as being an active member on her church’s prayer team.
St. Joseph Public Safety detectives are still waiting on the full autopsy report in the death of Christina Bond, 55, but released the new details on Wednesday. "She was having trouble adjusting her bra holster, couldn't get it to fit the way she wanted it to.
"She was looking down at it and accidentally discharged the weapon," said St. Joseph Public Safety Director Mark Clapp. Officers responded to her lakeside home at 5:10pm on January 1 to find Bond with a gunshot wound to the eye. She was taken to Lakeland Hospital and then airlifted to Bronson Methodist Hospital where she died the next day.
According to her obituary, Bond joined the United States Navy out of high school. She served 2 terms and was an active MP (Military Police) Officer. As an active member of the Christian Motorcycle Association, Christina was on FIRE for the LORD. She often served the Berrien County Jail in ministry as well as being an active member on her church’s prayer team.
Man who claimed he'd been assaulted by police caught on camera punching himself in the face
Police officers say a California man's attempt at freedom left him with two self-inflicted black eyes and a pair of convictions.
Aleksander R. Tomaszewski, complained he was beaten by detectives in Oregon when he was in custody and insisted on pressing charges against them, said Sgt. Carrie Carver, a Lane County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman.
But a video camera didn't capture the alleged assault. Instead, it recorded Tomaszewski punching himself in the face multiple times. "When he learned that the incident was caught on camera, he admitted that he thought making the claim would get him released," Carver said. The incident unfolded on January 9, when Tomaszewski was being interviewed on suspicion of sexual abuse.
Carver said video cameras were rolling in the interview room and in a holding cell where Tomaszewski was later moved. The second camera recorded him assaulting himself. But she said when deputies asked about his injuries, Tomaszewski blamed the detectives who had interviewed him earlier. He repeatedly said he wanted to press charges and signed a statement spelling out the police brutality he claimed happened, according to Carver. Video footage disproved his story.
YouTube link.
The four-minute video shows Tomaszewski pacing as he punched both eyes. He then sat down and resumed pounding his face. Tomaszewski pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and filing a false report and was on convicted February 10. Both charges carried a 20-day prison sentence, but he was given credit for time served and released from jail the same day. He also must pay $600 in fines and serve three years' probation. Sheriff's office records show the sex-abuse charge that initially brought about his arrest was dismissed.
But a video camera didn't capture the alleged assault. Instead, it recorded Tomaszewski punching himself in the face multiple times. "When he learned that the incident was caught on camera, he admitted that he thought making the claim would get him released," Carver said. The incident unfolded on January 9, when Tomaszewski was being interviewed on suspicion of sexual abuse.
Carver said video cameras were rolling in the interview room and in a holding cell where Tomaszewski was later moved. The second camera recorded him assaulting himself. But she said when deputies asked about his injuries, Tomaszewski blamed the detectives who had interviewed him earlier. He repeatedly said he wanted to press charges and signed a statement spelling out the police brutality he claimed happened, according to Carver. Video footage disproved his story.
YouTube link.
The four-minute video shows Tomaszewski pacing as he punched both eyes. He then sat down and resumed pounding his face. Tomaszewski pleaded guilty to attempted coercion and filing a false report and was on convicted February 10. Both charges carried a 20-day prison sentence, but he was given credit for time served and released from jail the same day. He also must pay $600 in fines and serve three years' probation. Sheriff's office records show the sex-abuse charge that initially brought about his arrest was dismissed.
Sea lion pup hitched ride on family kayak
A sea lion pup jumped on to a kayak being paddled in Santa Barbara, California, by an Orange County family last weekend and the ride lasted over an hour.
Ron Gist said they felt the kayak rocking and then saw the pup behind them. In a short time it was part of the family.
"About five, ten minutes in, I was able to touch him and pet him. He was able to put his head up under my arm trying to get in my lap," said Rodney Gist of Fullerton. He was with his 10-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, and nearby his wife and other daughter were in another kayak.
"My wife is somewhat freaking out, thinking about this experience, this wild animal on board with us," said Gist. The encounter was captured by Joe Buttita, who was on Stearns Wharf at the time the Gist family paddled by with the friendly new passenger. Marine mammal experts do not encourage the public to be this close to the animals or feed them.
Raw video.
YouTube video.
The sea lions can be unpredictable. In this case, however, the pup looked fine and was not aggressive. "We finally brought him into shore. We brought the kayak backs, he rode with us all the way in," said Gist. "It was absolutely incredible we had a great time with the family. It was an experience we couldn't ever duplicate. Incredible."
There's a news video here.
"About five, ten minutes in, I was able to touch him and pet him. He was able to put his head up under my arm trying to get in my lap," said Rodney Gist of Fullerton. He was with his 10-year-old daughter and five-year-old son, and nearby his wife and other daughter were in another kayak.
"My wife is somewhat freaking out, thinking about this experience, this wild animal on board with us," said Gist. The encounter was captured by Joe Buttita, who was on Stearns Wharf at the time the Gist family paddled by with the friendly new passenger. Marine mammal experts do not encourage the public to be this close to the animals or feed them.
Raw video.
YouTube video.
The sea lions can be unpredictable. In this case, however, the pup looked fine and was not aggressive. "We finally brought him into shore. We brought the kayak backs, he rode with us all the way in," said Gist. "It was absolutely incredible we had a great time with the family. It was an experience we couldn't ever duplicate. Incredible."
There's a news video here.
Paediatrician concedes that hog-tying seven-year-old boy was inappropriate
A paediatrician from Australia's Gold Coast accused of "hog-tying" a seven-year-old patient has conceded in court that in hindsight his actions were inappropriate.
Dr Neville Davis was charged with common assault after the boy's mother alleged he "hog-tied" the seven-year-old's hands and ankles, and sat on his back during a patient consultation in October 2012.
Dr Davis told a summary trial in the Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning that although he had tied the boy up, he had not sat on him.
He said he squatted over the child to demonstrate the technique that Dr Davis said would help control the boy's "dangerous and disruptive" behaviour. Dr Davis said the technique was intended to be a distraction but it had not worked, and in hindsight he could see it was not appropriate. The court heard conditions set by the Australian Medical Board since the allegations required Dr Davis to have a chaperone present during consultations, as part of his medical registration conditions.
When the police prosecutor questioned Dr Davis in court, he asked: "Have you ever used the technique before or since this consultation?" Dr Davis replied: "No, because it hasn't been necessary." The prosecutor asked: "Do you accept your actions were an aberrant lack of judgment considering your exemplary history caring for children?" Dr Davis replied: "Yes." Meanwhile, defence barrister Kerri Mellifont told the court the claim by the boy's mother that Dr Davis sat on her child was a "ludicrous proposition".
Ms Mellifont said the boy's mother had changed her evidence to make her story fit and was not a trusted witness. The defence lawyer said the mother's claim the doctor tied a rope around the boy's neck did not fit with other evidence. But the mother, who took several pictures of the incident, claims he wrapped the rope around the boy's neck, sat on him and threatened to put the boy's head in the toilet. The trial has been adjourned until a date to be fixed.
He said he squatted over the child to demonstrate the technique that Dr Davis said would help control the boy's "dangerous and disruptive" behaviour. Dr Davis said the technique was intended to be a distraction but it had not worked, and in hindsight he could see it was not appropriate. The court heard conditions set by the Australian Medical Board since the allegations required Dr Davis to have a chaperone present during consultations, as part of his medical registration conditions.
When the police prosecutor questioned Dr Davis in court, he asked: "Have you ever used the technique before or since this consultation?" Dr Davis replied: "No, because it hasn't been necessary." The prosecutor asked: "Do you accept your actions were an aberrant lack of judgment considering your exemplary history caring for children?" Dr Davis replied: "Yes." Meanwhile, defence barrister Kerri Mellifont told the court the claim by the boy's mother that Dr Davis sat on her child was a "ludicrous proposition".
Ms Mellifont said the boy's mother had changed her evidence to make her story fit and was not a trusted witness. The defence lawyer said the mother's claim the doctor tied a rope around the boy's neck did not fit with other evidence. But the mother, who took several pictures of the incident, claims he wrapped the rope around the boy's neck, sat on him and threatened to put the boy's head in the toilet. The trial has been adjourned until a date to be fixed.
Fish with two mouths caught in Australian lake
A bony bream with two mouths has turned up in a net at Lake Bonney in South Australia's Riverland.
Garry Warrick said he caught the unusual fish in the lake or one of the creeks adjoining it.
"Both mouths are actually joined together," he said. "The top one opens and closes but the bottom one looks permanently open. Other than that, it looks like a normal fish."
Mr Warrick has worked as a commercial fisherman in the region for 30 years and catches about 100 tonnes of carp and bream each year. He said this was the first time he had come across a bony bream with two mouths.
"I normally pack them for cray bait and fertiliser but this one I put in the freezer," Mr Warrick said. The two-mouthed fish was alive when Mr Warrick spotted it in the net.
"Both mouths are actually joined together," he said. "The top one opens and closes but the bottom one looks permanently open. Other than that, it looks like a normal fish."
Mr Warrick has worked as a commercial fisherman in the region for 30 years and catches about 100 tonnes of carp and bream each year. He said this was the first time he had come across a bony bream with two mouths.
"I normally pack them for cray bait and fertiliser but this one I put in the freezer," Mr Warrick said. The two-mouthed fish was alive when Mr Warrick spotted it in the net.
Angry bride married wedding guest after groom-to-be suffered epileptic seizure during ceremony
All was going well at the wedding ceremony in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh between 25-year-old Jugal Kishore, a resident of Moradabad, and his 23-year-old bride Indira from Rampur. That's until the "varmala" ceremony, where the groom garlands his would-be wife, began.
Just as he extended his arms to do that, Kishore had an epileptic fit, falling to the ground in front of the whole gathering.
The young bride, angry that her family had been kept in the dark about Kishore's medical condition, promptly changed her mind and announced that she would happily marry at the same ceremony a guest at the wedding, a man called Harpal Singh. The latter, incidentally, turned out to be her sister's brother-in-law. Singh, caught unaware and dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, fumbled for a moment before declaring he would willingly take Indira as his wife.
This time the "varmala" was exchanged between Singh and Indira, which went off without any hitch, with the pandit reciting the mantras and asking the new couple to take the seven "pheras". Meanwhile, Kishore, who had been rushed to a doctor by his relatives, went back to the venue after he regained consciousness to see that his wife-to-be was now someone else's. Kishore pleaded with Indira, telling her that he would not be able to face friends and neighbours if he returned without her. His relatives, too, tried to intervene on his behalf.
Where persuasion failed, violence was used - spoons, plates and dishes became weapons as wedding guests tried to force the bride to change her mind. But all in vain. The young woman stood firm. Kishore and his relatives later filed an First Information Report at the Milak police station in Rampur district, which they eventually withdrew after elders intervened. Station House Officer, RP Solanki said on Monday that officers had detained a few people who were there at the wedding. "Both families have amicably resolved the matter," Solanki said. "The complaints have been withdrawn. Kishore and his family have now returned in peace to Moradabad."
The young bride, angry that her family had been kept in the dark about Kishore's medical condition, promptly changed her mind and announced that she would happily marry at the same ceremony a guest at the wedding, a man called Harpal Singh. The latter, incidentally, turned out to be her sister's brother-in-law. Singh, caught unaware and dressed in jeans and a leather jacket, fumbled for a moment before declaring he would willingly take Indira as his wife.
This time the "varmala" was exchanged between Singh and Indira, which went off without any hitch, with the pandit reciting the mantras and asking the new couple to take the seven "pheras". Meanwhile, Kishore, who had been rushed to a doctor by his relatives, went back to the venue after he regained consciousness to see that his wife-to-be was now someone else's. Kishore pleaded with Indira, telling her that he would not be able to face friends and neighbours if he returned without her. His relatives, too, tried to intervene on his behalf.
Where persuasion failed, violence was used - spoons, plates and dishes became weapons as wedding guests tried to force the bride to change her mind. But all in vain. The young woman stood firm. Kishore and his relatives later filed an First Information Report at the Milak police station in Rampur district, which they eventually withdrew after elders intervened. Station House Officer, RP Solanki said on Monday that officers had detained a few people who were there at the wedding. "Both families have amicably resolved the matter," Solanki said. "The complaints have been withdrawn. Kishore and his family have now returned in peace to Moradabad."
Police step up hunt for serial Lego thief
Police in Hampshire are building a case against a thief who has stolen thousands of pounds worth of Lego from a Hampshire supermarket.
The one man crime wave has struck nine times within just two weeks, targeting the store's display of children's Lego and fleeing with boxes worth hundreds of pounds each time.
Officers hunting the serial thief have now released a CCTV image of the man they believe to be responsible and hope someone will recognise him before he is able to strike again. They are carefully piecing together the evidence from the last fortnight and are urging anyone who may have been offered Lego for sale to come forward with what could be vital information to help them catching their man.
The thief first struck on February 1, walking into the Asda supermarket in Fareham, picking up 46 boxes of generic Lego, worth £1,078 and walking out of the store without paying. The thief then struck again on February 4, stealing £180 worth of Star Wars Lego. He was back in store on February 6, when he picked up £633 worth of Star Wars Lego and walked out without paying and again on February 8, when he stole £30 boxes of generic Lego worth £300.
After a week's break, the latest theft happened on February 14, when the thief entered the store and fled with more generic Lego worth £416 - bringing his total haul of Lego to just over £2,600. PC Simon Wright, from Hampshire Crimestoppers, said: “If you know who this man is, or if you have been offered Lego for sale, please do call the police. It's easy to assume that shoplifting is a victimless crime and 'doesn't matter' but we all finish up paying for those who simply help themselves.”
Officers hunting the serial thief have now released a CCTV image of the man they believe to be responsible and hope someone will recognise him before he is able to strike again. They are carefully piecing together the evidence from the last fortnight and are urging anyone who may have been offered Lego for sale to come forward with what could be vital information to help them catching their man.
The thief first struck on February 1, walking into the Asda supermarket in Fareham, picking up 46 boxes of generic Lego, worth £1,078 and walking out of the store without paying. The thief then struck again on February 4, stealing £180 worth of Star Wars Lego. He was back in store on February 6, when he picked up £633 worth of Star Wars Lego and walked out without paying and again on February 8, when he stole £30 boxes of generic Lego worth £300.
After a week's break, the latest theft happened on February 14, when the thief entered the store and fled with more generic Lego worth £416 - bringing his total haul of Lego to just over £2,600. PC Simon Wright, from Hampshire Crimestoppers, said: “If you know who this man is, or if you have been offered Lego for sale, please do call the police. It's easy to assume that shoplifting is a victimless crime and 'doesn't matter' but we all finish up paying for those who simply help themselves.”
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