as posted here
Police in Perth say two men have suffered severe burns while working on a car at a suburban property.
A 21-year-old man suffered burns to 75 per cent of his body and his 43-year-old father suffered burns to 40 per cent of his body.
It is understood the two were draining fuel from a car when vapours in the engine caught fire.
as posted here
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Cruise passengers disembark in Fremantle despite swine flu fears
as posted here
Passengers from the $1 billion cruise liner Sun Princess are disembarking in Fremantle this morning, despite fears that a small number of passengers remain in isolation with suspected swine flu.
Seven passengers aboard the 2000-berth vessel were cleared of swine flu yesterday after swabs were flown to WA from Mauritius, the ship’s last port of call before Fremantle on its 46-night trip.
A spokesman for the Sun Princess said the isolated passengers would be transported off the superliner separately and then taken into custody of the WA Health Department.
All passengers will report to WA Health Communicable Disease Control officers before disembarking, who have set up inside the passenger terminal.
A Health Department spokeswoman said all passengers would have to fill out health declaration cards on arrival in line with national protocols before being let off the ship.
Five people were confirmed yesterday afternoon to have influenza A and two were cleared completely.
The Sun Princess docked in Fremantle port at 6am. The ship left Sydney on May 2 for an Indian Ocean cruise and is the first international cruise ship to arrive in Perth since the outbreak of the A/H1N1 virus.
The Sun Princess is the sister cruise ship of the Dawn Princess, which was forced to anchor offshore earlier this month in Queensland while authorities took the precaution of testing five passengers and a crew member for swine flu.
The health alert comes as the number of swine flu cases in WA hit 82 yesterday, after another seven people were diagnosed. They included a 16-year-old Wesley College student, a 14-year-old in Thornlie and a nine-year-old at Geraldton Primary School. Four adults were also confirmed as having A/H1N1, including one from Wesley College, as well as one each from Nedlands, Mullaloo and the East Kimberley.
PERTH
KATE TARALA,LEE RONDGANGER
as posted here
Passengers from the $1 billion cruise liner Sun Princess are disembarking in Fremantle this morning, despite fears that a small number of passengers remain in isolation with suspected swine flu.
Seven passengers aboard the 2000-berth vessel were cleared of swine flu yesterday after swabs were flown to WA from Mauritius, the ship’s last port of call before Fremantle on its 46-night trip.
A spokesman for the Sun Princess said the isolated passengers would be transported off the superliner separately and then taken into custody of the WA Health Department.
All passengers will report to WA Health Communicable Disease Control officers before disembarking, who have set up inside the passenger terminal.
A Health Department spokeswoman said all passengers would have to fill out health declaration cards on arrival in line with national protocols before being let off the ship.
Five people were confirmed yesterday afternoon to have influenza A and two were cleared completely.
The Sun Princess docked in Fremantle port at 6am. The ship left Sydney on May 2 for an Indian Ocean cruise and is the first international cruise ship to arrive in Perth since the outbreak of the A/H1N1 virus.
The Sun Princess is the sister cruise ship of the Dawn Princess, which was forced to anchor offshore earlier this month in Queensland while authorities took the precaution of testing five passengers and a crew member for swine flu.
The health alert comes as the number of swine flu cases in WA hit 82 yesterday, after another seven people were diagnosed. They included a 16-year-old Wesley College student, a 14-year-old in Thornlie and a nine-year-old at Geraldton Primary School. Four adults were also confirmed as having A/H1N1, including one from Wesley College, as well as one each from Nedlands, Mullaloo and the East Kimberley.
PERTH
KATE TARALA,LEE RONDGANGER
as posted here
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Father and son burnt in Thornlie car explosion
as posted here
A Perth father and son are in hospital with serious burns after a car they were working on exploded.
The son, 21, received burns to 75 per cent of his body while his 43-year-old father received burns to 40 per cent of his body.
The pair were working on a car in a semi-enclosed carport in Thornlie about 5.30pm yesterday when a spark ignited fuel vapours under the bonnet causing a flash fire explosion.
Police were first on the scene, placing the father in a shower while the son was put under a garden hose to alleviate the pain.
Both men remain in Royal Perth Hospital this morning.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARD
as posted here
A Perth father and son are in hospital with serious burns after a car they were working on exploded.
The son, 21, received burns to 75 per cent of his body while his 43-year-old father received burns to 40 per cent of his body.
The pair were working on a car in a semi-enclosed carport in Thornlie about 5.30pm yesterday when a spark ignited fuel vapours under the bonnet causing a flash fire explosion.
Police were first on the scene, placing the father in a shower while the son was put under a garden hose to alleviate the pain.
Both men remain in Royal Perth Hospital this morning.
PERTH
JAYNE RICKARD
as posted here
Thursday 11 June 2009
Cold front dumps 28mm on city, heavy falls in South-West
as posted here
2PM UPDATE: A COLD front has dumped nearly 30mm rain on Perth overnight and early today, causing minor flooding on some roads and slowing traffic.
Traffic was brought to a virtual standstill on many major arteries into the city as commuters battled heavy rain and reduced visibility.
By 2.30pm Perth had recorded 28.4mm; Perth Airport had 24mm, Swanbourne 23mm; Jandakot 34mm, Gosnells 12mm and Medina in the south had 12mm.
In the Hills, Bickley has had 30mm, and Karnett, 70km south of Perth, had 20mm.
Yesterday Geraldton in the Mid-West was deluged with 38mm.
In the South West, Windy Harbour has had 38mm; Witchliffe, on the south coast, had 23mm, Cape Leeuwin 16mm, Busselton 17mm and Harvey 15mm to 9am today.
Forecast for Thursday
Showers and the chance of a thunderstorm, easing during the afternoon. Moderate
to fresh W/SW winds.
Precis: Showers, possible thunderstorm.
City: Max 19
Mandurah: Max 18
Friday Fine. Min 5 Max 18
Saturday Fine. Min 3 Max 18
Sunday Fine. Min 3 Max 18
Monday Fine. Min 3 Max 20
Tuesday Fine. Min 4 Max 21
Wednesday Shower or two. Min 4 Max 21
as posted here
2PM UPDATE: A COLD front has dumped nearly 30mm rain on Perth overnight and early today, causing minor flooding on some roads and slowing traffic.
Traffic was brought to a virtual standstill on many major arteries into the city as commuters battled heavy rain and reduced visibility.
By 2.30pm Perth had recorded 28.4mm; Perth Airport had 24mm, Swanbourne 23mm; Jandakot 34mm, Gosnells 12mm and Medina in the south had 12mm.
In the Hills, Bickley has had 30mm, and Karnett, 70km south of Perth, had 20mm.
Yesterday Geraldton in the Mid-West was deluged with 38mm.
In the South West, Windy Harbour has had 38mm; Witchliffe, on the south coast, had 23mm, Cape Leeuwin 16mm, Busselton 17mm and Harvey 15mm to 9am today.
Forecast for Thursday
Showers and the chance of a thunderstorm, easing during the afternoon. Moderate
to fresh W/SW winds.
Precis: Showers, possible thunderstorm.
City: Max 19
Mandurah: Max 18
Friday Fine. Min 5 Max 18
Saturday Fine. Min 3 Max 18
Sunday Fine. Min 3 Max 18
Monday Fine. Min 3 Max 20
Tuesday Fine. Min 4 Max 21
Wednesday Shower or two. Min 4 Max 21
as posted here
Compass wins breathing space with sale
as posted here
5th June 2009, 7:30 WST
Cash-strapped Compass Hotel Group has sold its Gosnells Railway Markets site to an unidentified private investor in a deal which will help it pay down debt and gain breathing space from its bank.
Compass managing director Bryan Northcote said yesterday the company was happy with the $5.68 million sale price in light of property market conditions. It represented an 18.3 per cent discount to book value but a 13.5 per cent premium to valuation.
“Obviously we’d like to sell things above book, but it’s a non-core asset (and) we’re happy with the price we got over valuation in this market,” he said.
The company hopes to use the majority of the cash to pay down debt but has sought permission from financier St George Bank to retain some for working capital. It bought the Gosnells markets site as part of its acquisition of the Gosnells Hotel in 2007.
Mr Northcote said Compass was also pursuing “various options” to strengthen its balance sheet, including the sale of other non-core assets such as the Peninsula Tavern in Maylands which has been earmarked for redevelopment. Once property development markets improved, the group would market that site with a view to a sale and lease-back agreement.
Compass has struggled to match prospectus revenue and profit forecasts after buying a stable of Perth’s best-known watering holes such as the Greenwood Hotel, Carine Glades Tavern and the Albion Hotel in Cottesloe at the height of the property boom.
It revealed in February that it was in breach of its banking covenants at December 28 for the second time in six months. It has since been renegotiating with St George to avoid a further breach at its June year-end.
As at December 28, Compass had total liabilities of $122.6 million, including borrowings of $95.2 million, against total assets of $160 million and $3.1 million in cash.
The stock last traded at 4¢.
RACHEL DONKIN
as posted here
5th June 2009, 7:30 WST
Cash-strapped Compass Hotel Group has sold its Gosnells Railway Markets site to an unidentified private investor in a deal which will help it pay down debt and gain breathing space from its bank.
Compass managing director Bryan Northcote said yesterday the company was happy with the $5.68 million sale price in light of property market conditions. It represented an 18.3 per cent discount to book value but a 13.5 per cent premium to valuation.
“Obviously we’d like to sell things above book, but it’s a non-core asset (and) we’re happy with the price we got over valuation in this market,” he said.
The company hopes to use the majority of the cash to pay down debt but has sought permission from financier St George Bank to retain some for working capital. It bought the Gosnells markets site as part of its acquisition of the Gosnells Hotel in 2007.
Mr Northcote said Compass was also pursuing “various options” to strengthen its balance sheet, including the sale of other non-core assets such as the Peninsula Tavern in Maylands which has been earmarked for redevelopment. Once property development markets improved, the group would market that site with a view to a sale and lease-back agreement.
Compass has struggled to match prospectus revenue and profit forecasts after buying a stable of Perth’s best-known watering holes such as the Greenwood Hotel, Carine Glades Tavern and the Albion Hotel in Cottesloe at the height of the property boom.
It revealed in February that it was in breach of its banking covenants at December 28 for the second time in six months. It has since been renegotiating with St George to avoid a further breach at its June year-end.
As at December 28, Compass had total liabilities of $122.6 million, including borrowings of $95.2 million, against total assets of $160 million and $3.1 million in cash.
The stock last traded at 4¢.
RACHEL DONKIN
as posted here
Four men charged over drug lab
as posted here
Police in Perth say four men have been charged over the discovery of a hydroponic cannabis set up and a drug laboratory.
It is alleged police found more than 90 cannabis plants during a search of a property in Margaret Street, Gosnells yesterday morning.
A later search of a house in Fremantle Road uncovered a methamphetamine laboratory, a rifle, ammunition and a stolen four-wheel drive.
The men have been charged with drug offences and are due to face the Armadale Magistrates Court this week
as posted here
Police in Perth say four men have been charged over the discovery of a hydroponic cannabis set up and a drug laboratory.
It is alleged police found more than 90 cannabis plants during a search of a property in Margaret Street, Gosnells yesterday morning.
A later search of a house in Fremantle Road uncovered a methamphetamine laboratory, a rifle, ammunition and a stolen four-wheel drive.
The men have been charged with drug offences and are due to face the Armadale Magistrates Court this week
as posted here
Men charged over Gosnells drug labs
as posted here
Four men will face court this week after a police raid on an alleged clandestine drug laboratory and hydroponic drugs operation at Gosnells.
Police searched a Margaret Street home yesterday morning and allegedly found a shed that had been converted into a number of rooms containing a hydroponic setup growing 90 cannabis plants.
Later in the afternoon police searched a nearby house in Fremantle Road and allegedly found another drug laboratory at the rear of the premises and a large amount of chemicals associated with the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
Police also seized a rifle and ammunition, a quantity of methyl amphetamine and cannabis and are investigating the discovery of a stolen Ford Explorer allegedly found in the backyard.
Three Gosnells men are expected to appear before the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today and tomorrow charged with offences including cultivating cannabis with intent to sell or supply and possessing cannabis.
A Kenwick man, 28, has been charged with breach of bail and will appear before the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Four men will face court this week after a police raid on an alleged clandestine drug laboratory and hydroponic drugs operation at Gosnells.
Police searched a Margaret Street home yesterday morning and allegedly found a shed that had been converted into a number of rooms containing a hydroponic setup growing 90 cannabis plants.
Later in the afternoon police searched a nearby house in Fremantle Road and allegedly found another drug laboratory at the rear of the premises and a large amount of chemicals associated with the manufacture of methylamphetamine.
Police also seized a rifle and ammunition, a quantity of methyl amphetamine and cannabis and are investigating the discovery of a stolen Ford Explorer allegedly found in the backyard.
Three Gosnells men are expected to appear before the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today and tomorrow charged with offences including cultivating cannabis with intent to sell or supply and possessing cannabis.
A Kenwick man, 28, has been charged with breach of bail and will appear before the Armadale Magistrate’s Court today.
PERTH
LISA CALAUTTI
as posted here
Appeal judge questions sentence of baby killer
as posted here
The jail term handed to the 25-year-old drink driver who killed 11-month baby Grace Moorby after crashing into her front yard seemed low considering the "colossal" amount of alcohol he drank before the incident, an appeal judge said today.
Appeal Judge Geoffrey Miller’s comment came as the State appealed against the three years and eight months sentence handed to Benjamin Alan Butler last November for the tragic death of Grace Moorsby and the injuring of her mother Tania Moorby when he careered into their Thornlie yard on April 18, 2007 with a blood alcohol reading of 0.166.
During Butler’s sentencing, the District Court was told he had felt "seedy and hung over” when he decided to drive to local shops shortly before 1pm after a night of drinking more than a dozen pre-mixed bourbon and scotch drinks.
During the trip, he accelerated heavily in his Holden Monaro to overtake two cars. His speeding car clipped one of the vehicles which was turning right, mounted a kerb and became airborne before landing in the front yard of the Moorbys’ home, where Mrs Moorby was wheeling Grace in a pram after returning from a shopping trip.
Director of Public Prosecution’s director of legal services Ken Bates argued yesterday that the jail term handed to Butler had been at the lower end of the scale despite the sentencing judge, Judge Richard Keen, ruling the crime had been towards the higher end of seriousness.
Mr Bates said Butler had chosen to drive despite having a blood-alcohol three times the legal limit.
Butler received 34 months jail for driving while incapable and occasioning death, plus ten months for causing bodily harm to Mrs Moorby by breaking her ribs in the collision.
Yesterday, Justice Miller said the sentence seemed at the lower end of the scale given how much alcohol Butler had consumed and questioned whether a jail term of two years and ten months for baby Grace’s death had been enough.
"His level of alcohol was so colossal that it seems to me... that the sentences are very much at the lower end," he said.
Justice Christine Wheeler, who pointed out the crime had not involved other aspects of bad driving such as a police chase or persistent speeding, suggested "a pattern of inappropriate sentencing" was possibly to blame because it may have created the accepted sentencing range in which Butler’s jail term fell.
Justice Wheeler also queried whether Butler had been aware of how incapable he was of driving when he got behind the wheel, with Justice Christopher Pullin suggesting the crime would have been worse if Butler had got into the car straight after a drinking session.
But Justice Geoffrey Miller said Butler would have been aware he was still intoxicated.
"He must have known that he was affected by alcohol," he said.
The three judges reserved their decision yesterday.
PERTH
CHRISTIANA JONES
as posted here
The jail term handed to the 25-year-old drink driver who killed 11-month baby Grace Moorby after crashing into her front yard seemed low considering the "colossal" amount of alcohol he drank before the incident, an appeal judge said today.
Appeal Judge Geoffrey Miller’s comment came as the State appealed against the three years and eight months sentence handed to Benjamin Alan Butler last November for the tragic death of Grace Moorsby and the injuring of her mother Tania Moorby when he careered into their Thornlie yard on April 18, 2007 with a blood alcohol reading of 0.166.
During Butler’s sentencing, the District Court was told he had felt "seedy and hung over” when he decided to drive to local shops shortly before 1pm after a night of drinking more than a dozen pre-mixed bourbon and scotch drinks.
During the trip, he accelerated heavily in his Holden Monaro to overtake two cars. His speeding car clipped one of the vehicles which was turning right, mounted a kerb and became airborne before landing in the front yard of the Moorbys’ home, where Mrs Moorby was wheeling Grace in a pram after returning from a shopping trip.
Director of Public Prosecution’s director of legal services Ken Bates argued yesterday that the jail term handed to Butler had been at the lower end of the scale despite the sentencing judge, Judge Richard Keen, ruling the crime had been towards the higher end of seriousness.
Mr Bates said Butler had chosen to drive despite having a blood-alcohol three times the legal limit.
Butler received 34 months jail for driving while incapable and occasioning death, plus ten months for causing bodily harm to Mrs Moorby by breaking her ribs in the collision.
Yesterday, Justice Miller said the sentence seemed at the lower end of the scale given how much alcohol Butler had consumed and questioned whether a jail term of two years and ten months for baby Grace’s death had been enough.
"His level of alcohol was so colossal that it seems to me... that the sentences are very much at the lower end," he said.
Justice Christine Wheeler, who pointed out the crime had not involved other aspects of bad driving such as a police chase or persistent speeding, suggested "a pattern of inappropriate sentencing" was possibly to blame because it may have created the accepted sentencing range in which Butler’s jail term fell.
Justice Wheeler also queried whether Butler had been aware of how incapable he was of driving when he got behind the wheel, with Justice Christopher Pullin suggesting the crime would have been worse if Butler had got into the car straight after a drinking session.
But Justice Geoffrey Miller said Butler would have been aware he was still intoxicated.
"He must have known that he was affected by alcohol," he said.
The three judges reserved their decision yesterday.
PERTH
CHRISTIANA JONES
as posted here
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