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Stabbing Victim had History of Alcohol-Fuelled Rages

A JURY which convicted a Gold Coast tiler of murdering his defacto wife in a violent domestic confrontation should have been told the victim allegedly had a history of alcohol fuelled rages, a court heard today.

Richard John Vollmer, 38, has always maintained he was acting in self defence when he repeatedly stabbed Alissa De-Monie, including 10 times in the back, at their Burleigh Heads home two years ago.

Police on Jail Duty – Prison Overflow

NOT SUITABLE: Watchhouses, designed for short-term remands, are being used to house prisoners as the state’s jails run out of room, a situation condemned as bordering on cruelty. Source: The Courier-Mail

Police on jail duty: Prison overflow

by: Kristin Shorten and Jeremy Pierce | From: The Courier-Mail | November 17, 2011 NOT SUITABLE: Watchhouses, designed for short-term remands, are being used to house prisoners as the state's jails run out of room, a situation condemned as bordering on cruelty. Source: The Courier-Mail POLICE are being pulled off the beat to supervise prisoners in watchhouses as the state's jails run out of room. Police Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart recently met Queensland Corrective Services to voice concerns police resources were being diverted to prisoner care. He said Cairns, Townsville, Brisbane and Southport were under the most strain. “We probably haven't had this (overcrowding) problem to this degree in...

Courts Hardening on Schoolies Booze

PARENTS who supply alcohol to their children for the annual Schoolies festival face being fined and risking their child’s future, according to a prominent Gold Coast legal firm.

Criminal defence lawyer Bill Potts said courts were becoming increasingly unsympathetic to teenagers and parents who did the wrong thing.

‘Irish Revolutionaries’ at Centre of Gold Coast Intrigue

A bank manager hankers for an “ordinary, suburban life” again after “2½ years of pure hell” involving a crime that would inspire Tom Clancy, a celebrated writer of thrillers.

It centres on a heist involving “Irish revolutionaries”, a carjacking and a syringe filled with a poisonous substance that would swiftly cause death unless the victim took an antidote.

Manager John Thomas Forrester not guilty of robbing own bank

A JURY has found a Gold Coast bank manager not guilty of robbing his own branch.

John Thomas Forrester, 51, sighed with relief in Southport District Court today as he was acquitted of stealing $40,000 from the Mudgeeraba branch of the Bank of Queensland in April 2009.

Bill Potts Comments on Barry O’Sullivan’s Tirade

Bill Potts recently commented on the recent tirade made by LNP Treasurer Barry O’Sullivan.

From The Courier Mail;

Campbell Newman is under pressure to force controversial LNP treasurer Barry O’Sullivan out of the party after his expletive-laden tirade at a candidate. Senior MPs and party figures are demanding Mr Newman act now or risk the party’s bosses taking over, if the LNP wins the election…

Illegal Brothels? Not on Council’s Watch

If, as some residents claim, an illegal brothel has been operating in the Tweed Heads CBD, council officers have been unable to uncover it.

Despite several raids this year, they failed to find evidence that could lead to prosecution.

Council yesterday confirmed its staff had made snap inspections on the Bay Street building at least three times but left empty handed after failing to find proof the second-storey unit was being used as an illicit bordello.

Police Frisk Powers Will Scar Teens

You’re a teenager enjoying a Saturday night on the town – maybe planning to see a movie with friends.

Suddenly police stop you and demand answers to questions. Next you are being frisked in public by a gun-toting policeman. Welcome to Queensland if planned new police powers become law.

Stealing From The Salvos

Bill Potts talks to Today Tonight about Stealing by Finding and stealing from the Salvation Army.