Archbishop claims $1.9m altar boy payout ‘excessive’
Archbishop Peter Comensoli is appealing a $1.9 million payout to a victim of a pedophile priest, arguing factors outside the abuse caused some of his injuries.
crime, law and justice
Jail time quashed for Harbour Bridge climate protester
A protester who blocked the Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise awareness about the climate crisis has successfully had her jail sentence quashed on appeal.
Man’s teeth removed in Sydney kidnap, torture ordeal
Tactical officers have stormed a house in Sydney's west where a man was held for days and physically abused by armed men who forcibly removed his teeth.
Woman’s brother can ‘grieve and heal’ as killer jailed
Kardell Lomas' brother has spoken of his anguish after discovering from the TV news the seven-month pregnant woman had been killed and her body dumped in a car.
Police probe continues after slain officer’s inquest
Major concerns with the police investigation into the death of Senior Constable Brett Forte are being taken seriously, Queensland's police commissioner says.
Ferry operator hit with $75k fine over polo pony deaths
The Spirit of Tasmania ferry operator and polo identity Andrew Williams have been fined a total of $90,000 over the deaths of 16 horses.
Queensland MPs debate controversial youth crime laws
Youth crime laws are expected to pass state parliament in Queensland this week after serious concerns were raised by human rights groups.
Defence calls for not guilty in Malka Leifer abuse case
Former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal Malka Leifer's barrister has urged jurors to find her not guilty in his closing arguments in her sexual abuse trial.
Widow slams police over ‘disgraceful’ ambush probe
A Queensland Police inquiry into an officer's fatal shooting was "nothing short of disgraceful", his widow has told media after inquest findings were delivered.
Hunt for armed assailant in Queensland town ends
An emergency situation has ended after a man was found dead inside a home in the Queensland town of Warwick.
Hayne trial hears woman’s evidence of alleged assault
A woman has recounted what happened in a suburban Newcastle bedroom, where she claims she was sexually assaulted by former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne.
Woman denies money laundering $2.3m for hackers
A Brisbane woman has been accused of transferring millions of dollars for hackers, who had tricked businesses into paying invoices that were fake.
Activist loses bid in legal fight with Chinese diplomat
Human rights activist Drew Pavlou has been refused an extension of time to appeal a decision in a protection order case against a Chinese diplomat.
Hayne trial hears of blood after alleged sex assault
A third trial of former NRL star Jarryd Hayne, accused of sexually assaulting a woman in her own home, has heard of the alleged incident's bloody aftermath.
Former tax deputy’s daughter guilty over massive fraud
The jury in a long-running trial has returned another guilty verdict for a woman who conspired with a group of others to defraud the Commonwealth.
Teen ‘screamed’ during MP’s alleged abuse in office
A man says alleged sexual acts performed on him by a former NSW Labor MP in exchange for money and cannabis left him screaming and in pain.
Lack of mental health support for war veteran in jail
An ex-soldier is unlikely to receive the mental health treatment he needs in the foreseeable future in a Queensland jail, a Supreme Court judge has found.
Man found dead in home after Queensland siege
An emergency situation has ended in Townsville after a near 10-hour siege that involved a number of shots being fired at police.
Queensland police question teen after man found dead
An 18-year-old man is helping homicide detectives with inquiries after a 58-year-old was found dead in a home in central Queensland.
Principal sex abuse case lag a disadvantage: Barrister
Former ultra-Orthodox Jewish principal Malka Leifer's barrister has described delays between allegations of abuse and her trial as being a disadvantage to her.
Controversial youth justice bill gets green light
Queensland's youth justice bill should be passed with limitations on human rights justified to ensure public safety, a parliamentary committee says.
Guy Sebastian calls fence fracas claims ‘fabricated’
Singer Guy Sebastian says allegations about a feud with his neighbour were "completely fabricated" in his first public comments on the court case.
Hospital hearing for man charged with mother’s murder
Queensland man Leonard James Llewellyn Smetheram has been accused of murdering his mother, who was found dead at a home north of Brisbane.
Former AFL player Liam Picken sues over concussions
Ex-Western Bulldogs player Liam Picken has launched civil action against the club, the AFL and doctors over being sent out to play with cognitive impairments.
Former Logan mayor spared jail time for corruption
A Queensland judge says former Logan City Council mayor Luke Smith engaged in "obvious criminality" by favouring a developer in return for a luxury boat.
Lolly probe ends, no evidence kids ate toxic substance
There is no evidence 15 schoolchildren who were hospitalised in Townsville were exposed to a toxic substance, Queensland Police say.
Man charged after woman’s body discovered in yard
A man has been charged with murder after police and emergency services were called to a "confronting" disturbance where a woman aged in her 50s was found dead.
Former mayor has gone from ‘rooster to feather duster’
Former Logan City Council mayor Luke Smith is set to face sentencing after pleading guilty to charges including misconduct in public office.
Drag racer challenges jail term for drug trafficking
Former Queensland drag racing champion Brett Raymond Stevens applied to reopen sentence over a $1.2 million operation that produced thousands of MDMA pills.
CCTV footage sought over Guy Sebastian’s fence fracas
Footage showing singer Guy Sebastian "towering over" his neighbour is due to form part of court evidence about a disagreement between the pair.
Security guard spared jail over repeatedly punching man
Asked to leave after birthday drinks got "messy", a 30-year-old man suffered jaw fractures and a brain bleed when he was repeatedly punched by a security guard.