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Anne Redman's family forced to change statement

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 09 Desember 2012 | 23.08

THE family of murdered pensioner Anne Redman says having to change their victim impact statements was as traumatic as the aftermath of the crime itself.

Ms Redman's daughter, Suzanne, and her husband Chris Miller, had to edit their statements during sentencing submissions for one of the teenage murderers, and have urged lawmakers to reconsider restrictions.

Attorney-General John Rau has hinted at changes in order to better appease victims.

Changes to the Redman family's statements to the court were demanded by lawyer Liesl Chapman, SC, who was acting for one of the killers, known only as J.

Ms Chapman told the court certain aspects of the victim statements were outside the boundaries stipulated by law.

Now-retired Justice Margaret Nyland agreed with Ms Chapman, asking the family to "temper" their remarks.

Major Crime detectives talk to neighbours of murder victim Anne Redman on Yacca Rd, Seacliff.

Suzanne Redman told adelaidenow that making the changes to their victim impact statements brought them further grief.

"It was as bad as when we first found Mum,  because we had to then start to re-hash the statements, which I thought were fine," she said.

"I felt like I was back at university, I had to explain what I had written and the impact it had on me in that two weeks was harrowing, and it wasn't caused by a murderer, it was caused by the defence."

Ms Redman and Mr Miller said they were "completely distressed" at making the changes, which she described as "an exercise in semantics and syntax".

"My victim impact statement became disjointed as to how I write as a writer but I was determined not to change anything because that was important to me," Ms Redman said.

"I wasn't wishing any harm to them, I was talking about situations that had happened to me and situations that had happened to (J)."

Mr Miller said the changes were "a highly technical examination of a personal statement" which he said was unnecessary.

"If it is just a rant or threats of violence or something like that then obviously that is not appropriate but ... to then have the person who is representing the offenders pull apart your statement is really quite odd," he said.

Commissioner for Victims' Rights Michael O'Connell said there was a "paradox of expectations" between victims and courts in relation to victim impact statements.

"Some victims have complained about courts editing their impact statements," he said.

SA murder victim Mrs Anne Dorothy Redman was killed at her home on Yacca Road at Seacliff. Anne Redman with pet dog Spotty in picture taken in 2003.

Director of Public Prosecutions Adam Kimber, QC, said he had discussed the Redman case with Mr O'Connell and outlined his views on what is appropriate content for victim statements.

Mr Kimber said statements were permitted to contain information about "injury, loss and damage" to a victim or their family and some comment on what sentence they believe should be imposed.

Ms Redman and Mr Miller said they hoped the process could be improved to prevent other victims and their families from enduring a similar ordeal.

Mr Rau said: "Victim impact statements have an important role to play in the sentencing process and can be of great significance for those affected by crime. I am always happy to assess current arrangements and improve them if there is a strong sense that this is required."

Anne Redman, 87, was killed in her Seacliff backyard in January last year.

The killers were each sentenced to a minimum 20-year prison term. One of the offenders, J, has filed an appeal against his sentence and his application for leave to challenge will be heard this month.


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Meet the Fokkens: twin granny prostitutes

Prostitutes Martine (R) and Louise (L) Fokkens, 70, walk around the red light district of Amsterdam. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

IN A busy passage in Amsterdam's red light district a crowd is gathering as fans jostle to have their picture taken with the city's most famous great-grannies: Louise and Martine Fokkens, the Dutch capital's oldest twin prostitutes.

Decked out in matching red leather jackets and boots, red jeans and crocheted red berets, with Stars and Stripes scarves draped around their necks, the Fokkens cut a jaunty pair as they saunter down alleys with red-framed windows where semi-nude 'working women' put their bodies on display to lure customers.

Locals young and old line up for a chat, while gawking tourists look on in bemused confusion.

"Look it's the 'ouwe hoeren' (old whores)," Koen Booij, 19, shouts affectionately before running up to Martine, who hands him an autographed postcard advertising the sisters' latest tell-all book about Amsterdam's seedy side, where the Fokkens have been working as prostitutes for the past half-a-century.

Since the early 1960s, first Louise and later Martine have been plying their trade around the infamous "Wallen" (Dutch for 'canal banks'), the world's best-known red light area.

Today there are an estimated 5000 to 8000 active sex workers in Amsterdam - but only a fraction do business from behind the around 370 "frames" in the area, according to the city.

Now 70, the sisters shot to fame last year when a documentary - aptly titled "Ouwehoeren" and translated as "Meet the Fokkens" about their lives, played to critical acclaim at Amsterdam's International Documentary Film Festival.

The film was such a success that it was screened again at this year's recent festival.

Two tell-all books - one has already been translated into English, French and other languages - about the sisters' lives behind the red curtain followed.

A regular slot on a late-night sex-and-drugs talk show on Dutch television since October has cemented the twins' celebrity sex-worker status.

Their second book, "Ouwehoeren op reis" (Old Whores on a Journey) has just been released. Publisher Bertram en De Leeuw told AFP that tens of thousands of copies of the two books have already been sold in the Netherlands, propelling them into the Dutch bestseller list.

The Fokkens sisters - both great-grandmothers several times over - say they have seen it all: in the city where prostitutes have been selling their bodies to visiting sailors and other thrill-seekers since the 15th century, very little can still shock them.

"From fathers bringing their sons for a 'first-time experience' to those with a more kinky streak, you get all sorts, " Martine told AFP, sitting on the bed at the back of her "window" on the Oude Nieuwstraat, a small alleyway that lights up in neon red as soon as the sun goes down.

"We have slept with more men than you can count," cuts in Louise, sharing a look with her sister before they both burst into laughter: "We had some great fun with the men."

They ran their own brothel for a number of years and were responsible for starting their own trade union for sex workers long before the Dutch government legalised prostitution in 2000.

Two years ago, Louise finally hung up her stiletto boots because of arthritis - "You can't get into those sex positions", she says, while Martine still works once or twice a week, including Sundays, specialising in soft-core bondage for the older gentleman.

In early October, the sisters became a regular feature on a sex-and drugs talk show called "Spuiten en Slikken" (Shoot and Swallow) as agony aunts dealing with uncomfortable questions about sex.

"I saw them on TV. I think they are fantastic," adoring fan Booij told AFP as he patiently waited to have his photo taken. "They answer the questions our parents can't."

"They're the real deal," said Jeanine, 20, a student at the University of Amsterdam who declined to give her second name, as she asked an AFP reporter to take her picture with the sisters on her mobile phone.

"They tell guys how to treat women properly," she added.

The sisters themselves seem surprised to have so many fans, but their words on love and relationships ring true - born of their own years of experience.

Despite their jolly demeanour and portrayal in the media as two eccentric Dutch aunts who just happen to be in the sex industry, their own story of personal hardship and abuse is never far below the surface.

"We had no money. My husband told me I had to go and work 'just for two years'," Louise said, her face hardening slightly as she remembers. "I didn't know what kind of work he meant. Now it's 50 years later."

"In the beginning it was really tough. You shut your brain down. In later years, it got better," she added.

Rampant violence and exploitation prompted the twins to set up the first trade union for sex workers in the area called the "Little Red Light."

Asked whether they regretted anything about their lives, both sisters shook their heads: "We regret nothing except the fact that the red light district is changing."

"There is no code of honour any more, passed from one generation of working girls to the next," Louise said with a look of disgust.

"Today's girls wear almost no clothes. They deal and do drugs. It's about crime and money. No self-respecting prostitute does drugs," she said.

"In the olden days the girls used to look after each other. No more. The human feeling has left the red light district," she said.


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Austereo responds over royals call prank

2Day FM's presenters behind the prank call linked to a UK nurse's death are said to be "fragile". Source: AAP

THE chairman of Southern Cross Austereo has written to the British hospital targeted by a radio station prank phone call saying it is reviewing the broadcast and processes involved.

Max Moore-Wilton led a crisis meeting on Sunday afternoon to discuss a stinging letter from Lord Glenarthur, chairman of King Edward VII's Hospital where British nurse Jacintha Saldanha worked before she apparently took her own life on Friday.

In the reply to Lord Glenarthur, released after the board of Southern Cross Austereo's meeting, Mr Moore-Wilton wrote he had been "saddened" by recent events, describing them as "truly tragic".

He stressed that Southern Cross Austereo, which owns Sydney station 2Day FM, would fully cooperate with any investigation into the incident.

"As we have said in our own statements on the matter, the outcome was unforeseeable and very regrettable," he wrote.

"I can assure you were are taking immediate action and reviewing the broadcast and processes involved ... our company joins with you all at King Edward VII's Hospital and Mrs Saldanha's family and friends in mourning their tragic loss."

Lord Glenarthur had condemned 2Day FM's prank phone call, in which two presenters, Mel Greig and Michael Christian, posing as members of the royal family asked to speak to the Duchess of Cambridge, as "truly appalling".

Nurse Saldanha had answered the phone and transferred the call to a colleague, who went on to give sensitive information to the pair about the duchess.

Lord Glenarthur asked for assurance there never be a repeat of the incident.

Austereo have said Greig and Christian are distraught and are being given intensive counselling.

An Austereo spokeswoman told AAP on Sunday night the pair were willing to comment on the matter.

"They have expressed a desire to speak," she said. "We haven't ascertained when they're ready for that and how we're going to organise that, but they certainly want to."

In a video message on the Austereo website, chief executive Rhys Holleran says there are no current plans for Greig and Christian to return to the air.

"At this point in time, the radio show won't go ahead into the future, and will be reviewed," he said.

London's Metropolitan Police have contacted NSW Police, through the Australian Federal Police, over the prank. Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas said the call was a fairly routine procedure and that the Met had not asked for any action to be taken.

* Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.


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Big four banks top rich list

"On average, more than 53 per cent of each big bank is owned by shareholders that are among the top 20 shareholders in all the big banks," Mr Richardson said. Source: The Australian

AUSTRALIA'S big banks are the world's most concentrated in terms of ownership and most profitable per capita, pocketing $1460 for every person in the country, a new report has revealed.

The Australian Institute study shows more than 50 per cent of the owners of the big four - ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, National Australia Bank and Westpac - are held by the same nominee companies.

The report also takes aim at a key pillar of the banking sector's defence that its strong profits are good for the overall economy as vast swathes of the $25 billion in profits is returned to Australians via the banks' wide shareholder register and the superannuation system.

The report claims that only a tenth of the banks' super profits find their way back into the nation's superannuation accounts.

Australian Institute banking analyst David Richardson warns the concentrated ownership of the banks may have "adverse consequences for consumers" as it opens the door for the banks to act in a monopolistic fashion.

Last week, three of the four - NAB, CBA and Westpac - lowered their mortgage rates by exactly the same amount within hours of each other.

"On average, more than 53 per cent of each big bank is owned by shareholders that are among the top 20 shareholders in all the big banks," Mr Richardson said.

But Australian Bankers Association chief executive Steven Munchenberg denied the concentration of ownership was an issue, as almost all superannuation funds were rolled into nominee funds for the share register, but were completely independent in terms of voting on issues.

He also defended the sector, saying the fierce competition between the banks has meant profit margins had fallen.

Research from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority reveals that in the past 20 years the big banks have lifted their share of the home and business lending market from 67.2 per cent to 82.6 per cent.

Pre-tax profits of the big four rose from 0.7 per cent of GDP to a whopping 2.3 per cent of GDP, the report said.


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Hoax DJs sorry, but still in hiding

The radio DJs behind the prank call linked to a British nurse's death are receiving intensive counselling.

Jacintha Saldanha's family and friends are mourning the death of the woman they described as "good natured." Deborah Gembara reports.

2DayFM says they're confident no laws were broken following the death of a nurse after a royal baby prank.

A London nurse tricked by radio jocks during a prank call has been described as popular after her death.

2DayFM radio hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian are ''deeply shattered'' about the tragedy. Picture: AFP/Southern Cross Austero Source: AFP

RADIO hosts Mel Greig and Michael Christian are sorry for their actions - but are not ready to face the public.

The duo, who prompted international outrage over a hoax call to the bedside of Kate Middleton and the subsequent death of the nurse who put them through, were still in lockdown last night.

Austereo chairman Max Moore-Wilton released a letter to the London hospital last night as spokeswoman Sandy Kaye said the Sydney radio hosts would make a statement soon.

"They want to express their remorse publicly and we are hopeful they'll be ready to do that soon," Ms Kaye said.

"They are still being wrapped in cotton wool at the moment and we are very mindful of their situation."

It comes as the grieving family of nurse Jacintha Saldanha compiled a poignant tribute.

Nurse Jacintha Saldanha with her son Junal and daughter Lisha. Source: Herald Sun

Husband Ben Barboza, 49, said: "I am devastated with the tragic loss of my beloved wife Jacintha in tragic circumstances."

And in a Facebook message, her 14-year-old daughter, Lisha, said of her mum: "I miss you, I loveeee you".

Station management has now suspended all advertising from 2DayFM until Wednesday and media watchdog ACMA is today expected to pick up its investigation into the furore.

The 46-year-old mother of two was found dead on Friday morning after being fooled into thinking she was addressing the Queen when the DJs rang posing as Her Majesty and Prince Charles.

It has been revealed it was her husband who raised the alarm that something was wrong with his wife when she did not answer her phone.

Two women hug outside London's King Edward VII Hospital. Picture: AFP Source: Herald Sun

The chairman of London's King Edward VII Hospital has written to 2DayFM's owners condemning the "humiliation of two dedicated and caring nurses".

Lord Glenarthur said that broadcasting the prank was "truly appalling".

Mr Moore-Wilton said in a letter to Lord Glenarthur that it was too early to know the full details but "we can assure you we will be fully co-operative with all investigations".

3AW's John-Michael Howson said if Austereo was sincere about changing its on-air antics it would have sacked its biggest star, Kyle Sandilands.

"They say they've done nothing illegal, that may be so, but what they've done certainly isn't right morally or ethically," Howson said.

Amber Petty, a 2DayFM breakfast presenter for more than four years, said humiliating stunts were "very much a part of the culture" at the station.

"It's not all commercial radio, it's that company (2DayFM)," she said.

"They just want you to be talked about - they don't care whether it's good or bad."

Another former Austereo breakfast presenter said she was encouraged by her then program director to make listeners cry and would be paid $50 when she did.

She said prank calls had long been part of the fabric of commercial radio.

- with Michelle Ainsworth

siobhan.duck@news.com.au

Anyone with personal problems can call Lifeline on 131 114


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Parents splurge on gifts for teachers

Chocolates are still a popular choice as gifts for teachers. Source: Herald Sun

PARENTS are ramping up the stakes at schools with some teachers lavished with gifts worth hundreds of dollars.

Some parents say they have felt pressured by other mums and dads to cough up money to buy expensive end-of-year gifts for their child's teacher.

One private school teacher said she received a D&G handbag, Gucci and Tiffany bracelets and Veuve Clicquot champagne, from both individual parents and groups of mums and dads.

She said other teachers had received vouchers of up to $500 and nights away.

But teachers say homemade presents and hand-written notes are the most precious gifts.

While chocolates and coffee mugs top the list of gifts, teachers are also given homewares, wine and books.

One mum told the Herald Sun that a parent at her school was collecting $20 from all 25 families in her child's class to get their teacher a gift.

"That's a huge present," the woman, who did not want to be named, said.

"I'm sure most teachers wouldn't expect more than $10. I'm quite concerned the teacher is going to be embarrassed when she sees this huge present."

Primary teacher Daniel Cohen said he had received aftershave, T-shirts, shower sets, books, a diary, Christmas tree decorations and wine.

He said he knew of a teacher at a private school who had received a DVD player.

"Teachers aren't in it for the gifts, of course," he said.

"It's that acknowledgment that you have been someone special in their life for this year - that's what teachers are interested in, to feel appreciated. But it's certainly not an expectation."

shelley.hadfield@news.com.au


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Store trashed during illegal party

Last updated: December 10, 2012

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Police inspect the Richmond Dimmeys store damaged in an unofficial staff Christmas party. Picture: Stuart Milligan Source: Herald Sun

STAFF at a Richmond department store have taken their work Christmas party to a new level by sneaking into the shop after hours to hold an illegal soiree.

Early yesterday morning police were called to Dimmeys in Swan St, where more than 20 past and present staff were believed to have been holding an unofficial party.

Dimmeys owner Doug Zapelli said significant damage was caused to the shop and stock when a rowdy crowd "threw their own party that got out of hand".

Windows were broken, stock was damaged and fake snow was sprayed throughout the store.

Mr Zapelli said an employee with a key had let staff into the store after it closed on Saturday.

"We will certainly be firing the guy," he said.

Store manager Loulla Theodosi said the crowd had "trashed" the store.

"When the police first called I thought it must have been a prank," she said. "The place looked like a tip."

Ms Theodosi said a staff member told her yesterday the party had been planned days before.

The Richmond store is closing; the famous building is to be turned into apartments next year.

Victoria Police spokesman Adam West confirmed several people were arrested.


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Tiny symbol of love lights crash aftermath

LOST: A photo of Natasha Maggs with her baby Annabelle Jay Maggs. Natasha was killed along with four other people in a car crash at Coomera on Saturday morning. PIC: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

CLUTCHING a black-and-white photograph of her then-pregnant mother, little Annabelle Maggs yesterday sat on her grandparents' table, pointing at the photograph as she called out to her mum.

At only 15 months old, the alert toddler with the wide, gorgeous blue eyes is oblivious to the two-car crash on the M1 on Saturday morning which claimed the lives of her mother Natasha Maggs, 23, and father Allan Sullivan, 20.

The crash also claimed the lives of Kody Williams, 18, and his girlfriend, Tiarna Williams, 17, and the driver of the other vehicle, Jordan Hayes-McGuinness, 18.

The accident's sole survivor, Thomas Bayer, 16, remains in hospital.

Family and friends of Ms Maggs and Mr Sullivan were yesterday in shock as they processed the news that Annabelle had lost both parents in one day.

ORPHAN: Baby Annabelle Jay Maggs, 15 months, points to a photo of her mother Natasha Maggs who was killed along with four other people in a car crash at Coomera on Saturday morning. PIC: Darren England

Natasha's father, Doug Maggs, 65, said his daughter was an "exceptional" young woman.

"Natasha was a bit like a light switch," he said. "When she walked into a room, it was like it turned on.

"You could interview 10, 200 or 1000 people and they would all say the same thing: she was a beautiful girl who loved the Lord."

Mr Maggs said Natasha met her partner, Allan Sullivan, at a Logan Village church almost six years ago.

COUPLE: Allan Sullivan and Natasha Maggs were killed along with three other people in a car crash at Coomera on Friday night. PIC: Darren England

"There was a bit of controversy about their relationship from the beginning (as she was the older one) but he persisted in pursuing her and obviously won," he said.

"They loved each other from the day they met, they really did. We thought they were too young to know what love was but they stayed together and had a child."

Mr Maggs said Natasha and Allan were devoted to each other and doted on their baby daughter.

He believed the couple hoped to eventually marry.

"A person who was never going to have children turned out to be the greatest mum you could ever wish for," Mr Maggs said.

"The greatest commandment of all is to love and that's what AJ and my daughter had. When you see their child, you see that love."

He said his daughter had only recently finished her university degree in public health, with the long-term plan to teach.

Now her family admit they cannot bring themselves to open the university letter that arrived three days ago.

"She had her goal and was working towards it honestly and earnestly, and that's what counts," Mr Maggs said.

He said the night of the accident the couple had decided to head down to the Gold Coast with their friends for a "free night out" without Annabelle after weathering some recent financial difficulties.

"Allan - or AJ - had recently lost his job, had no registration on his car, lost his licence for some months (after one of his friends borrowed his car and was caught speeding) and had a flat tyre, and they were going to repossess the car and the TV," Mr Maggs said.

"So we gave them a free night out and then this happened."

Mr Maggs said rather than laying blame, he and his wife Violet were instead focused on their granddaughter's welfare and ensuring the toddler remembered her parents.

"We will talk about her mother every day and how much her mother and father loved her," he said.

"I will not allow her to be brought up without knowing her mum and dad."


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