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NSW gambling regulators have banned Crown Resorts from opening its new Sydney casino due to money laundering concerns. The NSW Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) made the decision after the company made admissions that money laundering had likely occurred through its accounts. The inquiry was initially set up to investigate suspicious activity. The amount […]

In a case that has gripped the nation, Police have revealed they now believe the woman who was found dead with her three children was responsible for their murders before committing suicide. Friends of Katie Perinovic, the mother of the children, say they noticed a change in her behaviour over recent months. The tragic events […]

A police officer who was described by his male victim as ‘rapey’, has been convicted of sexual assault. Michael Charles Simpson was found guilty of the offence and has lost his job as a result. The senior sergeant was described as having an ‘illustrious’ 30-year career. He was part of Victoria Police’s internal ethical standards […]

An Australian triathlete who referred to himself as a “petty car thief with expensive tastes” has been charged with take and drive conveyance over a string of luxury car thefts throughout Sydney. Luke Lythgoe claimed to be a former drug addict who had turned his life around. However, he was arrested by NSW Police at […]

Another shocking example of dangerous driving occasioning death has left a father without his two children. Unlicensed driver Jacob Steven Donn is alleged to have lost control of his girlfriend’s car and careened into Sheldon and Shane Shorey, killing them both instantly. The 25-year-old was refused bail by Police at Dubbo Police Station and remains […]

In recent years there has been a noticeable rise in false AVO claims being made to Police as well as taken out privately. It will come as no surprise that having an apprehended violence order taken out against will cause significant stress to you and your loved ones. The conditions associated with an AVO can […]

A self-proclaimed vigilante who attacked a number of registered sex offenders has been jailed for over two decades for assault and robbery. Jason Vukovich, who referred to himself as an ‘Avenging Angel’ for abused children was sentenced in relation to attempted assault and robbery charges. The 42-year-old’s childhood was marred by physical and sexual abuse. […]

After a lengthy investigation, Police have laid proceeds of crime charges against an Australian table tennis player and brought down an international match fixing syndicate. Adam Green, a world-renowned former professional player is alleged to be the mastermind behind predetermined table tennis matches in the Ukraine. NSW detectives say they tracked betting trails tied to […]

A self-proclaimed ‘preacher’ has been charged with five counts of sexual assault spanning over seven years. Anthony Glumac, whose social media accounts also list him as a fitness educator and chef, was the subject of an extensive Police investigation. The 24-year old was arrested in Campbelltown after being charged with sexually assaulting a number of […]

It is one of Australia’s largest drug busts, and Police say they have brought a Sydney drug cartel to its knees. Operation Pinnacle, a sophisticated Police investigation spanning 2 years has resulted in over 250 drug charges being laid. The cartel is said to have been responsible for a complex distribution network that funnelled methamphetamine […]

The mother and daughter at the centre of an infamous supermarket brawl have had their convictions for affray charges quashed on appeal. 61-year-old Treiza Bebawy and her 23-year-old daughter, Meriam Bebawy, made worldwide headlines after being filmed in a supermarket fight over toilet paper. This was in the midst of panic buying at the height […]

Drink driving offences carry significant disqualification periods. Many also carry terms of imprisonment. As such, it is crucial to be aware of the various drink driving offences as well as possible defences. These offences are based on the prescribed concentration of alcohol (PCA) in a person’s system. For this reason, they are sometime referred to […]

A man who pleading guilty to filming private parts of a number schoolgirls at a Sydney Zoo has avoided a jail sentence. 49-year-old Justin McGufficke also pleaded guilty to charges of possess child abuse material based on photographs that were found on his phone. He was also sentenced in relation to filming up the skirts […]

Media organisations have successfully fought to overturn a non-publication order on the name of a Sydney Criminal Lawyer charged with sexual assault. Criminal defence lawyer Steven Mercael was charged by Police with sexually assaulting a female in December 2019. The 27-year-old had appealed to the New South Wales Supreme Court to prevent the publication of […]

Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable growth in the prominence of fake IDs in Australia and questions around whether they are illegal. With websites openly selling these IDs, many have questioned what the potential consequences of possessing such an item is. It is well-established that you can be charged by Police […]

Police have laid fraud charges against a number of people, alleging that they dishonestly claimed government payments intended for bushfire victims. Many of the alleged offenders are said to have links to the Rebels bikie gang. Six men, aged from 25 to 32, and three women, aged 26 to 37, were arrested as part of […]

A Sydney school teacher has been charged with a number of child sex offences. Police say Damien Scott Wanstall used the internet to arrange to pay a 14-year-old girl for sex. The 47-year-old deputy principal of Kellyville High School was apprehended by detectives last week. This arrest was captured by news cameras. He is currently […]

Former rugby league star Jarryd Hayne is no closer to ending his sexual assault saga after a Newcastle jury failed to reach a majority verdict. This comes just a week after another jury were unable to come to a decision in relation to similar charges against NRL player Jack de Belin. 32-year-old Hayne has been […]

A former contestant on The Bachelor has narrowly avoided a jail sentence after pleading guilty to drug supply charges. Georgia Tripos fronted Victoria’s County Court in relation to charges of supplying cocaine and ethylpentylone as well as knowingly deal with proceeds of crime. Police caught onto the 29-year-old after an acquaintance of hers was captured […]

A famed Australian television actress has had NSW Police take out a provisional apprehended violence order (AVO) for her protection against her partner. Former Neighbours star Jodi Gordon had Police attend her exclusive Double Bay apartment to investigate a domestic violence allegation involving her boyfriend Sebastian Blackler. Mr Blackler is currently subject to restrictions on […]

Two years after he was charged with the sexual assault of a 19-year-old, NRL player Jack de Belin’s ordeal will continue as a jury has been unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the charges against him. Mr de Belin and a reserve grade rugby league player, Callum Sinclair, endured a 4 week trial for […]

Police have applied for an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) against a woman after she was charged with stabbing her son in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs. However, in a shock twist to the story, a Court has heard that the son had just confessed to a murder and threatened his mother. 22-year-old Hugo Ball […]

Police have exposed an alleged international fraud scheme and laid dozens of money laundering charges against the two perpetrators. Mark Estephan and Jamie Ronald Close were arrested on 17 November 2020 after a large-scale investigation was commenced earlier in the year. Both men have been refused bail in NSW and will remain in custody while […]

Police have announced that they are treating the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy businesswoman who was under investigation by ASIC as suspicious. Melissa Caddick was recently served with Court orders which prevented her from leaving Australia or selling any of her assets. Two days prior to her disappearance, Police executed a search warrant on her […]

Many people believe that lawyers are some of the highest earning professionals in Australia, but is that actually the case? And what areas of law pay the highest salaries? Thanks to a recent release of statistics by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), we can now reveal the highest paid jobs in Australia. The statistics also […]

Our specialist bail application lawyers have an extensive track record and years of experience obtaining bail for clients when other lawyers have been unable to. We have obtained bail for: Commercial drug supply cases in the millions of dollars; Serious sexual assault cases which have attracted media publicity; Murder and manslaughter cases; Clients who have […]

A teenager has been arrested and charged with a number of assault offences, including affray after a lingerie bar worker was stabbed in Sydney’s CBD. Poasa Junior Logova, from southwest Sydney allegedly stabbed the 34-year-old employee twice in the back at Concourse Bar. Scantily clad waitresses were seen fleeing the York Street bar after the […]

A story that captured the hearts and minds of Sydney residents has come to a bittersweet end, with a terminally ill cancer patient charged with stealing an 82 year-old’s mobility scooter. Pensioner Laurie Adams became a household name overnight after Police appealed to the public for information about the theft of his scooter. It led […]

Despite years of hard work and strong community support, a bill to make medicinal cannabis use a defence against drug driving charges has been rejected by NSW parliament. David Shoebridge, a member of parliament from the NSW Greens, moved the bill. Currently, the law makes it illegal to drive with any amount of THC in […]

A young man has been arrested after entering a mosque and committing property damage worth over $100,000. 20-year-old Kaiwan Zeabari was arrested after allegedly going on a rampage at Sydney’s Auburn Gallipoli Mosque on the evening of 1 November 2020. The incident has led to widespread condemnation as well as finger-pointing as to whether there […]

A renowned Australian actor who was initially refused bail has escaped conviction for allegedly assaulting Police due to his mental health issues. Former Home and Away star Joel McIlroy recently made a successful Section 32 Application at the Downing Centre Local Court. The Court received medical material which confirmed that McIlroy had degenerative brain disease […]

Tailgating another driver is defined as following a vehicle without keeping a safe distance between the two vehicles. There are some obvious dangers in tailgating a vehicle. Any sharp reduction in speed of the vehicle in front could lead to a collision as there is insufficient time to brake. Further, tailgating can cause the driver […]

An alleged childcare fraud that took advantage of COVID Centrelink payments has been brought to its knees with multiple arrests across Sydney’s south-west. The arrests occurred in dramatic fashion as officers dressed in balaclavas and bullet proof vests stormed numerous buildings with media on hand. It is another scalp for police attached to Strikeforce Mercury […]

A Sydney strata apartment manager who stole hundreds of items and housed them in an ‘Aladdin’s-cave’ inside the building has been jailed for numerous break and enter offences. 43-year-old Jaden Hati was arrested in 2019 after Police began investigating a spate of larceny offences in a Pyrmont complex. He was bail refused by Police and […]

A Sydney photographer charged with aggravated sexual assault has been granted bail after spending a month in custody. 48-year-old Garth Knight was arrested and bail refused on 25 September 2020 based on allegations that he sexually assaulted two models after they were tied up. The incidents are said to have occurred in 2005 and 2011 […]

A female disability worker has been jailed for stealing jewellery and cash from her disabled and terminally ill patients. 47-year-old Violeta Hansen appeared before Burwood Local Court charged with 15 fraud related charges. She was sentenced to an overall term of imprisonment of 24 months. The presiding Magistrate was scathing in his remarks on sentence, […]

A couple have been charged with the murder of a New Zealand firefighter who came to Australia to fight the bushfires. Ian Pullen was 43 years old when he was the victim of a hit and run. He was severely injured but still alive. However, the driver and passenger of the vehicle allegedly returned to […]

A man whose wife and unborn twins were killed by a drunk driver has given powerful evidence in Court and forgiven the man responsible. Bronko Hoang’s pregnant wife Katherine died after Richard Moananu’s vehicle crashed into her in September 2018. She was due to give birth within days. A 17-year-old learner driver was also killed […]

In news that has come as no surprise to many in the political sphere, former Health Services Union boss Kathy Jackson recently pleaded guilty to obtaining financial advantage by deception and stealing nearly $70,000 from the Union. Following negotiations between prosecutors and her criminal defence lawyers, Ms Jackson admitted that she fraudulently obtained $67,792.85 between […]

An Iranian-born doctor has been convicted of sexually assaulting his patients while they slept. Ali Khorami will spend close to 4 years behind bars after a jury found him guilty of a number of sexual offences against five women, aged between 16 and 29. He joins a long list of doctors who have acted inappropriately […]

An Australian State will become the first in the world to suspend all red light cameras and fines. It is one of the most shocking decisions taken by a Police force in recent memory. Following a landmark Supreme Court decision, South Australia will indefinitely halt collecting fines for running a red light. It is unclear […]

One of the most brazen gangs in recent memory has been brought to its knees after being charged with committing numerous robbery offences on Asian immigrants. Two men were arrested by detectives from Burwood Local Area Command on 25 September 2020 and refused bail. This means that they will remain in custody while their cases […]

In another heinous Sydney domestic violence murder, a 60-year-old man was recently sentenced to 17 years imprisonment for stabbing his 43-year-old ex-partner to death. His explanation for why he did it? Because she refused his sexual advances. James Fredes appeared before the New South Wales Supreme Court this week to be sentenced for murdering Erina […]

While most people who contravene the current border restrictions face a fine, one couple have found themselves in Police custody after allegedly being stopped at the border in the midst of a drug supply. Police allege that the male and female were caught with 2.5kg of cannabis in their vehicle while returning to New South […]

The phrase ‘Daylight Robbery’ has been in the English lexicon for hundreds of years. But its origin is far removed from the meaning of the phrase today. What Does Daylight Robbery Mean? ‘Daylight Robbery’ is a figure of speech to describe an unfair trade that is so clear and obvious that you could have robbed […]

In news that shocked the financial world, one of Australia’s largest banks – Westpac – has admitted that it breached money laundering and terrorism financing laws. The result? A whopping $1.3 billion fine. This is almost double the second largest fine of $730 million that was imposed on the Commonwealth Bank in 2018. However, despite it being […]

Traffic cameras have captured a shocking image of a driver appearing to snort a substance off a mobile phone while driving. Driving Under the Influence of a Drug is ordinarily seen by the Courts as a serious offence. The seriousness of this offence would be significantly amplified if a driver is also using a mobile […]

Imagine a lovely spring day. There’s a gentle breeze and you decide to head down to your local park to fly a kite. You’re running through the park, kite in hand. Suddenly, you hear someone yell out, “Hey, that kite’s annoying me!” You decide to pay it no mind. After all, you’re not doing anything […]

In one of the most shocking cases of Police misconduct, police Sergeant Rosa Rossi recently became the first Victorian female police officer to be sentenced to jail. Rossi pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining six properties worth $2.6 million. The 57-year-old will spend the next two years and four months in custody before she is eligible […]

Picture this: you’re waiting for the bus in the rain. Luckily, you’re keeping dry under an umbrella, or maybe the roof of the bus stop. The bus is arriving soon and you can’t wait to get on in your dry clothes. Next thing you know a car whizzes past. The vehicle’s tyres roll into a […]

Police have charged 32-year-old Wilbert Gabrielle Guevara with Dangerous Driving Occasioning Death, amongst other charges after he collided with 27-year-old Maria Alejandra Landazabal Contreras who was waiting at a red light. She was riding a scooter and tragically lost her life at Liverpool Hospital a few hours after the incident. Significantly, Mr Guevara was disqualified […]

The number of Assault Police offences have been revealed at a NSW parliamentary inquiry. In what should be positive news, the rates of alcohol-fuelled assaults against officers have declined, while the overall rate of violence against Police officers has remained steady. However, some are still calling for greater powers for Police. This is despite countless […]

Going to court and having to hire a lawyer can be stressful enough so the last thing you want is your lawyer speaking to you in another language with all their legal lingo!

In 2018 the NSW State Government officially rolled out the use of body worn video (BWV) cameras across NSW by members of the NSW Police Force. This means that police officers can now legally use BWV to record their interactions with members of the public, in both private and public locations. But what exactly is […]

One of the most crucial measures during this COVID-19 crisis is social distancing and self-isolating. Avoiding crowded areas and choosing to stay home can help to stem the spread of this virus and helps to protect the more vulnerable and immunocompromised members of our community. It might just be for 14 days, or it might […]

You’ve probably heard the saying, “ignorance of the law is not an excuse”. Well, in very limited circumstances it can be. In Proudman v Dayman Dixon J summarised the defence of honest and reasonable mistake of fact: “As a general rule an honest and reasonable belief in a state of facts which, if they existed, […]

Drink driving misconceptions are incredibly common. As criminal and traffic lawyers in NSW we talk to and represent people charged with drink driving every day. We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked questions questions, and addressed a few urban myths that need busting.   Drink Driving Isn’t a Criminal Offence This is another drink […]

If you’ve been given a court attendance notice or charged with a criminal offence you are required to attend court. While there are some exceptions, if you don’t attend court and don’t fall into one of the exceptions, the court may deal with the matter in your absence. Even during a pandemic, being too sick […]

If you’re going to court you’ve probably heard about the “traffic offenders program”. You may have done some research yourself, or you’ve spoken to a lawyer who might have suggested you enrol in a traffic offenders’ program. You’re probably wondering, “what is it” and “Do I really have to spend my time doing it” The short answer […]

The Coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Governments worldwide are using legislative measures to isolate and quarantine people to slow the spread of the highly contagious and potentially fatal virus. Under the provisions of the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) the Minister for Health and Medical Research can make orders or directions they consider […]

If you’ve been charged with a drink driving offence its likely that you’ll end up having to fit an interlock device to your car. Thanks to Smart Start Interlocks we now have a demonstration interlock device in our Parramatta office. Clients facing drink driving charges can actually see and hold the device that may end […]

Background of mobile phone detection cameras in NSW Mobile phone detection cameras were trialled in New South Wales between January and June 2019. The trial consisted of two fixed cameras and relocatable cameras which were moved approximately every 4 days. During that trial over 8.5 million vehicles were checked and over 100,000 drivers were found […]

Driving with cannabis or THC in your system in NSW Driving with a prescribed illicit drug in your oral fluid, blood or urine is an offence in New South Wales under s.111(1) of the Road Transport Act. Prescribed illicit drugs include: Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (also known as THC), Methylamphetamine (also known as speed), 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (also known as […]

An Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) is an order that restricts the behaviour of a person, known as a defendant, for the protection of someone else, known as the protected person or PINOP. There are 11 possible conditions which can imposed to facilitate this protection. Apprehended Violence Orders can be divided into two categories; domestic or […]

In New South Wales many of the road rules also apply to horse riders. Under the Australian Road Rules horses are included under the definition of vehicle. This means that most minor regulatory offences apply equally to both car drivers and horse riders. But you may not have heard some of the more obscure laws […]

In the final minute of a Parramatta v Wests game in July 2019 our client entered the playing field and streaked naked across the pitch. He was arrested and charged with “Enter playing field without authority” under the Sporting Venues (Invasions) Act 2003 and also “Wilful and obscene exposure” under the Summary Offences Act 1988. […]

According to the latest BOCSAR statistics from March 2019, incidents of sexual assault in NSW are stable and did not experience a significant increase over the last 24 months. Between March 2018 and March 2019, there were just shy of 6,000 reported incidents of sexual assaults across New South Wales.  Of almost 6000 reported cases only […]

The power of police officers to enforce bail conditions, has come under question during a Law Enforcement and Conduct Commission (LECC) hearing. The hearing which is taking place over the next few days, follows an increase in complaints made to the LECC surrounding police officers engaging in what has been referred to during the hearing […]

As the weather warms up more people will be taking to the water over summer, but many don’t know the laws regarding drink driving on a boat. Drink driving laws apply to any ‘vessel’ which includes not only boats but jet skis, kayaks, sailboards and kite boards. The Law on Drink Driving on A Boat […]

Police have the power to conduct random breath tests on any driver in New South Wales. But when police shut down entire roads and test every single driver is it still really random? This weekend NSW Police are running “Operation Nabbed” once again. RBT sites have been set up at every exit along several major […]

At Astor Legal we pride ourselves on being one of the best criminal and traffic law firms in New South Wales. Today we are proud to announce that Astor Legal has again been recognised in several categories by the legal research and ranking publication Doyles Guide. Astor Legal were listed as a “Recommended New South […]

Verbal assault is a commonly heard but very misunderstood phrase. In New South Wales you can be convicted of common assault even if no physical contact takes place. There are also a number of other Acts of Parliament which create offences for what is often called a verbal assault. What exactly is an assault? Most […]

In Australian law a drone is referred to as a “remotely piloted aircraft” or RPA for short. The “Civil Aviation Safety Authority” or CASA who are responsible for regulating the use of drones. Australia has strict laws surrounding the use of drones. This is particularly the case near public places and airports. Breaches of the […]

In August 2019 social media was a-buzz after Victorian Police posted on Facebook pointing out it was illegal to pay using a mobile phone in a drive-thru. The story was picked up by media outlets and is being widely reported on. At the time it was a surprise to most people that using your phone […]

Electric scooters are gaining popularity in Australia. Advances in technology mean that they are now capable of longer ranges, increased speeds, and shorter charging times. Specialist scooter stores such as Scooter Hut stock a wide range of scooters ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $4000. They are quiet, lightweight, environmentally friendly, and can […]

In NSW unrestricted licence holders have a limit of 13 demerit points. If you incur 13 or more demerit points in any 3-year period, the RMS will send you a notice of suspension. Instead of serving a period of suspension, you can apply for a good behaviour licence under section 36 of the Road Transport […]