Our Journalists

Anthony Dowsley is a senior journalist based in Melbourne for the National News Network who has a special interest in investigating crime and the justice system. In 2018 he was named the Graham Perkin Australian Journalist of the Year and won the Gold Walkley the following year for his investigation into the Lawyer X scandal involving lawyer-turned-informer Nicola Gobbo. Contact Anthony at anthony.dowsley@news.com.au

Anthony Dowsley

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Police & Courts

Besieged former AFL umpire Troy Pannell has made his first appearance in court since going on the run as he faces contempt of court and fraud charges over an alleged $8.7 million scam.

Ex-AFL umpire Troy Pannell set to face jail time

There has been a major update in the case of disgraced ex-AFL umpire Troy Pannell after he fronted court for the first time after vanishing for months.

National

Compo legal fight for Aussies in Qantas data breach

Qantas’ data breach impacting almost six million of its customers is being investigated by a leading Aussie law firm. See if you’re eligible to register.

ExplainerPolice & Courts

Bali shooting theories that rocked Melbourne’s underworld

Investigators are scrambling to work out how gang violence normally confined to Australian shores became international.

Police & Courts

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 25: Umpire Troy Pannell in action in his final game during the 2018 AFL round 23 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 25, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Ex-AFL umpire to enter guilty plea as he gives prison update

Former AFL umpire Troy Pannell has given an update on how he’s doing from inside prison as he indicated he will plead guilty after being charged with some driving and theft offences.

National

Aussie cabbies’ huge payday in Uber legal row

Cabbies and hire-car drivers and owners who lost out in the introduction of Uber to Australia will share a colossal $271.8m compensation package.

The Mushroom Cook

Erin Patterson had a plan for her children to grow up in her $1.2m dollar “forever” home where she murdered three people, but now that has drastically changed.

Erin Patterson killed three people in her home. Now what happens to it?

Erin Patterson had a plan for her children to grow up in her $1.2m dollar “forever” home — but now she’s been found guilty of murder, that has drastically changed.

The Mushroom Cook

This picture taken on May 12, 2025 shows Erin Patterson arriving in the back of a prison transport vehicle at Latrobe Valley Magistrate's Court in Morwell, Australia. An Australian woman murdered her husband's parents and aunt by lacing their beef Wellington lunch with toxic mushrooms, a jury found on July 7 at the climax of a trial watched around the world. Keen home cook Erin Patterson hosted an intimate meal in July 2023 that started with good-natured banter and earnest prayer -- but ended with three guests dead. (Photo by Martin KEEP / AFP) / For any use in Australia and New Zealand, please contact the AFP sales department at sydsales@afp.com or +61 405 149 534.

How long mushroom cook could be behind bars

Criminal lawyers have weighed in on Erin Patterson’s jail term as the triple killer could join the likes of Australia’s most heinous killers behind bars.

Police & Courts

Owner of firebombed Toorak cosmetic clinic linked to Bali shooting

The Toorak skin clinic which was set alight in an overnight firebombing is owned by a woman embroiled in the deadly Bali shootings last month, the Herald Sun can reveal.

The Mushroom Cook

Erin Patterson set to appeal, as families could claim compo

Erin Patterson is set to appeal her convictions after being returned to prison, and a legal expert says the families involved could potentially claim compensation against the wealthy killer.

Crime in Focus

(FILES) Simon Patterson, estranged husband of Erin Patterson, leaves Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Morwell on May 2, 2025. An Australian woman murdered her husband's parents and aunt by lacing their beef Wellington lunch with toxic mushrooms, a jury found on July 7, 2025 at the climax of a trial watched around the world. Keen home cook Erin Patterson hosted an intimate meal in July 2023 that started with good-natured banter and earnest prayer -- but ended with three guests dead. (Photo by MARTIN KEEP / AFP)

$500,000 offer: Mushroom murder spurs media frenzy

The estranged husband of triple murderer Erin Patterson has been inundated with lucrative media offers.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/anthony-dowsley