Meth addict condemned for posing ‘a grave risk’ to road users
Police had to resort to using spikes on what a judge described as ‘the state’s busiest road’ to put an end to a high speed chase. Here’s what the man behind the wheel was sentenced to.
Launceston
Nancy Grunwaldt’s sister speaks out three decades after disappearance
It’s been 30 years since Nancy Grunwaldt vanished in Tasmania. With the launch of National Missing Persons Week, police and Nancy’s family are making a fresh appeal for information.
Original lavender farm could get heritage recognition
It’s where it all began for one of Tasmania’s most iconic attractions, and soon the original Bridestowe Lavender Farm could be recognised for how special it is.
Tassie cyclist Georgia Baker’s secret weapon for Olympic success
Tassie cyclist Georgia Baker hopes a custom pair of shoes, painted by a Tasmanian artist, will provide a special connection to her late father and be her secret weapon for clinching Olympic gold.
Over the limit engineering lecturer busted without licence
A respected engineering lecturer was busted driving his black Jaguar while over the legal alcohol limit without a licence. What the court heard.
‘I was attacked’: ‘Diplomat Dan’s’ shock claims against magistrate
An incarcerated man – who insists on being called ‘Diplomat Dan’ – made an outlandish claim that a Launceston magistrate orchestrated an assault on him. What the court heard >>
Chart-topping pop-punk band heading down to the Apple Isle
The Smith Street Band is no stranger to Tasmania and is heading back to the state for a run of shows as they prepare to release album number seven.
Kathryn Hay’s lawyers try to get emotional abuse charges dropped
The lawyers of former MP Kathryn Hay sought to get her charges dismissed on a technicality, as hearing continues in Launceston. Why the attempt failed.
Man rode motorcycle to safety after being shot in chest
Police say a 40-year-old man was able to drive himself to safety with a gunshot wound to his chest in the early hours of the morning at George Town on Thursday.
Gifted athlete goes from AFLW draft contender to jail cell
A rising AFLW star has been jailed following a crime spree involving a string of thefts, drug possession and firearm offences. What the court heard.
Dance sensation Lily Cornish set to wow on stage and screen
On TV screens and stages around the world, Tasmanian professional ballroom dancer Lily Cornish will dance her heart out in 2024, including a gig in Hobart. WHERE TO SEE HER >>
We’re gonna need a bigger plane: Tassie’s online shopping boom
Tasmanians have a flare for shopping online with the sector experiencing a ‘substantial’ boom. Find out how what changes one airport has made to keep up.
Man jailed over plot to import $2.5m meth and heroin
A 39-year-old man used contacts in Asia to try to import millions of dollars worth of methamphetamine and heroin into Tasmania to pay off his growing debts. Here’s what was said in court.
Plans to transform old TV station into thriving business hub
The home of TNT-9, more recently known as 7Tasmania, could soon be transformed into a bank, veterinary centre or even a funeral parlour. See the plans >>
Closing remarks in trial of alleged murder of ex-partner’s boyfriend
‘He was unhappy and was making threats,’ the court heard as the final pitch to the 12-person jury was made in a case alleging the murder of the accused ex-partner’s boyfriend.
Woman desperate for pain relief stopped eating, inquest hears
The partner of a Sheffield woman who weighed just 19.1kg at the time of her death was compelled to give evidence despite arguing his answers might incriminate him. What he said >>
Man allegedly used social media to solicit child abuse material
An international investigation led to the discovery of child abuse images and videos, as well as messages with minors, on a Launceston man’s mobile phone. What the court heard.
Tassie tour: Lee Kernaghan excited to return to ‘God’s country’
It’s been two years since country music legend Lee Kernaghan last toured. However, he has been busy during the interim. Find out what he has been up to.
‘I was so scared I was shaking’: Son tells murder trial of alleged stabbing
The trial continued for accused murderer Kerry Lee Whiting as the jury heard how Mr Whiting’s son allegedly witnessed the brutal stabbing and tried to intervene. What the court heard.
Teacher pleads not guilty to alleged child sexual abuse
A Northern Tasmanian teacher accused of child sexual abuse has pleaded not guilty at the Launceston Magistrates Court on Wednesday. What the court heard.
‘Jealous’ man allegedly broke into home to murder ex’s new partner
A jury will determine whether a jealous ex is guilty of stabbing his former partner and killing her new lover while they lay in bed. What the court heard.
Will the show go on? Hope found amid ‘broken’ model
After this year’s Royal Launceston Show was cancelled, agricultural society presidents from around the state are worried about the future of similar events. Why there’s hope.
Volunteer-run golf club’s outrage over thefts
Bridport Golf Club has been left feeling “demoralised” after thousands of dollars of fuel was stolen from club reserves in two recent incidents. Watch the footage capturing thieves in the act.
Coroner rules missing man’s death caused by wife’s jilted lover
A Tasmanian coroner has declared a missing Bridport man dead more than 55 years after his disappearance, likely at the hand of his wife’s jilted lover.
Where to nab a bargain block in Tasmania
Burnie, Interlaken, York Town, Zeehan – these are the suburbs all home to some of the cheapest blocks of lands in the state. See what makes the list.
How much stamp duty discount will save new homeowners
New homeowners Grace Burden and Patrick Illingworth are among the beneficiaries of a stamp duty discount. Find out how much new homeowners can save with a new calculator >>
Man charged after allegedly accessing 85k child abuse anime images
A 30-year-old West Ulverstone man allegedly found with anime images that showed adults having sex with young children has faced court.
Man chased by machete-wielding chef fronts court
A verbal dispute at a Chinese restaurant led to a chef chasing a 39-year-old man with a machete. What the court heard.
Where to find Tasmania’s riskiest roads
Whether it be a dramatic four car pileup or a minor fender bender, here’s Tasmania’s top 10 most dangerous roads for crashes. Check out the interactive map >>
Surfer hid $290k worth of stolen cannabis crop in caravan
A 58-year-old who uncovered a cannabis crop while surfing on the East-Coast and helped himself to $290k worth of the drug has avoided jail. What the court heard.
Launceston man busted with $54k of meth in carry-on
A man will spend substantial time behind bars after smuggling about $54k worth of methylamphetamine into Tasmania in his carry-on luggage. Here’s how he was caught.
Could you be Tassie’s next top model?
Could you be Tassie’s next top model? The Tasmanian Fashion Festival is holding an open casting call for models in Hobart and Launceston. Details >>
Tasmania’s most crowded classrooms revealed in new data
Tasmania’s most crowded classrooms have been revealed, with new data showing which schools appear to be most in need of additional teachers. SEARCH YOUR SCHOOL
Dancers showing a different side of Ukraine on return to Hobart
This ballet troupe has not been able to go home since the start of a brutal war. Now they are returning to Australia with two special performances coming to Tasmania.
Teen avoids jail after violent Launceston street brawl
A troubled teen has avoided jail time after being involved in a violent street brawl that left one man with a fractured nose and two broken teeth.
Launceston teacher arrested over child sexual abuse charges
A Launceston secondary school community has been rocked, after a teacher was arrested and charged with a string of child sexual abuse offences. The response from the school.
Launceston sparky fronts court for allegedly dazzling road users
A sparky who plunged $350k into a popular residential Christmas lights display in Launceston has fronted court after allegedly dazzling road users – this time with full-beam headlights.
Only two ambulances serving 70,000+ residences
Tasmania’s second biggest city was reduced to just two ambulances on Saturday – serving a population of more than 70,000 people. Here’s why >>
Drunken man bashed bystander over stolen jacket dispute
A Launceston man with an extensive criminal history may not get jail time after punching a man during an alcohol-induced rage. Here’s why >>
Man wore pink wig to steal Ariana Grande perfume
A 32-year-old man with a nose for Ariana Grande perfume stole thousands of dollars of the stuff during an eight month crime spree. Here’s what he was sentenced to.
Grand plans to transform former TV station to childcare centre
A former television station could soon be brimming with youngsters after a proposal to convert the site into a much-needed childcare centre. See the plans >>
Council decision could double tiny town’s population
Despite pushback from the community, a Tasmanian council’s decision could double the population of a tiny town. Here’s why.
Music festival will be back, but needs support to keep party going
After Mona Foma was axed last week, organisers of another festival say their event will be back next summer, but they’ll need help to keep the party going into the future.
Former South Australian mayor appointed Launceston’s new chief
The Northern council has picked their man to replace Michael Stretton, who left to take up the top job at the City of Hobart Council in February. Meet Sam Johnson.
Historic textile mill slated for demolition for new development
Once the site of the second largest textile site in Tasmania, a decades old factory could soon be no more. Why its planned to be demolished.
REPLAYS: Goals galore as Cavaliers teach emerging Suns big lesson
Sophie Brewer and Hayley McDougall scored an incredible 112 goals between them in two games as Cavaliers showed the Suns just how difficult it will be to join the TNL elite. Relive the action.
Homeless man lights fires in house he was evicted from
After a night drinking, a man lit a fire in a house he used to live in. When he returned later, he found that the fire had gone out, so he lit another one.
What mothers want in the Bass electorate
The mother of all elections is almost here. But where do Launceston mothers stand on what issues matter most in the Bass electorate?
Fate of controversial $50m Gorge Hotel proposal revealed
It was first proposed in 2015, and four years since being approved the hotel development has been stuck in litigation. Here’s the latest decision on its future.
Cause of 2022 fatal helicopter crash at Lebrina revealed
The fatal crash of a firefighting helicopter in the state’s north has sparked a series of safety advisories to operators of the Vietnam War-era UH-1H ‘Huey’ helicopter.
Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/launceston