Wal-Mart eyes legal action on donkey meat

Wal-Mart may take legal action after testing showed traces of fox meat in donkey meat sold to China. Source: AAP

WAL-MART Stores Inc says it's considering taking legal action against "responsible parties" after DNA testing showed traces of fox meat in the donkey meat it sold in China.

Wal-Mart had recalled the donkey meat - which it said was considered a popular delicacy in parts of China - after DNA testing by a government agency.

The company on Thursday said it withdrew all products from the supplier, Dezhou Fujude Food Company, and that affected customers were offered compensation.

It also said it plans to add DNA testing to its meat products in China.

Wal-Mart, has 404 stores in China.

A company spokesman said a select number of stores were affected, but didn't specify the number.

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No quotas on police score cards: top cop

QUEENSLAND'S top cop says ordinary citizens have no reason to fear they'll be targeted by police when score cards are used to rate officer performance.

Police Commissioner Ian Stewart says the balanced score cards won't set quotas for officers during the bid to cut crime in the Sunshine State by 10 per cent.

"It is not a quota system and any targets we put in place are always aspirational," he told reporters on Friday.

The score cards, being trialled in several areas including the Gold Coast, log the number and types of jobs completed by police.

Civil libertarians fear they are a return to the controversial kill sheets of the 1970s and '80s, in which quotas for fines were set.

Mr Stewart says that is not the case and refutes suggestions police would be out to get ordinary Queenslanders when the system is rolled out.

"If people are going about their lawful business they have no problem with the police," he said.

"But if I was a criminal in this state ... I'd be worried.

"This is about ensuring our people perform adequately and do their job and earn their pay, just like any other business."

However, Queensland Council for Civil Liberties vice-president Terry O'Gorman says the system could lead to police abusing their powers to reach quotas.

He says there have been complaints about police abusing search powers in the wake of anti-bikie laws.

"Last year senior police indicated RBTs would be used as an opportunity to search cars for evidence of crimes other than drink-driving," Mr O'Gorman said.

"This has led to police unnecessarily searching cars and bullying and blustering innocent citizens into so-called 'consent' searches."

But Mr Stewart says the service has long rated the performance of its officers and the balanced score card system will simply improve how that is done.

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Vic man shot in car park incident

TWO men are in hospital after a shooting at a Melbourne shopping centre car park.

One of the men, believed to be in his 40s, was shot in the leg at the Keysborough shopping centre in the city's southeast around midday on Thursday.

He was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

A short time later, another man turned up in hospital with facial injuries.

Police are probing links between the two men.

Inspector Bruce Kitchen says the shooting isn't related to bikies but police are still trying to figure out why it happened.

"We think it's probably a one-off incident," he told reporters at the scene.

"I'm not sure whether it's self-inflicted or not at this stage."

The man's car was searched and armed crime detectives discovered a shotgun and several shotgun shells inside.

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Vic rabbit killings like a 'horror movie'

Police are tracking down a person who stamped to death 40 rabbits at a property near Melbourne. Source: AAP

A CARER for dozens of rabbits found crushed and mutilated at a Victorian farm says the killings were like a scene out of a horror movie.

About 40 rabbits were being raised in Garfield, just outside Melbourne's far eastern outskirts, but about half of them were found dead at around 3am (AEDT) on Wednesday.

Some of the rabbits were kicked like footballs, others thrown against walls, and many stomped on until they died.

Rabbit breeder Kara Jackson says seeing the little dead bodies scattered throughout the property was disgusting.

"This doesn't happen in real life. This is something from a horror movie," she said.

"They've got to be sick. It's not human to do something like that," Ms Jackson said, referring to the killers.

Police don't have a motive for the animal cruelty deaths but believe more than one person was involved.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Colin Beard urged anyone who knows the people who killed the rabbits to call police.

"Hopefully they'll be losing sleep and they'll come and talk to us," he said.

The rabbits were being raised for commercial proposes and were prone to scratching people.

Police say those responsible may have been injured in the incident.

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Alleged king hit attacker refused bail

A MAN accused of king hitting a teenager in an "horrific" attack that left him fighting for his life punched four other victims during the same assault, a Sydney court has heard.

Daniel Christie, 18, is in a critical condition in St Vincent's Hospital after he was punched in the face in Kings Cross during New Year's Eve celebrations.

The court heard Mr Christie was shielding other alleged victims when he was punched by his alleged attacker, Shaun McNeil.

McNeil, 25, faced Parramatta Bail Court via videolink on Wednesday where he cried as he was refused bail.

He has been charged with one count of causing grievous bodily harm to Mr Christie, one count of assaulting Mr Christie's brother, Peter Christie, and two counts of common assault.

Wearing a forensic suit, he said little during his court appearance on Wednesday.

According to facts tendered in court, McNeil had just left the Punchbowl bar in Kings Cross on Tuesday with his girlfriend when he got into a verbal altercation with two young men and an unidentified boy.

After allegedly telling them he was a mixed martial arts fighter, McNeil struck the boy before punching both of his friends, causing them to fall to the ground, the facts said.

As the boy ran one way, the two men ran down the street and attempted to hide behind Mr Christie, who was then allegedly targeted by McNeil.

"The victim has fallen backward and struck his head on the pavement, causing immediate life-threatening injuries," the facts said.

When Peter Christie tried to intervene, McNeil then turned on him, allegedly punching him and splitting his lip.

McNeil was arrested by police shortly afterwards.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Lisa McEvoy said McNeil, who has a history of violence, was celebrating in the city from 9am and had drunk around eight beers and one glass of wine.

"At the end of his time in town, there's a man on the floor with a fractured skull and suspected brain injury and other people with cut lips," she said.

McNeil has several convictions for violence and dishonesty, the court heard.

Sgt McEvoy said the police facts in the case were "horrific".

"This was completely unprovoked," she said.

The alleged assaults occurred on the same street on the late-night strip where teenage king hit victim Thomas Kelly was killed in 2012.

"Mr McNeil does not live in a box," Sgt McEvoy said.

"He is aware of the circumstances surrounding the recent death of a young man, not to mention the few other young men who ended up in hospital (in similar circumstances)."

The court heard McNeil told police he was acting to "protect" his girlfriend.

His lawyer said the young men tried to sell him drugs.

McNeil was "very sad" when he heard about Mr Christie's life-threatening injuries, the court heard.

Registrar Steptoe refused bail, noting the "current climate" of unprovoked assaults in Sydney.

McNeil will face court again on Monday.

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Road deaths down in NSW, cyclists at risk

2013 saw the lowest number of people die on NSW's roads for almost 90 years, the government says. Source: AAP

LAST year saw the lowest number of people die on NSW's roads for almost 90 years, the government says.

But, while the number of pedestrian deaths is the lowest since records began in 1928, cyclist fatalities have doubled since 2012.

NSW Minister for Roads Duncan Gay on Wednesday said the 2013 NSW road toll was the lowest since 1924 with provisional figures indicating 339 people were killed, down from 369 in 2012.

"While fewer fatalities is encouraging, that still means 339 people do not get to spend the new year with friends and family, and their loss will be felt by everyone they knew as we start 2014," he said in a statement.

Centre for Road Safety general manager Marg Prendergast said the toll was not only the best since 1924, but also down by more than a third from a decade ago, when the road toll was 539.

The main reasons for the improvements were reductions in passenger and pedestrian deaths, she said.

In 2013, 49 passengers died, down 40 per cent on the previous year, while 42 pedestrians were killed, down 24 per cent on 2012.

"This is the lowest number of pedestrian fatalities since those records began in 1928," Ms Prendergast said.

Country NSW has also seen fewer deaths on their roads, down 13 per cent from 2012.

But there were more motorcycle and cyclist deaths in 2013 than 2012.

While 61 motorcycle riders lost their lives in 2012, 71 died in 2013.

For cyclists, fatalities have doubled since 2012, with 14 people dying in 2013.

"We're developing a new Cycling Safety Strategy and are determined to bring down the number of cycling deaths," she said.

Mr Gay urged all road users not to become complacent.

"Fatigue and speeding are major issues during the holidays with motorists rushing to their destination, going too fast, pushing on when they are tired or setting out without having a good night's sleep," he said.

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Scooter company on track for first profit

SCOOTER maker Vmoto expects 2013 will be its first profitable year, thanks to growing sales in China.

The company makes electric and petrol scooters in China, and distributes them to more than 30 countries.

Vmoto also owns 10 retail outlets in China, with four of those stores having opened in the last two months.

On Monday, the company said November was another profitable month, and the company still expects to make its maiden annual profit, of between $300,000 and $600,000, in the 2013 calendar year.

Vmoto listed on the Australian share market in 2002.

It expects to have had made 42,000 scooters in the year, and had sold 3,197 of its own scooters in China by the end of November.

"The gradual buildup in sales month-on-month are testament to the Vmoto brand becoming increasingly recognised as a premium product for electric scooter riders in China," it said.

The company's shares gained 0.1 of a cent to 3.1 cents.

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Man arrested over double murder

A 19-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested on suspicion over the double murder of a mother and her daughter in Perth.

The bodies of Tamara Alexandra Horstman, 26, and her mother Maureen Anne Horstman, 67, were found on Sunday afternoon after Tamara failed to arrive at work.

The parents of one of her friends went to the Warwick address to check on her and alerted police, who arrived about 2.30pm (WST).

Police have not revealed how the women died but it is believed Maureen suffered chest injuries and Tamara suffered head injuries.

Tamara's twin brother, who also found the pair, was questioned by police but was cleared as a suspect on Tuesday morning.

Detectives arrested another man in Mirrabooka on Tuesday and he is assisting police with their investigation.

Tamara's 2008 model Mazda3 sedan, which had been missing, was found in Mirrabooka on Monday after a member of the public heard about the search via the media and alerted police.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Icebreaker unable to reach Antarctic ship

Australian icebreaker Aurora Australis is battling to reach a cruise ship stranded in the Antarctic. Source: AAP

A STRANDED research ship will spend its seventh night wedged in Antarctic sea ice after strong winds pushed back an Australian icebreaker sent to its rescue.

The Aurora Australis icebreaker battled through enough sea ice on Monday to come within 10 nautical miles of the stranded vessel, which is carrying more than 70 scientists, explorers and tourists.

But in the latest setback to the on-going rescue mission, the icebreaker abandoned its first attempt and sailed into open water as poor weather moved in.

Rescue authorities have now put the mission on hold over safety concerns, but may try again when the weather improves.

"Further attempts may be made by the vessel ... once weather conditions improve," said Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) spokeswoman Lisa Martin.

The icebreaker arrived near the Antarctic coast at 2am (AEDT) on Monday in a final bid to break through the pack ice surrounding the MV Akademik Shokalskiy, located about 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart.

Two icebreakers have already given up on efforts to push through the thick and dangerous ice floes to free the trapped ship.

The ship's passengers, from Australia and New Zealand, have been stuck on the ship since Christmas Eve.

The ship had been undertaking the Spirit of Mawson voyage, which is retracing Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expedition.

Professor Chris Turney of the University of NSW is leading the expedition, consisting of scientists, explorers and enthusiasts undertaking climate research.

He has continued to post updates about the failed rescue attempts on social media sites, saying the weather was poor but he remains hopeful since ice appears to be breaking up near the trapped ship.

"Cracks are developing around the bow. Hope this helps," he wrote on Twitter.

"High winds this am; sorry for limited comms. Set up tent on top deck. All well. ... Waiting game!"

The Aurora is the last ship in the area that will be able to help.

If it can't battle through the ice in another attempt, authorities will look at ferrying the trapped passengers to safety by helicopter.

The Akademik Shokalskiy sent a distress call on Christmas Day after becoming trapped in heavy sea ice.

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Girl killed, five injured in NSW crash

A YOUNG girl has been killed and five other people injured in a single-vehicle crash in the state's Hunter region.

The crash occurred about 50 kilometres south of Cessnock on George Downes Drive, Bucketty, shortly before 1pm (AEDT) Monday, police said.

It was first thought that a man had died in the crash, but police and the NSW Ambulance Service now say a young girl was killed.

They say she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a woman in her 30s, believed to be the driver, and another young girl suffering a serious head injury were airlifted to hospital.

NSW Ambulance said three other people were treated at the scene for abrasions and minor injuries then airlifted to Westmead Hospital by a second rescue helicopter.

Emergency services are at the scene which will be examined by Crash Unit Investigators.

The young girl's death takes NSW's road toll to seven.

The national road toll period runs from midnight December 23, 2013 until midnight January 3, 2014, local times, in line with the Australia New Zealand Policing Advisory Board.

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Quakes sink part of Mexico highway near US

A section of a Mexican highway near the US border has collapsed after a series of small earthquakes. Source: AAP

A 275-METRE section of a Mexican highway near the US border has collapsed, sinking about 30m after a series of small earthquakes.

Mexico's federal highway authority says the collapse occurred about 93km south of the border city of Tijuana.

The road leads to the port city of Ensenada, on the Baja California peninsula.

The agency said on Saturday the road was closed in the early morning hours, after the collapse was detected.

The agency said the collapse was caused by seven small earthquakes ranging in magnitude from 1.3 to 4.3.

It said the roadway runs over a known geological fault in the area, and that it had been raining heavily.

No injuries were reported.

Traffic was being diverted onto a smaller, non-toll highway.

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Icebreaker 100 miles from stuck ship

An Aussie icebreaker is about 100 nautical miles from a ship trapped in sea ice near Antarctica. Source: AAP

FEDERAL authorities say a rescue mission by an Australian icebreaker remains on track as it closes in on a ship wedged in sea ice near Antarctica.

A group of scientists, explorers and tourists has been stuck on the Russian research ship MV Akademik Shokalskiy about 1500 nautical miles south of Hobart for the past five days.

Although the expedition's leader says spirits among those on the ship remain high, a retired Brisbane teacher aboard as a tourist says frustration is building.

Two icebreakers have given up on efforts to push through the thick and dangerous ice floes near Antarctica to try to free the trapped research vessel.

A third icebreaker, Australia's Aurora Australis, is on its way to the stranded ship and is due to arrive about 11pm (AEDT) on Sunday.

It is the last ship in the area that will be able to help.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) says Aurora Australis is about 85 nautical miles from the trapped ship.

"The Aurora Australis remains on track to arrive in the vicinity around 11pm AEDT," an AMSA spokeswoman said in a statement.

If the icebreaker can't battle through the ice, AMSA says a second option may be to consider ferrying trapped passengers with a helicopter.

The locked-in ship, with 74 people on board, including several New Zealanders, sent a distress call on Christmas Day after becoming trapped in heavy sea ice.

The ship had been undertaking the Spirit of Mawson voyage, which is retracing Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expedition.

Professor Chris Turney of the University of NSW is leading the expedition, consisting of scientists, explorers and enthusiasts undertaking climate research.

He insisted during several interviews with international media outlets that everyone was in good spirits despite the ordeal.

But retired Brisbane teacher Kayleen Lawson, aboard the stricken vessel as a tourist, said frustration was building.

"It was meant to be the trip of a lifetime, and it still is ... but it's turning out a little differently to what I expected," Ms Lawson told News Corp during a satellite phone interview.

The Aurora icebreaker is rated at being able to push through ice slightly deeper than one metre thick.

China's Snow Dragon icebreaker, which came within six and a half nautical miles of the stuck ship before turning back out of safety fears, is standing by in case its helicopter will be needed.

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