Latest news with #anonymity
News.com.au
10 hours ago
- News.com.au
Grandfather's eerie last moments before horror murder caught on CCTV
It's the most disturbing crime I've seen since 1993 when two 11-year-olds abducted, tortured and killed toddler James Bulger – with sickening similarities. In April, a 14-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl were convicted of manslaughter. Earlier this month, they were given sentences so paltry, I felt my blood boil. The boy beat to death a retired factory worker and granddad, Bhim Kohli, 80, in an unprovoked attack, hurling racist abuse at him as he did. The girl filmed the assault, cheered him on and laughed in the dying pensioner's face. Later, both bragged about it. He received seven years in jail. She wasn't jailed at all – for fear it'd impact her 'education and mental health.' She received a three-year rehabilitation order, a six-month curfew, and community service. They remain anonymous. A judge ruled last month their welfare outweighed the public interest in open justice and unrestricted reporting. Outside court late last week, Bhim's daughter Susan Kohli choked back tears as she read the family's statement. 'We feel anger and disgust towards the teenagers who took dad away from us. They humiliated him, an 80 year-old-man, assaulted him, filmed it and laughed at him.' Referring to their sentences and anonymity, she said: 'They have taken a life – and as a result our lives have been changed forever. When they're released they still have their full lives ahead of them. They can rebuild their lives. We can't.' How on earth could this happen? When I read the details, a chill ran through me. Then I saw where it happened: Leicester. I lived and worked there as a council-funded youth worker. I know one of the key ways in which this horror might've been prevented. Multiple grim factors coalesced to cause this: toxic teen phone culture, a desire for online 'fame', male violence, government cuts, policing failures and a breakdown of a famous multicultural society which recent politicians have savaged as 'woke,' leading to the normalisation of disgusting racist attacks. Trigger warning: the details I'll share now are distressing. But they're important to understand how a once-great multicultural society, in a city I was proud to call home, can break down to the point something unthinkable like this occurs. A 'very mild, gentle man' who loved his family and dog Bhim Kohli loved gardening in his small allotment. His neighbour, Marie Chatterton, described him as 'very mild and gentle.' His grandson, Simranjit Kohli, said 'My granddad is the main reason I am who I am. Now we'll never get to see if he is proud.' He was metres from his home, walking his beloved dog, Rocky, in a nearby park. The last words he heard as he cowered on his knees and his distraught dog watched helplessly were those of vile racist taunts, abuse, and laughter. When his daughter found him lying on the ground in agony, he told her his attackers had called him a 'P***' (a hateful racist slur) during the attack. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Sinski called the case one of the most shocking of his career. The boy, he said, had a thirst for social media notoriety. Two weeks earlier, Bhim had intervened when two white boys aged 12 and 13 racially abused a man of colour near the same park. They threw a rock and a fence post at him and shouted 'go back to your village.' Bhim, his daughter, and a neighbour reported it. That man, who remains anonymous, last week said: 'If police had increased patrols after that, maybe Bhim would still be alive.' Bhim's daughter Susan echoed these sentiments. He added that he was shocked by 'this level of anger and vitriol … the racist language, the violence … from such a young age group'. But police deterring the act is a Band-Aid – we need to address the root cause. We need to look at a deeper rot in a city that once rightly boasted itself as Britain's most successful multicultural city. Elderly man suffers broken neck, three broken ribs In court, we learned the boy, who 'revelled in his hard, violent reputation' didn't know Bhim. He 'wanted to impress' his friend. She'd pointed Bhim out, encouraged the attack, and filmed it. In the weeks previously, she'd bullied and harassed Bhim; she'd thrown apples at him. She also filmed another Asian man being racially abused and mocked. She had a 'grudge' against Bhim because of an earlier verbal altercation involving a friend. He'd told them to get off his neighbour's garage roof. In response, stones were thrown at him, he was spat at and was racially abused by the children. Her phone contained a photo of Bhim taken a week before the attack. She'd deliberately arrived at the park at the time she knew he walked his dog. 'This girl was obsessed with violence – she filmed and encouraged it,' said DCI Sinski. 'Her actions were cynical and calculated.' When arrested, she was 'not in any way intimidated by the gravity of the charge.' He added: 'She was very sure of herself … and unnecessarily cocky and confident during her evidence.' The boy wore a balaclava and knocked Bhim to the ground then hit him with his shoe as he was trying to get up. The judge said he was 'showing off' as he knew he was being filmed. He slapped him and called him a racial slur so hateful, British newspapers won't print it. He stomped on Bhim so forcefully, it broke his neck. As the 80-year-old lay on the ground defenceless and in agony, then motionless, the teen repeatedly kicked him so hard, he broke three of his ribs as the girl filmed, laughed and later bragged. When police reviewed her phone, they found numerous clips of her filming and encouraging attacks. Bhim's daughter described finding her father. 'He screamed, 'My neck, my neck.' I'd never heard him in that kind of pain before.' He died the following day in hospital. 'Lock up the council workers who let this happen' One reader commented: 'Also lock up the police and council who failed to deal with the anti-social behaviour going on for ages.' I previously worked for Leicestershire County Council as a youth worker, helping kids just like Bhim's attackers. I loved Leicester, Britain's first city where white people were a minority. It's home to a large Indian and Pakistani community. We celebrated Diwali, revelled in the delicious food, and proved multiculturalism worked. We ran programs for disadvantaged kids to keep them out of trouble and off the streets – including those expelled, or at risk of arrest. It was a haven for self-expression, but we also taught them respect. My male manager and I were particularly keen to act as positive role models for the boys who came from complex backgrounds. That centre was demolished in 2012 due to Tory austerity. Between 2010 and 2023, the Conservatives closed over 1,200 youth centres and more than a third of children's centres. Meanwhile, figures like Nigel Farage – Britain's Pauline Hanson – have become alarming political icons for Britain's youth. Farage has 1.3 million TikTok followers, more than all other MPs combined. He spews anti-Immigration rhetoric. The death of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli in Leicestershire only makes three of today’s front pages. As we reported yesterday, the Telegraph writes that Mr Kohli had previously complained to police about anti-social behaviour by young kids where he lived. — Darshna Soni (@darshnasoni) September 4, 2024 Bhim was killed just a month after the UK race riots. Misinformation claimed the Southport stabbing suspect was an immigrant. He wasn't. Far-right activist Tommy Robinson led the lie – and shortly afterwards, asylum hotels were set on fire. My old youth centre promoted harmony and diversity. Many like it are gone – bulldozed, not just closed. Adolescence The chilling parallels to Netflix's Adolescence are undeniable. The show prompted UK PM Keir Starmer to meet its creators. Writer Jack Thorne called for smartphone bans in schools and a digital age of consent, naming Australia's world-leading example as one the UK should follow. In the show, 13-year-old Jamie kills a girl after being radicalised online. He lies, denies responsibility, then shows threadbare remorse. So did this boy. He falsely claimed Bhim had a knife. Then said the pensioner just 'fell.' Eventually, he admitted to the killing, saying he 'just needed to get his anger out.' The judge called his remorse 'diluted,' adding: 'You say it wasn't your fault. The sooner you realise otherwise, the better.' In leaked Snapchats after the attack, he wrote: 'Feds know it's me,' with a laughing emoji. He bragged about his 'punching power.' How this could've been avoided Could a youth centre have kept this violent boy off the streets and out of trouble? Maybe not. Could a youth phone ban have stopped the desire for viral infamy? Maybe not. Could more visible policing following reports of racist hate incidents have made a difference? Maybe not. Could braver political leadership on multiculturalism have countered anti-immigration propaganda? Maybe not. But if all of these things had been in place, as was perfectly possible? A beloved, hardworking granddad might still be alive today. He might not have spent his final moments in agony, being ridiculed and facing the ugliest collapse of the society he loved – at the hands of children.
BBC News
2 days ago
- BBC News
Child abuse victim sues West Mercia Police after identity breach
A woman who was sexually abused as a child is suing a police force after an officer revealed her identity to a member of the public. Heidi Clutterbuck told West Mercia Police in the 1990s her brother, Jimmy Guthrie, had abused her from the ages of six to 10. As a survivor of sexual abuse, she has the legal right to lifelong anonymity but the force has now admitted an officer revealed her name to someone who went on to contact her."It should have been my choice to reveal I was a victim – they took that from me," Ms Clutterbuck said. 'I was petrified' West Mercia Police said the force was unable to comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings. Ms Clutterbuck, aged 53 and of Worcestershire, was among a number of women who reported Mr Guthrie to separate police forces more than 30 years ago. No action was taken and their alleged abuser died in 2012. Two years later, Ms Clutterbuck and her family were receiving police protection due to threats against them when she began receiving messages from people who said they knew she had reported her brother and she was a victim. "I was petrified and scared for the safety of myself and my family who I believed were placed in danger because my name had been revealed," she told the BBC."We had CCTV cameras and a security alarm fitted and new locks put on our doors and windows." West Mercia Police ended their investigation into her reported abuse in 2016, stating there was no prospect of a conviction following Mr Guthrie's death. At the time, the force denied breaking the law by revealing her identity, but Ms Clutterbuck was determined to keep fighting. The married mother of five said: "I felt robbed of the choice of whether I wanted to let people know that I was a victim and the choice of who to share that with. "To be denied that right was just appalling but I wouldn't have taken legal action if the force had apologised."In 2017, an Independent Police Complaints Commission investigation said there was sufficient evidence for the case to be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service if Jimmy Guthrie had still been alive. Ms Clutterbuck started legal action against West Mercia Police in 2018 and last month, after seven years, the force admitted "negligently breaching the anonymity of an alleged victim of child sexual abuse".Her case for damages is due to be heard in the High Court next year. In court papers seen by the BBC, West Mercia Police states her claim is diminished as she took part in the government's Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse and has spoken out Ms Clutterbuck said: "I now want to be seen and heard - I can use my voice and awful experiences for some good," she said."I will not listen to people who want to shame me and I feel I have no choice but to take legal action." 'Enshrined in legislation' Her lawyer is Maria Mulla, who is also working with victims of the former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed. "The decision to disclose or not is a colossal one for survivors of sexual abuse and in particular child sexual abuse," she said. "West Mercia Police stole Heidi's lifetime right to absolute anonymity, a right that is enshrined in legislation."West Mercia Police said the force was unable to provide any more information as "this could prejudice a live complaint which is currently being reviewed".Ms Clutterbuck said she had spent hundreds of thousands of pounds on her legal case. "I would like some justice for their mistake because it was impactful for me and my family," she said."It's been a long journey which was so unnecessary." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
A Letter to the Media About Anonymity
And a thank you from the General Service Office of Alcoholics Anonymous for continued cooperation NEW YORK, June 16, 2025 /CNW/ -- From time to time, we reach out to our friends in the media to thank them for helping us adhere to our long-standing tradition of anonymity for members of Alcoholics Anonymous at the public level. First, we'd like to express our thanks. From the beginning of A.A. almost 90 years ago, we've recognized that word-of-mouth is not enough to carry the A.A. program's message of hope and recovery to the many people still suffering from alcoholism. We've needed help— and the media has been a vital part of this effort. Today, there are more than 2 million successfully recovering members of Alcoholics Anonymous in more than 180 countries, and much of this growth can be attributed to the willingness of journalists and media professionals around the world to take an interest in our Fellowship. Second, we invite your ongoing cooperation in maintaining the anonymity of A.A. members. The principle of anonymity is at the core of our Fellowship. Those who are reluctant to seek help in A.A. often overcome their fear if they are confident that their anonymity will be respected. In addition, the tradition of anonymity acts as a healthy guardrail for A.A. members, reminding us that we are a program of principles, not personalities, and that no individual A.A. member acts as a spokesperson for our Fellowship. If an A.A. member is identified in the media, we ask that you please use first names only (e.g., Sofia M. or Ben T.) and that you not use images in which members' faces may be recognized. This helps to provide members with the security that anonymity can bring. To learn more about A.A. and why anonymity remains a vital principle in Alcoholics Anonymous, visit the Press and Media section at Our Fellowship does not comment on matters of public controversy, but we are happy to provide information about A.A. to anyone who seeks it. Thank you again for your continued cooperation. Sincerely, Public Information Committee of Alcoholics Anonymous Contact: publicinfo@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc. View original content to download multimedia:
Daily Mail
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Unrecognizable tennis icon finally emerges as insider reveals why he disappeared
A tennis legend appeared unrecognizable while stepping out in Beverly Hills this week as an inside source revealed he enjoys the 'anonymity he is blessed with.' The 53-year-old former professional used to take center stage on court, amassing a staggering 14 Grand Slam titles throughout a decorated 15-year career.
Daily Mail
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Tiny paradise island that looks like Mars is quietly becoming the new Hamptons as celebs flock there
America's elite are choosing a tiny Hawaiian island that looks like it belongs on Mars for their vacations to really get away from it all. Lanai, a tiny island in the Pacific with a population of just 3,000, has quietly become the ultimate celebrity hideaway. With no traffic lights and few choices of public accommodation, the island offers something that popular celeb hangouts like the Hamptons never could - anonymity. Lanai sits at the heart of the Hawaiian archipelago but feels worlds apart from tourist-packed Maui or Oahu with its celebrity-filled resorts. Tech titan Larry Ellison snapped up 98 percent of the entire island in 2012, transforming it into a billionaire's playground. It now attracts other celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Tom Cruise, Will Smith and Jessica Alba who have all recently vacationed there. The Oracle billionaire boasts a massive real estate portfolio and has been called the 'nation's most avid trophy-home buyer' by the Wall Street Journal. He is worth a whopping $89.3billion and is the world's ninth richest person, according to Forbes. Although its popular among America's elite - Lanai is still the 'smallest inhabited island in Hawaii,' Four Seasons Resort Manager, Juan Leonis, told 'And we also probably receive the least amount of visitors,' he added. 'We take a little more effort to get to, with no direct flights from the mainland, but we believe that simply adds to the attraction.' 'With about 3,000 residents and a small plantation town, we offer an experience that is like Hawaii as it used to be in vintage postcards,' he added. Bill and Melinda Gates chose the island for their wedding back in 1994, tying the knot on the spectacular 12th hole of the Four Seasons Lanai golf course. The grassy knoll sits perched dramatically on a cliff edge with waves crashing below. The course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and offers breathtaking views. But the island's landscape has changed dramatically since the 1920s when it was once the world's largest pineapple plantation. James Drummond Dole employed thousands on the island to tend his fruit empire. 'This island once produced most of the world's pineapples before its next chapter as a vacation destination, and closure of the plantation,' Leonis said. 'To us, true luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging, a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care during your stay.' Today, the island's crown jewel is the Four Seasons Resort Lanai, which was completely renovated by Ellison. The Oracle founder tapped designer Todd Avery-Lenahan to create an opulent retreat that combines contemporary design with traditional Hawaiian elements. Guests wander past sculpted bamboo furniture, museum-quality shells and a massive traditional Polynesian boat in the lobby. The rooms can cost up to a staggering $5,000 a night. For that whopping cost, visitors enjoy two oceanfront pools surrounded by gardens, a Nobu restaurant, and poolside dining from celebrity favorite Malibu Farm. 'To us, true luxury is creating a meaningful sense of belonging, a dedicated focus on how people want to be treated, grounded in genuine care during your stay,' Leonis revealed. 'This starts with our passionate team, welcoming you always with a distinctly human touch, which is a beautiful complement to our aloha spirit here in Hawaii.' The resort's 213 rooms and suites host a revolving door of celebrities with a big focus on privacy. 'I believe our guests are seeking places where they can experience local culture in an authentic way, along with the natural beauty of Lanai for milestone occasions and family escapes,' said Leonis. 'Lanai has a private-island like ambiance, with minimal tourists, which provides a respite, a place to breathe, spend time with their loved ones or enjoy solitude in a luxury environment.' It now attracts other celebs like Oprah Winfrey who recently vacationed there 'Guests and residents can look deep into the night sky at various celestial bodies such as planets, star clusters, galaxies, nebulae, and the spectacular moon following a program about Pacific wayfinding,' Leonis said. Even the public beach at Hulopoe Bay is practically private, with Four Seasons staff ensuring well-heeled guests have loungers, umbrellas and tropical cocktails delivered directly to their spot on the sand. Adventurous guests can borrow gleaming white Jeeps to explore the island's 400 miles of dirt roads off the resort grounds. But one of the most spectacular sights is at the Garden of the Gods - a sweeping Mars-like landscape formed by red volcanic soil. The windswept summit, which once used as an open-air women's prison, offers views clear across to neighboring Molokai. A sunset yacht cruise around the island's waters is another prime activity, with the opportunity to spot whales and dolphins without another boat in sight. The town's Ohana Poke Market sells out of its famous ahi tuna poke by noon every day, serving the Hawaiian delicacy in simple paper bowls. 'Our guests enjoy an unhurried pace, lack of crowds and friendly people, but don't have to give up the comforts of a luxury resort and a range of activities – most of which we manage for a seamless Four Seasons stay,' Leonis told 'Activity wise, Lanai offers so much from horseback riding, sporting clays and archery or fantastic golf,' he continued. 'Our Adventure Park offers family fun with ziplining, or an aerial obstacle course, with a section for little kids as well. Many of our activities can be privately booked – charter a boat for snorkel sails or fishing, a custom horseback ride or group hiking or e-biking.' The 141-square-mile island, located eight miles off the coast of Maui, is the smallest inhabited island in the state. Ellison wants to add a zipline to the current lineup of resort activities, which include croquet, a putting course, horseback riding, archery, a shooting range, utility terrain vehicle riding, hiking, biking, lawn bowling and carriage rides. The mogul also re-opened a movie theater in town, stocked its main market with organic food, re-built the community swimming book and added football and soccer fields to the island.
