Serious concern for dad and daughter

Police have released this image of Greg Hutchings and his daughter. Source: Supplied

A FATHER and his four-year-old daughter have gone missing on the state's north coast.

Due to meet family members at lunchtime, Greg Hutchings, 35, and his daughter Eeva Dorendahl never arrived.

The pair were last seen on Pottsville Rd about 12.30pm on Saturday.

Investigators conducted an "extensive search" of the area but the two were not located.

It is understood Mr Hutchings does not have access to a car.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said officers hold serious concerns for their welfare and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Eeva Dorendahl. Source: Supplied

Greg is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, with short brown curly hair and of a thin build. He was last seen wearing a black long-sleeve shirt, grey trousers and carrying a black back pack.

Eeva is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with long blonde hair, blue eyes and of a thin build. She was last seen wearing an oversized blue and white-coloured shirt and multicoloured board shorts.

Police are urging anyone with information about this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Homes ablaze, others damaged in Hills fire

What started as a scrub fire in Jolimont came dangerously close to homes.

Water bomber reloads with water battling the Parkerville blaze. Picture: Kristy Goodchild/Facebook Source: Supplied

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

THERE have been reports of three homes being destroyed and others damaged by an out of control blaze east of Perth.

Flames are 20m high in the unpredictable and fast-moving blaze in Parkerville, which was reported at 11am.

There are reports homes on Schoch Rd, Tarylen Rd and Stoneville Rd are on fire. Nine News reporter Kelly Williams said she believes three homes have been gutted by the fire.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

Homes on Traylen Road, Conradi Road and neighbouring streets in Stoneville are under threat.

People in Mount Helena who live east of Alice Rd and Sawyers Rd are safe to leave.

The fire started between Jonhston Road and Granite Road, it has crossed Stoneville Road near Riley Road and is now burning towards Mount Helena and Chidlow.

People in Mount Helena who live west of Alice Rd and Sawyers Rd are not safe to leave.

It is safe to leave in the northern part of Mundaring and Mt Helena.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

There are 70 career and volunteer firefighters from 17 brigades battling the inferno, with aerial support provided to crews on the ground.

Texts and voice messages have been issued to residents in Parkerville, Stoneville and Mount Helena. The cause of the fire is unknown.

It's also believed the wind is picking up in the area. It has also been reported that waterbombers have been used to save a number of properties.

DFES says the bushfire is moving fast in an easterly direction, with burning embers likely to be blown around homes. Spot fires are starting up to 150m ahead of the fire.

Where to go:

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mundaring Recreation Ground on Mundaring Weir Road.

The recreation centre is now at capacity, people are asked to go to Brown Park in Swan View on the corner of Amherst and Salisbury Roads.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

Mundaring Shire president Helen Dullard told PerthNow she was on her way to the evacuation centre to help, but had heard reports of about 20 people arriving at the centre so far.

"I don't know how many homes are on fire or to what extent and I don't know how many people have chosen to stay and defend, but what I do know is that this is a very serious fire and the wind is changing and swirling all over the place and making things very difficult," she said.

Firefighters are battling a blaze in the Perth Hills, which is believed to have gutted at least three homes.

Ms Dullard said there was bound to be devastated and heartbroken residents as a result of this fire, but noted that firefighters were prepared for this kind of emergency and had extensive back-up from other brigades. She said information was being broadcast on a constant basis, which was a huge help.

A number of roads have been closed in the area, including Stoneville Rd from Jarrah Rd to Grenville Rd.

A Perth woman has tweeted her in-laws in Mt Helena were packing as the fire spreads, while other relatives have already been evacuated from Mundaring.

Reports of suspicious behaviour can be reported to CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

What to do:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you leave, flag you have gone with a green bag weighted down at thefront of your driveway.

Firefighters are battling a blaze in the Perth Hills, which is believed to have gutted at least three homes.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Safest place:

Your safest option may be to visit family or friends who live away from the area.

The Department for Child Protection and Family Support has also set up a temporary evacuation centre at Mundaring Recreation Ground on Mundaring Weir Road.

A fire is burning in the Perth Hills which has caused evacuations and loss of property Source: News Limited

Road closures:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

- Stoneville Road from Jarrah Road to Grenville Road

For further details contact Main Roads WA on 138 138 or visit www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

BALDIVIS FIRE

A BUSHFIRE watch and act has been issues for people in Baldivis in the City of Rockingham.

The fire is burning in bushland between Safety Bay Rd, Nairn Dr and Eighty Rd.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as a fire is approaching the area and conditions are changing.

The bushfire is moving fast in a north easterly direction at two kilometres per hour. It is out of control and unpredictable.

Homes in Nairn Drive, Tamworth Rd, Baldivis ad and Safety Bay Rd may be threatened by the fire.

Nairn Dr between Safety Bay Rd and Eighty Rd has been closed.

Firefighters are protecting houses from ember attack in Nairn Dr, Tamworth Rd, Baldivis Rd and Safety Bay Rd.

What to do:

If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous

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The world's 5 weirdest cocktails

Some cocktails can be deceiving, others can just be really good. Picture: Flickr: ambernambrose Source: NewsComAu

WEIRD and wacky can be fun, if you're brave enough to get in on the game. Here, a toast to the weirdest and wackiest cocktails around the world.

1) Sourtoe Cocktail

Guess what the key component in the Sourtoe Cocktail is? A sour toe ... seriously. It's a preserved, amputated toe. The gross (it is gross, there's no tiptoeing around it) 'garnish' is dropped into a glass of Champagne or beer, and then there is only one rule - you need to make sure your lips touch the toe, otherwise you may have not as well drunk it. The unusual drink is available at the appropriately named Sourtoe Cocktail Club, Downtown Hotel, Dawson City, Yukon. No-one knows the exact origins of the drink, but what we do know is that it was 'invented' in 1973 and about 60,000 brave people have reportedly tried it to date. Apparently the hotel has gone through about 12 toes since its inception and those who do accidentally swallow it (it's happened a few times) have to pay a $500 fine - apparently toes are not easy to come by.

Where? Sourtoe Cocktail Club, Downtown Hotel, Dawson City, Yukon.

Why? We have no idea.

A real amputated toe goes in this cocktail. Eeek! Picture: atlasobscura Source: NewsComAu

2) Duck Fart

The Duck Fart is made by pouring different liquors on layer by layer and not mixing them together. It's usually made with Kahlua, Baileys Irish Cream and Crown Royal, and can be drunk like a shot or on the rocks if you prefer. You're not allowed to add ice cubes as they can muddle up the layers. Its history can be traced back to around 1980 and it's growing in popularity in Alaska at a steady rate.

Where? Alaska

Why? Umm ... there are no amputated toes in it?

You can't mix the layers when it comes to the Duck Fat. Picture: Flickr: Capnrat Source: NewsComAu

3 ) The Crapper

The good thing about this cocktail is that it's tasty - think a chocolate-based Piña Colada garnished with a Snickers bar. The bad thing? It comes in a toilet bowl - which takes away any level of classiness. There is another good thing though (if you like toilet bowls) - if you finish the whole cocktail you can keep the 'glass' it came in, which considering how many kilojoules you'd consume drinking it might come in good use later.

Where? Rock and Rita's, Circus Circus Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas

Why? A Snickers makes for good garnish.

The Crapper comes in a toilet bowl. Not this one though ... we hope. Picture: Flickr: Newtown Graffiti Source: NewsComAu

4) Wakey, Wakey, Mary, Eggs and Bacey

This is more like a meal, initially designed to help hung-over folks in Nevada. The Bloody Mary is just the base (not just a normal Bloody Mary though, this one has horseradish-infused vodka), then hot sauce, Irish stout, a garnish of pickled vegetables, quail eggs, bacon ... oh and a grilled cheese sandwich too! It's an over-the-top play on breakfast, combined with the hair of the dog, says Duncan Mitchell, owner of Chapel Tavern.

Where? Chapel Tavern, 1099 S Virginia St Reno, Nevada

Why? Perhaps you're really, really hung-over ... and in Nevada ... and maybe you like quail eggs.

I'd love a sandwich in my Bloody Mary. Picture: Flickr Rambo1 Source: NewsComAu

5) Gunpowder Plot

We're not really sure what 'gunpowder flavours' means, but that's what these guys infuse their gin with. Then they shake the gin with fernet branca (a traditional herbal digestive) and egg white. By doing this they create a thick layer of froth on the top. When the cloche is closed and smoke is added the froth is infused with a smoky, wooden flavour giving the drink a completely new edge. This smoking technique takes the drink to a whole other level. It comes served in a smoking cloche amid a pile of twigs and oak-scented fog.

Where? Zeta Bar, Hilton, 488 George Street, Sydney.

Why? Because James Bond would approve.

The Gunpowder plot looks like a science experiment. Picture: Supplied Source: NewsComAu

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Tourist town razed in 10-hour inferno

A 10-hour inferno has razed an ancient Tibetan town in China's southwest Yunnan province that's popular with tourists.

There is no immediate report of casualties, and the cause of the fire is unclear.

The Deqen prefecture government said the fire broke out in the early hours of the morning in the town of Dukezong in the tourist area of Shangri-la.

More than 2000 firefighters, soldiers, police, local officials and volunteers responded to the blaze and brought it under control some 10 hours after it broke out, the Shangri-La county government said.

The official Xinhua News Agency says more than 100 houses were destroyed.

Photos and video footage show the town engulfed in flames that turned the night sky red.

This image of the massive blaze was taken on a mobile phone and posted on news.cn. Source: Supplied

The Dukezong means "the town of moon" in Tibetan. The town dates back 1300 years ago, when it was an important stop on the South Silk Road, according to Xinhua.

It is now one of the most renowned resorts in Shangri-la, known for its well-preserved ancient streets, Tibetan dwellings and traditional culture.

The state-run China Central Television says most structures in Dukezong are made of wood and the fire spread easily because of dry weather.

The Dekezong township mainly consists of wooden homes. Picture: yunnanadventure.com Source: Supplied

Formerly Zhongdian, the county officially changed its name to Shangri-la in 2001, and claims to be the inspiration behind the fictional place of Shangri-La in James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon - though several other locations across the region also claim to be the "real" Shangri-la.

The book was turned into a movie, also called Lost Horizon, in 1937.

Since changing its name, the county has benefited from tourism revenue.

See more pictures at Xinhua.

- with staff writers

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Jelly - the next big thing in Tech?

Jelly is the new app created by Biz Stone. Stone, a Twitter co-founder. Picture: AP Source: AP

TWITTER'S co-founder has launched a smartphone app that invites people to tap into their online social networks for answers about things they see.

Jelly, available free on both Apple and Android, lets people reach out virtually to friends, or friends of friends, when interested in finding out more about where they are or what is happening around them at a given moment.

"Say you're walking along and you spot something unusual,'' said a blog post at the Jelly website.

"You want to know what it is, so you launch Jelly, take a picture, circle it with your finger, and type 'What's this?'''

A new app to feed your curiosity has arrived ... and it's called Jelly. Source: Supplied

Jelly queries are submitted to friends who also have the application and notifications pop up when answers are provided.

Jelly meshes with people's existing social networks, such as Facebook and Twitter.

San Francisco-based Jelly was co-founded by Stone, one of the creators behind globally popular one-to-many text messaging service Twitter, which made a blockbuster stock market debut last year.

Stone announced the Jelly launch at his biz Twitter account.

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Murdered by the devil they knew

87 Clovelly Road where Anthony Waterlow stabbed to death his sister and father in a psychotic frenzy. Picture: News Limited Source: News Limited

THEY tried to warn doctors of the terrible danger they were in.

That the madness, the death threats and the festering hatred was spiralling out of control.

But in the end, Nick Waterlow and his daughter Chloe couldn't stop the son and brother they loved from killing them.

On a warm Spring evening in 2009, an enraged Anthony Waterlow turned down a tree-lined street in Sydney's eastern suburbs and burst through the door of 87 Clovelly Road, Randwick and stabbed them to death in a psychotic and bloodied frenzy.

Nick Waterlow and daughter Chloe. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

As 68-year-old Nick Waterlow cried out his last words - "I love you" - his son plunged a kitchen knife into his father then turned on his younger sister.

Then he took off, leaving a trail of bloodied footprints, two bodies and a child's screams disturbing the otherwise tranquil neighbourhood.

A bloodied footprint leading away from the front door of 87 Clovelly Road, Randwick. Picture: News Limited Source: News Limited

In the aftermath, as police hunted the deranged 42-year-old, questions were asked as to why hospitals had refused pleas from Waterlow's father to commit his son - a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic - to permanent psychiatric care.

Today the NSW Deputy State Coroner recommended changes be made to the NSW Mental Health Act regarding the scheduling of mentally-ill patients to consider "the protection of others from serious emotional harm".

World-renowned art curator Nick Waterlow with an exhibition in 2001. Picture: News Limited Source: News Limited

"In determining whether to schedule a mentally-ill patient the term 'for the person's own protection from serious harm', should be understood to include the harm caused by the mental illness itself," ruled Magistrate P.A. MacMahon.

The first signs of trouble with Anthony Waterlow emerged around 1999, after the death of his mother and when he was in his early 30s.

Anthony and Chloe Waterlow and younger brother, Luke, had enjoyed a privileged childhood on Sydney's North Shore, attending exclusive private schools funded by their father's career as a world renowned art curator.

Anthony Waterlow as a schoolboy at Aloysius College in 1981. Picture: Supplied. Source: Supplied

The children were good-looking and, like their father, artistic.

Anthony was a friendly and engaging teenager, a keen school debater and on the tennis team.

His sister, who was five years younger, worked for ABC Radio where former colleagues remember her as "bubbly, funny and warm".

She co-authored cookbooks and married businessman Ben Heuston and they had three children.

Neighbours of the Clovelly Road house where they lived described Chloe as "a lovely soul'' who doted on her children.

Anthony had gone on to study as a Bachelor of Film, Video and Intermedia student at Sydney's College of Fine Arts, where fellow students remember him as confident and friendly.

But as the years rolled by, friends noticed a shadow falling over Anthony.

Before his illness shrouded his mind, Anthony Waterlow was engaging and friendly. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

By 2003 schizophrenic delusions were beginning to fester in his mind.

A female friend later said she had watched him deteriorate, seeing "a definite change in him about eight years" before the killings.

"[He was] a lot more withdrawn," she said, "like he'd lost that confidence he had years ago."

Anthony began seeing psychiatrists, and threatening people.

His paranoia and his hatred centred on his father and sister.

He told a former landlord, Gaye Bell, he was being "photographed through the pinholes of his venetian blinds'' and hearing Chloe's voice telling him she would "never forgive'' him.

"Throughout the time I have known Anthony, his hatred to blame for what was happening to him focused on Nick and Chloe,'' Ms Bell said in a subsequent court statement.

Anthony believed his family were responsible for a "worldwide'' game where people tried to control him.

Between 2004 and 2007, Anthony agreed to his family's requests to be psychiatrically assessed.

He told one psychiatrist he believed his relatives wanted him to kill himself.

Anthony believed his father and sister Chloe (above) were conspiring to have him die. Picture: Supplied Source: NewsLocal

He refused to take the medication prescribed for his paranoid schizophrenia.

A year before his son completely unravelled, Nick Waterlow tried to get him permanently committed to a psychiatric institution.

Gaye Bell also tried to have him scheduled after he accused her of conspiring with his family.

He threatened to kill her, saying, "You think you're so wonderful ... I'm going to snap your neck. I'm going to film you, keep you here and film you confessing everything you have done to me".

A referring doctor wrote Anthony Waterlow was "likely to be psychotic and a danger to himself and others''.

But health services refused to take him: Anthony didn't meet the criteria for involuntary hospitalisation under the Mental Health Act.

Anthony Waterlow was suffering serious psychiatric delusions by 2003. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

Besieged by violent thoughts and voices in his head, he was taking drugs and alternatively aggressive and withdrawn.

Nick Waterlow did not discuss his son's illness, but in 2006 he backed an exhibition "For Matthew And Others: Journeys With Schizophrenia" to highlight the plight of sufferers.

By late 2009, Anthony was living in a decrepit, rubbish-filled room in a run-down boarding house.

The voices in his head had intensified.

"He felt his family had devised a game of harassment that would eventually lead to his death and everyone could play to try to make him commit suicide,'' a psychiatrist's report later said.

In the weeks before the killings, a barmaid remembers Anthony regularly visiting to drink alone and play the Lord of The Rings pinball machine.

At 4.45pm Anthony Waterlow left this squalid bedsit (above) to kill his father and sister. Picture: News Limited Source: News Limited

Another bartender described a "fragile" man who kept to himself and played the poker machines, at one point saying it didn't matter if he lost money because "he was used to people hurting him".

At 4.45pm on Monday, November 4, 2009, Waterlow left his squalid bedsit for his sister's house.

Inside 87 Clovelly Road, Nick Waterlow was visiting his daughter while Chloe's husband was in Britain on a work trip.

Anthony stormed into the house brandishing a 34cm kitchen knife. Nick and Chloe Waterlow rushed at Anthony to stop him. Anthony lunged forward, stabbing his father.

He then turned the knife to his sister, Chloe, who pleaded, "No, don't - stop''. Soaked in blood, Anthony ran from the house.

A friend of Chloe Waterlow prays outside the murder house, still a crime scene, shortly after her employer's death. Picture: News Limited Source: News Limited

Neighbours heard his footsteps pounding down Clovelly Road.

In the UK, Chloe's husband was informed his father-in-law and wife had been slashed to death.

As he prepared for the trip home, police were studying CCTV images of a dishevelled, wild-looking man on the run.

CCTV footage of Anthony Waterlow on the run. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

The art world was in mourning for the "gentle ... supportive" man and "genius", Nick Waterlow.

Eighteen months later, a sombre Anthony Waterlow faced Justice Peter Hidden in a judge-only trial in the NSW Supreme Court.

As he enter pleas of not guilty due to mental illness, sobs came from the public gallery, which was filled with his extended family and friends, including actress Rachel Griffiths.

Calm and in control from taking anti-psychotic medication while in Long Bay prison forensic hospital, he expressed his remorse.

Anthony Waterlow in custody after his arrest. Picture: News Limited. Source: News Limited

"I wanted to say that since I have been treated with the right medication, symptoms of schizophrenia have slowly gone away,'' he said.

"This is a good thing, but it is also a terrible thing because it makes me aware of the awful reality of what I have actually done.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I would kill Chloe and Dad, but I did, it was me and that is what I have got to live with.

The late Nick Waterlow, a 'gentle genius' whose last words to his psychotic son were 'I love you. Picture: Supplied Source: News Limited

"If I could give my life to bring them back I would.

"I miss my family incredibly and I am totally shattered by what I have done. I am so, so sorry and I will be for the rest of my life.''

In April 2011, Justice Hidden found Anthony Waterlow not guilty of murdering his sister and father on the grounds of mental illness. Anthony continues to be detained in a NSW forensic hospital.

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Will Modern Family join Mardi Gras?

What will be on Modern Family's Aussie itinerary? Tourism authorities are keen to offer suggestions. Source: Supplied

SWIMMING with crocs, bush tucker dining and joining Sydney's Mardi Gras festivities could be on Modern Family's Aussie to-do list when the show visits Australia.

As the sitcom heads Down Under to film a special vacation episode, state tourism authorities and event organisers are vying to be a part of the spotlight.

Qantas has announced a deal with the Emmy-winning show to film its first vacation episode outside of the US next month.

Where's your recommendation for the must-see Aussie tourist attraction for Modern Family? Post your suggestion below.

Sydney and the Great Barrier Reef are tipped to be front and centre as destinations for cast and crew, but other locations are lining up for a potentially lucrative visit.

And Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras organisers may be putting in a bid to have the cast stick around a little longer and play a role in the March 1 parade.

Will the Modern Family cast be attending Mardi Gras? Organisers are keeping mum. Picture: Phil Rogers Source: News Limited

"The Mardi Gras doesn't give out their secrets but the chances are if you've thought of it they have too," a spokesman said, when asked if an invitation would be extended to members of the cast.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson - who plays gay dad Mitchell and in real life, married his partner Justin Mikita in New York in July - has previously issued a challenge to Australia to legalise same-sex marriage.

Modern Family producers will visit Australia later this month to scout locations - and iconic Aussie attractions look set to star.

NT Tourism Minister Matt Conlan said a Down Under Modern Family episode wouldn't be complete without a visit to Australia's Outback.

Timika King and Remy Fowler in the cage of death at Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin. Picture: Helen Orr Source: News Limited

He suggested diving with crocodiles in the "Cage of Death" at Darwin's Crocosaurus Cove, glamping at Bamurru Plains or riding on the back of a Harley around Uluru could provide a fitting backdrop for the show.

"I have no doubt that the cast and crew of Modern Family would love all the things you can do in the NT."

Other suggestions included:

• Walking, running or cycling the 10km distance around the base of Uluru, or climbing to its peak and witnessing unparalleled views of Australian Red Centre.

• Immersing themselves in the world oldest living culture and learn cultural dance, art, weaponry and bush tucker.

• Camel riding, quad-biking adventures, hot air ballooning, aerial fishing or dining under a billion stars.

English cricketers Graeme Swann and Jonny Bairstow during a team visit to Uluru. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

The Sunshine State is also vying for attention, with Tourism and Events Queensland chief executive Leanne Coddington saying American visitors loved Queensland - in particular the Great Barrier Reef.

"The state boasts an array of world-class tourism destinations and experiences that would appeal to the contemporary family, cast and viewers," she said.

Ms Coddington said these included:

• The natural beauty of Queensland's Tropical North.

Oprah Winfrey cuddles koala Elvis at Hamilton Island Wildlife Park. Source: Supplied

• The romance of the Whitsunday Islands, such as a scenic flight over Heart Reef.

• The theme parks and wildlife sanctuaries of the Gold Coast, where they could cuddle a koala or feed a lorikeet.

• Swimming with turtles and dolphins along the Southern Great Barrier Reef.

• The adventure and quintessential Aussie heritage of a station-stay or digging for dinosaurs in Queensland's Outback.

Tourism Australia general manager corporate affairs Karen Halbert said Modern Family's visit was likely to have a positive effect on the tourism industy, following visits from other US celebs such as Oprah and Ellen.

"The plot line will no doubt be a closely guarded secret, but I'm sure many of our iconic attractions will end up playing a starring role and help generate fantastic international exposure

for Australia," she said.

An episode of the Ellen Show, filmed in Australia last March, helped drive a 22 per cent spike in inbound ticket sales from the US to Australia.

Oprah's visit to Australia in December 2010 to film three episodes - in a coup secured by Qantas and Tourism Australia - provided an extra $20 million boost to Austraila's tourism sector.

Mitchell and Cameron ask Pepper Saltzman to help plan their wedding in this episode of Modern Family. Courtesy ABC

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Boy suffered 'gruesome torture' over chores

Viviana Gunn was sentenced to 31 years jail for the brutal torture of her brother-in-law Jordan. Her husband Brandon [left] will be sentenced later this month for the same crime. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

AN AMERICAN woman who repeatedly tortured her 13-year-old brother-in-law by beating his genitalia with a baseball bat, sliced his skin with a heated knife and left him tied naked to a doghouse without food and water has been sentenced to 31 years in jail.

Viviana Gunn, 34, was sentenced on Monday after pleading guilty in August to the charges. Her husband, Brandon P. Gunn, 27, will be sentenced on January 17 for the same crime.

Police only found out about the horrific abuse after they found the young boy, Jordan Gunn, passed out on a bench after he fled the couple's home and had been living on the street for two weeks, reports The Daily Mail .

Viviana and Brandon Gunn. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Jordan told stunned police that Mr and Mrs Gunn tortured him when he failed to complete chores, or "for any other reason they chose". The gruesome "sessions" began after the couple accused Jordan of stealing and usually took place in the cellar or his bedroom.

They would tape up the boy's arms, legs, eyes and mouth and then beat his head and body with a baseball bat until he lost consciousness.

Viviana and Brandon Gunn would hang him from a rafter where he was beaten with a metal bar and was cut with a hot knife. They later sprayed alcohol onto his wounds.

Mrs Gunn once hammered a nail into his hand so deeply that the nail came out the other side of his hand.

Prosecutors say Mrs Gunn is "evil" and are happy she is going to jail.

Jordan and his mother Noni. Picture: Give Forward Source: Supplied

Mrs Gunn wrote a letter to her presiding Judge last month asking to withdraw her guilty plea, arguing that she was "made" to sign the plea agreement with no negotiation.

'I want to fight for my freedom,' she wrote. 'To be pushed to take a plea and admit guilt to an act I am not guilty of is not justice.'

Jordan's family set up a Give Forward donation page, asking for financial assistance for the travel, accommodation and legal costs of moving him back home to Atlanta.

In the absence of his father, the boy was sent to live with Mr and Mrs Gunn in Silverdale, Washington by his mother, "in the hopes of providing him with a good male role model," according to the Give Forward donation page.

Noni, Jordan's mother believed that Brandon Gunn would provide her son "with good structure and discipline as he is a member of the US Navy."

After not being able to get in contact with her son, Noni contacted the authorities to try and help find her son.

She has since been reunited with Jordan and they are now living together in Atlanta.

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'Six-point' Diaz a no show

Jaymes Diaz cut-out at the Greenway election forum / Pic: Phil Rogers Source: Supplied

Liberal candidate for Greenway, Jaymes Diaz gets grilled by Ten reporter John Hill. Here are the highlights. Courtesy Channel Ten

THE elusive Jaymes Diaz was a no-show at a federal election forum for the federal seat of Greenway last night.

With about 100 locals in the audience at Blacktown RSL Club, candidates fielded questions on costs of living, local business, paid parental leave, coal seam gas, childcare, party preferences and how they would represent the interests of Greenway on the national stage.

However it was difficult to avoid the elephant in the room in the absence of Mr Diaz, who is currently favoured to win the marginal seat.

DIAZ DODGES QUESTIONS AT COMMUNITY FORUM

The other candidates posed with a cardboard cutout of the infamous Liberal, while members of the audience called him a coward for not showing up.

Mr Diaz made an embarrassing gaffe earlier this month when he was unable to name the key points in the Coalition's border protection policy.

Anthony Belcastro, candidate for Katter's Australia Party, took it upon himself to pose the question on everyone lips - "Where is Jaymes Diaz?"

"Here we have a candidate who wants to take your voice to Canberra and what do we end up with - an empty chair," he concluded.

Sitting Labor MP Michelle Rowland was keen to point out her list of achievements over the past three years including grants secured for community projects such as Com4Unity, increased funding for local schools, the redevelopment of Blacktown Hospital and the arrival of the National Broadband Network.

TEN's John Hill talks to Liberal candidate for Greenway, Jaymes Diaz. Courtesy Channel Ten

"In short I believe in equality of opportunity and I don't believe you should be limited by the postcode you grew up in," she said.

"I've delivered on every promise I made in my maiden speech to parliament."

Ms Rowland took aim at the generosity of the Coalition's proposed paid parental leave scheme.

"I don't think it is socially equitable," she said.

"It is more important to maintain our existing scheme as it is being used and it is affordable."

All candidates at the forum made a commitment against coal seam gas mining and promised to push for increased child care funding.

Chris Brentin from the Greens defended the carbon tax while arguing Australia's future lies in the use of renewable energy.

"We care about people and we care about the environment and the harmony between the both of them," he said.

"Clean energy is going to create 70,000 new jobs for western Sydney."

The heated debate had its lighter moments, including when Palmer United Party's Jodie Wootton was forced to defend Clive Palmer's plan to build Titanic 2 in China.

While Mr Diaz never responded to his forum invitation, Tom Lillicrap from the Australian Sex Party and Allan Green from the Christian Democratic Party declined the opportunity to attend.

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Caine slams Connery Alzheimer's claims

British actors Michael Caine, left, and Sean Connery in Edinburgh, Scotland.  Caine has rejected a story in which he is alleged to have said that his friend Connery had "lost his senses." Source: AP

SIR Michael Caine has slammed a German newspaper report alleging he revealed his pal Sir Sean Connery is suffering from Alzheimer's disease.

Editors at Bild reported the Alfie star said Connery was struggling to cope with dementia, and was quoted as saying, "One must have serious concerns for him.''

However, the article has come under fire from Caine, who is baffled as to where the newspaper got it from.

He tells Britain's Daily Mirror, "It's all bulls&#nbsp;&#nbsp;&#nbsp;, completely preposterous. I did some interviews over in Germany for a new film and I can only assume someone has twisted my words or got the wrong end of the stick.

"I haven't seen Sean for a couple of years, but my wife and I spoke to him on the phone on his birthday this week and he was very well.

"He was fine, in complete control of his senses and his usual self. This stuff about Alzheimer's is just nonsense. I have no idea where they are getting it from.''

Bond star Connery has been plagued by rumours of ill health for several years, and only makes rare public appearances after retiring from life in the limelight in 2011.
 

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