NEWS DESK Police patrol
with Brodie Cowburn
Cold case murder investigated ON 1 May 1989, 42-year-old Christopher Phillips was found dead by his wife in their Cheltenham home. 32 years on from Mr Phillips’ death, police have issued a renewed plea for information. Mr Phillips was found at the Gaybre Street house with significant head trauma and lacerations from a serious assault. Two bloody knives were found next to his body. A statement from Victoria Police read “Christopher had no defensive wounds and police believe he was likely attacked from behind with a heavy blunt object. “It appeared as though the house had been ransacked, however nothing appeared to have been stolen. However there were signs of forced entry at a rear door of the house, as well as a show print located within the crime scene. Detectives subsequently identified it as an ASICS Tiger Gel runner, possibly a size 9-10. “At the time, he was wearing a track suit, which investigators believe indicated he was heading out for a run. Christopher was an engineer by trade and had been described as a quiet family man who went jogging most nights. “Police have received information from a number of people over the years, however his murder remains unsolved. An initial $50,000 reward was offered for information about the case and in 2017 this was increased to $1 million. Detectives are hopeful that over 30 years after his death, someone will be able to provide information about who was responsible for Christopher’s murder and why.” Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www. crimestoppers.com.au.
Wanted over exposure
Drunk driving
POLICE are working to solve the death of Christopher Phillips (pictured). Picture: Supplied
A WOMAN was caught driving more than three times the legal alcohol limit in Mentone last week. Police intercepted the car on Balcombe Road at around 12.50am on 13 June. The driver was taken to a police station, where she was found to have an alleged blood alcohol reading of .187. The 53-year-old will be charged with exceed prescribed concentration of alcohol, and face the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court. She lost her license on the spot and had her car impounded for a month. Police caught the woman as part of operation “Regal”, which ran over the Queen’s birthday long weekend. Victoria Police assistant commissioner road policing Libby Murphy said before the weekend “Police will be conducting alcohol and drug testing at every opportunity. Our fleet of drug and alcohol testing vehicles will be out on the road, while every police car has the potential to perform a drug or alcohol test. If you drink or take drugs and drive, you will get caught. It’s true, we can’t be everywhere, but we will be somewhere – and if you act carelessly on our roads and put yourself and others at risk, you will be caught.”
A MAN is wanted by police after he exposed his buttocks to two young girls on a Frankston line train. Police say that the man approached the two girls on the train at around 6.50pm on 20 March. He allegedly exposed his buttocks and made inappropriate comments towards the girls. The man boarded the train at Caulfield, and departed at Bentleigh Station at around 7pm. Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives have released an image of a man they wish to speak to about the incident (below). Police describe him as “Caucasian, approximately 35-years-old, about 180cm tall with a shaved head, medium build and a tattoo on his right arm. He was wearing light blue jeans, a grey t-shirt, white runners and had a blue suitcase.” Anyone who recognises the man can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Students and Elders collaborate on film INDIGENOUS students at Elisabeth Murdoch College in Langwarrin have been working to complete a film project about Aboriginal culture. The project, titled 60,000 Years of Resilience and Beyond, has seen the students interview Aboriginal Elders about the impact of COVID 19 on the preservation of culture. The film is being co-produced by Frankston-based group Nairm Marr Djambana. Gathering place coordinator Naaz Stojkova said “this is the first of its kind for the indigenous communities in the Frankston area.” “The COVID-19 pandemic no doubt will accelerate the process of cultural and traditional loss. This project aims to maintain and preserve this. Indigenous people have an enormous wealth of traditional knowledge derived from their ancestral practices including their own health systems. The purpose is to showcase and provide insight through the eyes of young people,” she said. The film is expected to be screened on 27 July at the Frankston Arts Centre.
STUDENTS interviewing Aboriginal Elders for a film project. Picture: Supplied
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Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
16 June 2021