Blind woman groped twice on suburban train

A CityRail train service pulling into platform at Central Station in Sydney. Picture: File Source: News Limited

A YOUNG blind woman has been groped in two separate incidents within hours, while travelling through Sydney.

Police on Wednesday released CCTV footage of a man they believe can help with their inquiries.

The 23-year-old woman said an unknown person touched on her breast in an elevator at Ashfield, in Sydney's inner west, between 11am and midday (AEST) on July 17, police say.

She later felt a hand on her breast while she was on a train in the city's south, between Jannali and Sutherland railway stations, when she also heard a man talking to her.

The man followed the woman when she moved to another seat and continued speaking to her, before leaving her alone after a short discussion, she told police.

Police want to speak to a man described as of Indian appearance with a thin build, who was seen carrying a backpack and wearing a distinctive brown and white striped jacket.

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

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Confessions of a gold digger

Hooking up with a rich man comes at a price. Source: ThinkStock

HOW far would you go to get a rich man?

Would you have sex with a man just to stay in his pocket? Lose weight, get a nip tuck and dress to his liking? And in doing so, potentially give up a chance at true love?

It's an idea some women toy with but never see through and others refuse to even consider for moral reasons.

But then there is a group of women who have absolutely no issue whatsoever hooking up with a man purely for his dough.

Call them what you want - "gold diggers", "sugar babes", "exploiters", "opportunists" - they prey on men with money and do so without guilt or shame.

Opinion: All you need is love ... and a Merc

A woman who says she's dated her fair share of millionaires spoke to News Corp Australia candidly about the ups and downs of entering a relationship for money - and warned you better be prepared to be "submissive'', expect competition and don't try to make the men change.

Tracey (not her real name) started dating wealthy men in her social circle when she was 19 and later via date-a-millionaire-specific websites

The university student from Queensland says she is attracted to wealthy men because she never has to worry about paying the bills.

"I just find it attractive - some people like dark hair, some like blue eyes, I just like a giant wallet,'' she said.

Now in her twenties, the bubbly blonde says she has dated regular blokes "for the diversity'' but keeps on returning to rich men.

"I just remember why I like to date rich men,'' she says, laughing.

"There is always a sort of persona that I like in rich men - the confidence of being able to look after you.

"There is that 1950s housewife thing, I feel confident being that person, I don't have to worry about paying the bills.''

But it's not all peachy keen for women like Tracey that enter into these sorts of arrangements. The men, like the women, also have expectations they want met. And it comes as no surprise that physical attributes are top of the priority list.

"Everyone is different, with money or not, but men with money are always at social outings so looking good and being presentable is definitely an attribute,'' Tracey said.

"Nobody wants to rock up with Ms Tubby to a conference. Staying fit as well as being bubbly and socially apt are a must.''

READ TRACEY'S TOP TEN TIPS FOR HOOKING A RICH MAN BELOW

Tracey warns when you date a rich man you have to accept that other women will be swimming around him like sharks.

"If you are with men with money there's always going to be competition, that's the number one thing to remember,'' she said.

Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of dating a rich man, as experienced by Tracey, is they expect their woman to do as she is told to.

"I can't stand the neediness, quite often they are in need of attention, that gets to me a little bit, and it's always them calling the shots so you have to be submissive,'' she said.

"I put up with it even though it's not the person I am.''

However she says there is a slight difference between self-made millionaires and ready-made millionaires.

"Self-made millionaires, they can go back to reality, I like them. But the ones that come from money, they are so wrapped up in their own world they're hard to tweak,'' she said.

"People that have made their own money often possess the characteristics that I like in a man - they are successful, driven and motivated.''

Throughout the conversation, Tracey shows no sign of guilt or shame for her actions because, as she explained, she makes her true intentions known.

"I guess they know, but I'm really upfront; I tell them 'if you can't support me, I can't support you'. I ask, 'Can you support me?', and they say 'of course','' she says.

Interestingly, while many of the men appear to be after surface attributes like looks, Tracey says nearly all of the men she sees go into the relationships hoping to fall in love - and that's where they get let down.

"That's what they don't like, that I'm not in love with them,'' she says.

"If I don't love them after a period of time, I give it up.''

On the flip side, she hopes to fall in love too. She's fallen for two of the 10 millionaires and billionaires she says she's dated but on both occasions the relationship never lasted.

"Billionaires are often very nomadic, it's hard to keep up,'' she said.

"I go in with the hope of falling in love, yes, of course everyone wants the full package, whether you get it depends, but that changes every day. At the moment I'm very happy.''

Financial stress was the biggest reason for relationship breakdowns in Australia, the 2011 Relationships Indicators Survey revealed. Taking that dismal fact into consideration, doesn't it make sense to look for someone with money? Thankfully, according to experts, the answer is NO.

Relationships Australia director of operations NSW Lyn Fletcher said while money can ease financial pressure in a relationship it does not make up for everything.

"Financial security is important to people but it is only one factor. It's like marrying someone because they have nice legs, or because they are an engineer or a doctor and you always wanted to marry a doctor. It won't always make you happy,'' Ms Fletcher said.

More often than not financial stress in relationships is just a screen for other underlying issues, like a lack of communication on finances.

"Have a money date. Talk about what is important to you. Some people let it slide but when the time comes and there is not enough to pay a bill it can cause issues.''

Ms Fletcher says couple should set goals and work together to make all their dreams come true.

"Sometimes working together to get what you want is something that can really strengthen a relationship and makes you focus on what is important to you,'' she said.

"It's all about goals, not money.''

Most importantly, keep your expectations real and don't give in to social pressure.

"The higher expectations are putting a lot of pressure on people. If you can be satisfied with what you have and have a goal and a means to reach it you will be happier.''

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Out of this world? Nope, these places do exist

Unreal places around the world: Lake Hillier, is a lake on Middle Island, the largest of the islands and islets that make up the Recherche Archipelago, Western Australia. The most notable feature of the lake is its pink colour. The colour is permanent, and does not alter when the water is taken in a container. Photo: Getty Images Source: Supplied

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I won't tolerate corruption: Rudd

The ICAC will today recommend whether former NSW MPs Ian Macdonald and Eddie Obeid should face charges.

Expect plenty of expressions like this today. Source: AFP

BREAKING NEWS: TWO former high-profile Labor MPs, Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald, have been found by the NSW ICAC to have acted corruptly and referred for possible criminal charges.

Following the largest corruption investigation in NSW history, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) today handed down three reports.

Commissioner David Ipp has recommended that Mr Obeid and Mr Macdonald be considered by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for possible prosecution over their involvement in the Mount Penny coal mine.

Mr Obeids' son Moses, and businessmen Travers Duncan, John McGuigan, John Atkinson, John Kinghorn and Richard Poole were also found to have engaged in corrupt conduct.

Operation Jasper investigated reports that Mr Macdonald rigged a 2008 tender process to grant a coal licence over land at Mount Penny owned by the Obeid family.

It enabled the Obeids to make $30 million, with the prospect of earning at least $70 million more.

As part of the Indus investigation, ICAC found Mr Obeid's son, Moses, engaged in corrupt conduct over a $10,800 car for former Labor minister Eric Roozendaal.

The corruption watchdog investigated whether Mr Roozendaal received a new Honda CRV at $10,800 - less than its original value - in return for political favours for his colleague, Eddie Obeid.

The ICAC reports said that Moses Obeid "provided a benefit to Mr Roozendaal as an inducement for him to show favour to Obeid business interests in the exercise of his official functions".

Mr Roozendaal was not found to have acted corruptly. More to come.

Earlier Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he was "disgusted" by revelations that have been aired at the hearings of ICAC into members of the NSW Labor Party and anyone found guilty of illegal behaviour should face the full force of the law.

"That's what I want to see happen," the Prime Minister said.

"I've been disgusted by what I have seen in ICAC hearings so far and my view is anyone who is responsible for corruption or illegal behaviour should face the full force of the law."

Mr Rudd said he hoped the federal intervention into the NSW branch of the Labor Party would help clean it up.

"I would say it was for no idle reason that I took a virtually unprecedented step of directing federal intervention in the NSW branch of the Labor party," Mr Rudd said.

"This set of reforms are anchored in one core principal - zero tolerance for corruption - and I expect that to be fully reflected in the intervention we have taken."

ICAC today presented three reports relating to the business dealings of Ian Macdonald, Eddie Obeid and Eric Roozendaal.

The findings of ICAC's Commissioner David Ipp were expected to be damning.

These are the three reports and five things you might need to know about each of them:

OPERATION JARILO: In which a massage didn't have a happy ending...

'Who, me?' asks Ian Macdonald Source: News Limited

1. Sometimes referred to as the Tiffanie Report or the "neck massage" incident after the former NSW resources minister Ian Macdonald met a woman in a Sydney hotel room who, ICAC heard, stripped down to her underwear. Mr Macdonald testified he had gone there for a neck massage and fallen asleep.

2. In July, 2009, the then head of state power company Country Energy, Craig Murray, was invited by Mr Macdonald to a dinner at Tuscany, a restaurant in Sydney's inner-west Italian quarter of Leichhardt. Mr Murray went with a fellow executive for back-up, a worthwhile precaution.

3. Suddenly Mr Medich and another businessman sat down at a table which had been added to the one Mr Murray was sitting at, and made an uninvited pitch for business from Country Energy as Mr Macdonald looked on.

4. Mr Macdonald ordered four bottles of wine costing $130 each, but because Country Energy had strict rules barring gifts from business suitors, Mr Murray had to pick up the $850 dinner bill.

5. ICAC heard Mr Gattellari, an associate of Mr Medich and involved with him in a separate murder case, later paid $400 for a hotel room where Mr Macdonald later turned up (See Tiffany).

OPERATION JASPER: In which properties miraculously increased in value...

He who must be Obeid Source: News Limited

1. Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid has declared his income was his pay as a member of the NSW Upper House but his sons ran a wide range of businesses, from cafes to roadside poles, and also had interests in coal leases.

2. Eddie Obeid, who had remarkable influence even as a back bencher, helped the career of Mr Macdonald, a left-winger, through his faction.

3. In 2007-08 the Obeids and acquaintances bought property in a valley about 250km north of Sydney as rural retreats. This changed in 2008 when Mr Macdonald agreed to open a mining area in the Bylong Valley for coal exploration, which greatly increased the value of the Obeid holdings.

4. Some of Eddie Obeid's profits, estimated to be in the several millions, from the property dealings went to the lease of a $300,000 Mercedes.

5. Mr Macdonald was given the nickname Sir Lunchalot because of his fondness for dining out, including his 2008 lunch of pork and beef and a magnum of pinot noir.

OPERATION INDUS: In which a remarkably cheap car was procured...

Eric Roozendaal Source: News Limited

1. In May 2007 Amanda Roozendaal, wife of Labor MP and former treasurer Eric Roozendaal wrote off the family Honda and the search for a replacement led to Eddie Obeid, who passed the matter to son Moses who was able to find a $44,800 Honda which would cost the Roozendaals just $34,000.

2. The Roozendaals didn't have the ownership papers at first and it was only Mrs Roozendaal's car accident - and her decision not to stop to pay for the damage - that revealed the trail of people who on paper owned the car but had never seen, raising suspicions in ICAC they were used to pretend the Honda was cheaper because it was second hand.

3. There is at least one good citizen in this saga. A professional musician who had business in Surry Hills saw the bingle-and-run incident and took down the Honda's licence number to give to the owner of the parked car which had been hit. The Roozendaals had been driving their new car for just two days.

4. Mr Roozendaal, a former ALP state secretary, was a supporter of the Obeid faction known as the Terrigals after the NSW coastal resort town. The Terrigals ran the state party and their support was needed to get ministerial jobs, and to become Premier.

5. ICAC has investigated whether the provision of a cheap vehicle played a role in any consultation by the Obeids with Mr Roozendaal when he became State Treasurer.

Cleaning up NSW Labor is seen as crucial to Mr Rudd's chances at the upcoming federal poll. The government needs to hold on to a host of western Sydney seats to retain power.

Opinion: Kevin Rudd insulated from corruption fallout

On July 4, Mr Rudd gave NSW ALP secretary Sam Dastyari 30 days to report on cleaning up the branch, and sought changes including the expulsion of any member found to be corrupt or engaging in improper conduct.

But Liberal MP Jamie Briggs said the Rudd "intervention" was all for show, as many of the key powerbrokers pulling the strings within the ALP were still in senior positions.

He said many of those who helped Mr Rudd return to the Labor leadership had strong ties with the ALP secretariat and had since been promoted by the prime minister.

###

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Former Labor MPs acted corruptly

The ICAC will today recommend whether former NSW MPs Ian Macdonald and Eddie Obeid should face charges.

Expect plenty of expressions like this today. Source: AFP

BREAKING NEWS: TWO former high-profile Labor MPs, Eddie Obeid and Ian Macdonald, have been found by the NSW ICAC to have acted corruptly and referred for possible criminal charges.

Following the largest corruption investigation in NSW history, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) today handed down three reports.

Commissioner David Ipp has recommended that Mr Obeid and Mr Macdonald be considered by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for possible prosecution over their involvement in the Mount Penny coal mine.

Mr Obeids' son Moses, and businessmen Travers Duncan, John McGuigan, John Atkinson, John Kinghorn and Richard Poole were also found to have engaged in corrupt conduct.

Operation Jasper investigated reports that Mr Macdonald rigged a 2008 tender process to grant a coal licence over land at Mount Penny owned by the Obeid family.

It enabled the Obeids to make $30 million, with the prospect of earning at least $70 million more.

As part of the Indus investigation, ICAC found Mr Obeid's son, Moses, engaged in corrupt conduct over a $10,800 car for former Labor minister Eric Roozendaal.

The corruption watchdog investigated whether Mr Roozendaal received a new Honda CRV at $10,800 - less than its original value - in return for political favours for his colleague, Eddie Obeid.

The ICAC reports said that Moses Obeid "provided a benefit to Mr Roozendaal as an inducement for him to show favour to Obeid business interests in the exercise of his official functions".

Mr Roozendaal was not found to have acted corruptly. More to come.

Earlier Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said he was "disgusted" by revelations that have been aired at the hearings of ICAC into members of the NSW Labor Party and anyone found guilty of illegal behaviour should face the full force of the law.

"That's what I want to see happen," the Prime Minister said.

"I've been disgusted by what I have seen in ICAC hearings so far and my view is anyone who is responsible for corruption or illegal behaviour should face the full force of the law."

Mr Rudd said he hoped the federal intervention into the NSW branch of the Labor Party would help clean it up.

"I would say it was for no idle reason that I took a virtually unprecedented step of directing federal intervention in the NSW branch of the Labor party," Mr Rudd said.

"This set of reforms are anchored in one core principal - zero tolerance for corruption - and I expect that to be fully reflected in the intervention we have taken."

ICAC today presented three reports relating to the business dealings of Ian Macdonald, Eddie Obeid and Eric Roozendaal.

The findings of ICAC's Commissioner David Ipp were expected to be damning.

These are the three reports and five things you might need to know about each of them:

OPERATION JARILO: In which a massage didn't have a happy ending...

'Who, me?' asks Ian Macdonald Source: News Limited

1. Sometimes referred to as the Tiffanie Report or the "neck massage" incident after the former NSW resources minister Ian Macdonald met a woman in a Sydney hotel room who, ICAC heard, stripped down to her underwear. Mr Macdonald testified he had gone there for a neck massage and fallen asleep.

2. In July, 2009, the then head of state power company Country Energy, Craig Murray, was invited by Mr Macdonald to a dinner at Tuscany, a restaurant in Sydney's inner-west Italian quarter of Leichhardt. Mr Murray went with a fellow executive for back-up, a worthwhile precaution.

3. Suddenly Mr Medich and another businessman sat down at a table which had been added to the one Mr Murray was sitting at, and made an uninvited pitch for business from Country Energy as Mr Macdonald looked on.

4. Mr Macdonald ordered four bottles of wine costing $130 each, but because Country Energy had strict rules barring gifts from business suitors, Mr Murray had to pick up the $850 dinner bill.

5. ICAC heard Mr Gattellari, an associate of Mr Medich and involved with him in a separate murder case, later paid $400 for a hotel room where Mr Macdonald later turned up (See Tiffany).

OPERATION JASPER: In which properties miraculously increased in value...

He who must be Obeid Source: News Limited

1. Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid has declared his income was his pay as a member of the NSW Upper House but his sons ran a wide range of businesses, from cafes to roadside poles, and also had interests in coal leases.

2. Eddie Obeid, who had remarkable influence even as a back bencher, helped the career of Mr Macdonald, a left-winger, through his faction.

3. In 2007-08 the Obeids and acquaintances bought property in a valley about 250km north of Sydney as rural retreats. This changed in 2008 when Mr Macdonald agreed to open a mining area in the Bylong Valley for coal exploration, which greatly increased the value of the Obeid holdings.

4. Some of Eddie Obeid's profits, estimated to be in the several millions, from the property dealings went to the lease of a $300,000 Mercedes.

5. Mr Macdonald was given the nickname Sir Lunchalot because of his fondness for dining out, including his 2008 lunch of pork and beef and a magnum of pinot noir.

OPERATION INDUS: In which a remarkably cheap car was procured...

Eric Roozendaal Source: News Limited

1. In May 2007 Amanda Roozendaal, wife of Labor MP and former treasurer Eric Roozendaal wrote off the family Honda and the search for a replacement led to Eddie Obeid, who passed the matter to son Moses who was able to find a $44,800 Honda which would cost the Roozendaals just $34,000.

2. The Roozendaals didn't have the ownership papers at first and it was only Mrs Roozendaal's car accident - and her decision not to stop to pay for the damage - that revealed the trail of people who on paper owned the car but had never seen, raising suspicions in ICAC they were used to pretend the Honda was cheaper because it was second hand.

3. There is at least one good citizen in this saga. A professional musician who had business in Surry Hills saw the bingle-and-run incident and took down the Honda's licence number to give to the owner of the parked car which had been hit. The Roozendaals had been driving their new car for just two days.

4. Mr Roozendaal, a former ALP state secretary, was a supporter of the Obeid faction known as the Terrigals after the NSW coastal resort town. The Terrigals ran the state party and their support was needed to get ministerial jobs, and to become Premier.

5. ICAC has investigated whether the provision of a cheap vehicle played a role in any consultation by the Obeids with Mr Roozendaal when he became State Treasurer.

Cleaning up NSW Labor is seen as crucial to Mr Rudd's chances at the upcoming federal poll. The government needs to hold on to a host of western Sydney seats to retain power.

Opinion: Kevin Rudd insulated from corruption fallout

On July 4, Mr Rudd gave NSW ALP secretary Sam Dastyari 30 days to report on cleaning up the branch, and sought changes including the expulsion of any member found to be corrupt or engaging in improper conduct.

But Liberal MP Jamie Briggs said the Rudd "intervention" was all for show, as many of the key powerbrokers pulling the strings within the ALP were still in senior positions.

He said many of those who helped Mr Rudd return to the Labor leadership had strong ties with the ALP secretariat and had since been promoted by the prime minister.

###

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Manning not guilty of aiding enemy

Bradley Manning, who leaked damaging US military documents, has been cleared of the most serious charge. Source: NewsComAu

US soldier Bradley Manning has been found not guilty of aiding the enemy for giving troves of US government secrets to WikiLeaks, but guilty of other charges including theft and espionage.

The military judge hearing the court-martial for the former intelligence analyst announced her decision at 3am AEST.

Judge Colonel Denise Lind deliberated for about 16 hours over three days before reaching her decision in a case that drew worldwide attention as supporters hailed Manning as a whistleblower. The US government called him an anarchist computer hacker and attention-seeking traitor.

Who is Bradley Manning and why should you care?

Manning faced 21 counts including espionage, computer fraud and theft charges. He was convicted of five espionage counts, five theft charges, a computer fraud charge and other military infractions.

However, he was found not guilty on the most serious charge of aiding the enemy, which carried a possible life sentence without parole. He was also acquitted of one other charge.

What did Bradley Manning actually leak?

A military judge finds Bradley Manning not guilty of aiding the enemy - the most serious charge among many he faced for handing over documents to WikiLeaks. Deborah Lutterbeck reports

Manning, a 25-year-old native of Crescent, Oklahoma, has admitted to sending more than 470,000 Iraq and Afghanistan battlefield reports, 250,000 US State Department diplomatic cables and other material, including several battlefield video clips, to WikiLeaks while in Iraq in early 2010. WikiLeaks published most of the material online.

A video, titled "Collateral Murder", was released by Manning in 2010 and included footage of a 2007 US Apache helicopter attack in Baghdad that killed at least nine men, including a Reuters news photographer and his driver.

Manning's lawyers painted him as a naive young soldier, struggling with gender identity disorder and troubled by US actions in Iraq.

Wikileaks 'traitor' wanted to be born a woman

Manning stood and faced the judge as she read the decision. She didn't explain her verdict, but said she would release detailed written findings. She didn't say when she would do that.

Manning's attorney, David Coombs, smiled faintly when he heard not guilty on aiding the enemy, which carried a potential life sentence.

Bradley Manning is escorted by military police as he leaves trial after he was found not guilty of aiding the enemy, but guilty of espionage, theft and computer fraud for leaking classified  US government documents to WikiLeaks. Picture: Getty

Assange calls convictions 'national security extremism' 

When the judge was done, Mr Coombs put his hand on Manning's back and whispered something to him, eliciting a slight smile on the soldier's face.

Manning's sentencing hearing is set to begin Wednesday. Despite being cleared on the most serious charge, Manning faces up to 128 years in prison for his breaches of the espionage act.

Mr Coombs came outside the court to a round of applause and shouts of "thank you" from a few dozen Manning supporters.

"We won the battle, now we need to go win the war," Mr Coombs said of the sentencing phase. "Today is a good day, but Bradley is by no means out of the fire."

Yoni Miller and other Manning supporters demonstrate outside the main gate of Ft Meade, Maryland overnight. Manning could face around 130 years in prison for spying, despite being found not guilty of aiding the enemy. Picture: Getty

Supporters thanked him for his work. One slipped him a private note. Others asked questions about verdicts that they didn't understand.

Manning's family said they were disappointed in the guilty verdicts, but thanked supporters and defence attorneys, in a statement written by his aunt and released to The Guardian.

"While we are obviously disappointed in today's verdicts, we are happy that Judge Lind agreed with us that Brad never intended to help America's enemies in any way," it said. "Brad loves his country and was proud to wear its uniform."

They also thanked Manning's supporters, saying "Their support has allowed a young army private to defend himself against the full might of not only the US army but also the US government."

WikiLeaks denounced the verdict, saying it reflected "dangerous national security extremism from the Obama administration". Australian WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange called Manning "a hero", BBC News reports.

Manning leaves military court after he was acquitted of the most serious charge, aiding the enemy. Picture: AFP

WikiLeaks said on Twitter that the conviction of Manning on several counts of espionage set a "very serious new precedent for supplying formation to the press".

Mr Assange held a press conference from London's Ecuadorian embassy, where he said he expected the verdict would be appealed.

"Bradley Manning's alleged disclosures have exposed war crimes, sparked revolutions and induced democratic reforms," Mr Assange said.

"He is the most important journalistic source the world has ever seen."

The best known US rights group, the American Civil Liberties Union reiterated its concern about the use of anti-spying laws to curtail government whistleblowers.

"While we're relieved that Mr Manning was acquitted of the most dangerous charge, the ACLU has long held the view that leaks to the press in the public interest should not be prosecuted under the Espionage Act," said Ben Wizner, director of the ACLU Speech, Privacy and Technology Project.

David Coombs, second right, lead defence attorney for Manning greets supporters outside the military courtroom after the verdict. Manning's family has thanked Mr Coombs for his years of work on the case. Picture: AP

"Since Manning already pleaded guilty to charges of leaking information - which carry significant punishment - it seems clear that the government was seeking to intimidate anyone who might consider revealing valuable information in the future."

The verdict by judge Col. Denise Lind follows about two months of conflicting testimony and evidence.

Manning pleaded guilty earlier this year to lesser offences that could have brought him 20 years behind bars, yet the government continued to pursue the original, more serious charges.

Manning said during a pre-trial hearing in February he leaked the material to expose the US military's "bloodlust" and disregard for human life, and what he considered American diplomatic deceit. He said he chose information he believed would not the harm the United States and he wanted to start a debate on military and foreign policy. He did not testify at his court-martial.

Defence attorney David Coombs portrayed Manning as a "young, naive but good-intentioned" soldier who was in emotional turmoil, partly because he was a gay service member at a time when homosexuals were barred from serving openly in the US military.

He said Manning could have sold the information or given it directly to the enemy, but he gave them to WikiLeaks in an attempt to "spark reform" and provoke debate. A counterintelligence witness valued the Iraq and Afghanistan war logs at about $US5.7 million ($6.2 million), based on what foreign intelligence services had paid in the past for similar information.

In this courtroom sketch, Bradley Manning, third from left, stands with lead defence attorney David Coombs, centre, and his defence team as Judge Col. Denise Lind reads her verdict. Picture: AP

Mr Coombs said Manning had no way of knowing whether al-Qaida would access WikiLeaks and a 2008 counterintelligence report showed the government itself didn't know much about the site.

The defence attorney also mocked the testimony of a former supervisor who said Manning told her the American flag meant nothing to him and she suspected before they deployed to Iraq that Manning was a spy. Mr Coombs noted she had not written up a report on Manning's alleged disloyalty, though had written ones on him taking too many smoke breaks and drinking too much coffee.

The government said Manning had sophisticated security training and broke signed agreements to protect the secrets. He even had to give a presentation on operational security during his training after he got in trouble for posting a YouTube video about what he was learning.

The lead prosecutor, Maj. Ashden Fein, said Manning knew the material would be seen by al-Qaida, a key point prosecutor needed to prove to get an aiding the enemy conviction. Even Osama bin Laden had some of the digital files at his compound when he was killed.

Some of Manning's supporters attended nearly every day of two-month trial, many of them protesting outside the Fort Meade gates each day before the court-martial. They wore T-shirts with the word "truth" on them, blogged, tweeted and raised money for Manning's defence. One supporter was banned from the trial because the judge said he made online threats.

Hours before the verdict, about two dozen demonstrators gathered outside the gates of the military post, proclaiming their admiration for Manning.

Activists demonstrate in support of Manning and NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden in Berlin this week. Picture: Getty

"He wasn't trying to aid the enemy. He was trying to give people the information they need so they can hold their government accountable," said Barbara Bridges, of Baltimore.

The court-martial unfolded as another low-level intelligence worker, Edward Snowden, revealed US secrets about surveillance programs. Snowden, a civilian employee, told The Guardian his motives were similar to Manning's, but he said his leaks were more selective.

Manning's supporters, including Australian WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, believed a conviction for aiding the enemy would have a chilling effect on leakers who want to expose wrongdoing by giving information to websites and the media, and on journalists who publish the informaiton.

Before Snowden, Manning's case was the most high-profile espionage prosecution for the Obama administration, which has been criticised for its crackdown on leakers. The espionage cases brought since Mr Obama took office are more than in all other presidencies combined.

The WikiLeaks case is by far the most voluminous release of classified material in US history. Manning's supporters included "Pentagon Papers" leaker Daniel Ellsberg, who in the early 1970s spilled a secret US Defence Department history of US involvement in Vietnam.

The 7000 pages of the "Pentagon Papers" showed that the US government repeatedly lied to the public about the Vietnam War.

WikiLeaks said Manning's conviction on spying charges sets a "very serious new precedent" for whistleblowers who supply information to the press. Picture: AP

The material WikiLeaks began publishing in 2010 documented complaints of abuses against Iraqi detainees, a US tally of civilian deaths in Iraq, and America's weak support for the government of Tunisia - a disclosure that Manning supporters said helped trigger the Middle Eastern pro-democracy uprisings known as the Arab Spring.

The Obama administration said the release threatened to expose valuable military and diplomatic sources and strained America's relations with other governments.

Prosecutors said during the trial Manning relied on WikiLeaks and Assange for guidance on what secrets to "harvest" for the organisation, starting within weeks of his arrival in Iraq in late 2009.

Federal authorities are looking into whether Assange can be prosecuted. He has been holed up in the Ecuadorean Embassy in London to avoid extradition to Sweden on sex-crimes allegations.

Manning is escorted out of a military courthouse in Fort Meade earlier this year. He told a pre-trial hearing he leaked the secret documents to WikiLeaks to expose what he saw as the US military's "bloodlust" and disregard for human life. Picture: AP

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Inside story of Storm's Inglis deal

Greg Inglis for the Storm in 2010, the year the salary cap scandal broke. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: DailyTelegraph

PAUL Kennedy's book Storm Cloud chronicles the rise, fall and rise of the Melbourne Storm. In this exclusive extract, he takes us back to 2008 when the Storm were negotiating the contract of star player Greg Inglis.

***

IN 2008 the re-signing of Greg Inglis became a major issue for Melbourne Storm.

Inglis was the most exciting prospect in Australian sport. Three months earlier he had helped his country beat New Zealand in the Centenary Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

There was a quiet understanding between (then Storm boss) Brian Waldron and Inglis's manager Allan Gainey. Both had been quoted in the press as saying they were not worried about Inglis leaving Storm. But still ... just to be safe. Neither wanted to even contemplate the star heading overseas. Gainey replied, "Quite happy to do so".

At that time Inglis had a decent contract: $420,000 (2009) and $450,000 (2010). Gainey knew any extension would mean a pay rise for player and manager.

Greg Inglis and his speed boat.

Before one of the earliest meetings, Gainey spoke privately to Inglis about his asking price.

Gainey said, "I think you should go for 500 to 550." Inglis instructed, "550 would be better."

"Fine."

Five hundred and fifty thousand dollars a year - a good place to start.

Waldron sat down with them later and opened with a curious statement. He said he had been told by the NRL that he must do whatever it takes to secure the future of Inglis at the Storm and in the NRL long term.

Cover of Storm Cloud, Melbourne journalist Paul Kennedy's new book on the Melbourne Storm's unprecedented salary cap cheating.

Gainey took Waldron to mean that he had been empowered by the NRL, News Ltd and the Storm board of directors to negotiate whatever it would take - that he had a totally free hand to keep Inglis in the league. The CEO proposed a four-year deal.

Inglis had been contracted to Storm for 2007-2010. His performances were improving and his stature in the game was growing at club, state and international levels. Gainey said, "Greg will need a financial package of $550,000 per season to extend his contract to represent his true market value."

Waldron nodded and said he didn't think that was a problem. But he added the package would have to include third-party agreements and mentioned the possibility of a federal government program for outstanding indigenous athletes.

Gainey says he thought Waldron meant the NRL would approve any increase in salary and perhaps involve its sponsors in some legitimate side deals.

Gainey spent the rest of the meeting chasing up extras. Inglis wanted a sponsor's car to drive and he wanted airfares for his family. The agent also mentioned money owed. Inglis had still not been paid promised money through the league development scheme. Also, there was $40,000 outstanding from a contract variation.

Melbourne captain Cameron Smith has warned the rest of the NRL: Write the reigning premiers off at your own peril.

The world's most exciting player had not spoken much during the meeting, letting his agent go to work. In wrapping up, Waldron concluded that he would seek the endorsement and ratification of the board at Storm and get back to Gainey.

As everyone was leaving Inglis said to Waldron, "Is there any chance of getting a boat for Dad?" Not even Gainey knew his client was going to make the request.

Waldron replied, "When you're ready I'll give you a contact person and they'll look after you. Up to a maximum of $30,000."

A week after the Federation Square meeting, Gainey and Inglis caught up briefly at Manly Pacific Hotel. Storm were playing the Sea Eagles at Brookvale the following day. The agent and footballer itemised the terms for extending Inglis's contract.

Inglis liked the look of the items and numbers. "I'll stay if you can get that deal done," he said.

Then Inglis flagged, almost as an afterthought, his desire for Storm to provide rental assistance to his parents should they relocate to Melbourne (they were planning to do so). Gainey said he would try to include it. He left the meeting experiencing relief and satisfaction.

News Ltd is the publisher of this website.

This is an edited extract from Storm Cloud: Melbourne Storm's Demise and Resurrection by Paul Kennedy, published by Hardie Grant Books. RRP $29.95. Available in stores nationally.

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Budding lawyer 'too privileged' for jail

A PRIVATE school-educated budding corporate lawyer who glassed and bashed a man at Crown casino has avoided jail after a magistrate said he would not cope in the clink.

Liam Danial Sweeney , 27, received an 18-month jail term, wholly suspended for two years, and was convicted and fined $5000 for the "unprovoked and gratuitous" assault on April 7.

Ian Hill, QC, told magistrate Jack Vandersteen the alcohol-fuelled attack meant Sweeney would have trouble being admitted to practise law and asked that he not send Sweeney to jail.

"I don't think he'd last very long (in jail)," Mr Vandersteen replied.

"Not many people are in jail who went to (the prestigious school) Haileybury or who had your client's privileged background."

Mr Hill added: "Or who look like him."

Mr Vandersteen told Sweeney it would be "extremely devastating" for his parents - particularly his father, prominent family law barrister Dan Sweeney - to see him in court.

Mr Hill said Sweeney's parents, with whom he lives, were "beside themselves".

On April 7, Sweeney, of Mentone, smashed a wine glass into the face of Richard Huiswaard, a man he met earlier that night at their mutual friend's birthday drinks.

He then punched Mr Huiswaard twice in the head.

Sweeney pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail.

Mr Huiswaard, who needed stitches in his head and three weeks off work, still had a scar on his forehead, Melbourne Magistrates' Court was told.

Mr Hill said Sweeney reacted angrily after Mr Huiswaard said he was going to "go him" and made a comment about his mother.

Mr Vandersteen said this was not told to police during an interview.

Prosecutor Luke Exell said Sweeney "got his nose out of joint" about 9.30pm, when his attempt to shake hands with the drunk Mr Huiswaard was ignored, and acted on that anger hours later, about midnight.

He said Sweeney had fled the scene like a coward, not stopping to render assistance to the bleeding man or to speak to police.

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IncREDible 'You'll Never Walk Alone'

Aussie fans perform a spine-tingling rendition of Liverpool's anthem, You'll Never Walk Alone.

A RECORD soccer crowd of 95,446 has witnessed history at the MCG with Liverpool winning their first match on Australian soil against a gallant Melbourne Victory.

More than 10,000 overseas and interstate tourists were among the delighted crowd that transformed the MCG into Reds heaven in an entertaining foreign friendly won 2-0 by the famous English soccer team.

The crowd, mostly decked from head to toe in Liverpool red, was technically the second biggest soccer crowd ever at the MCG.

It trailed only the 104,700 audience for a USSR v Yugoslavia match widely regarded as a curtain raiser to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics closing ceremony.

Stevei G lights up the MCG

MCG becomes a sea of red

And it was the biggest selling soccer match between two club sides by far, eclipsing attendance records records for matches between Australia and international opponents ranging from Brazil to Greece.

For fans it was a chance to watch one of world sport's most iconic teams at one of sport's most iconic stadium.

YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE: Liverpool fans show their support ahead of the match against Melbourne Victory and Liverpool at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge

And neither let them down with Liverpool playing a near full strength team and the MCG providing the perfect canvas for a magical sporting moment full of colour, atmosphere and excitement.

Fittingly, Beatles anthems blared over the MCG speakers 25 minutes before kick off, a knowing nod to the Scouse heritage the iconic Liverpool band and sporting team share.

But it was moments before the start of play when they brought out the big guns.

When the first chords of Liverpool's iconic anthem You'll Never Walk Alone started to play the vast majority of the MCG crowd rose as one and sang in unison.

Those lucky enough to have a seat the the MCG for the spine chilling experience will speak of it for years to come.

It took Liverpool more than 100 years to visit Australia but judged on the success of their maiden tour they are bound to be back soon.

The match is expected to pour more than $10.4 million into the Victorian economy.

Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard makes history with the Reds' first ever goal in Australia.

Metro put on extra services for the match, sports stores sold out of Liverpool kits and several hotels told the Herald Sun they had been booked out for weeks for match night.

Premier Denis Napthine said the fixture ``kicked goals'' for Victoria and could become an annual event.

``To have Liverpool playing here at the MCG is a dream come true for many people in Australia,'' he said.

Even AFL stars lined up for a share of the action.

Geelong premiership player Cameron Mooney tweeted: ``For 20 years iv wanted to go to Anfield and sing 'you'll never walk alone' with 40 000 people. Guess 90 000 at the G will have to do. ''

Before the match, Liverpool great Steven Gerrard said he was pleased to tick the MCG off his iconic stadium bucket list.

"When you're growing up playing in Europe and around the world, you want to play in as many of the big and special stadiums as you can. This is certainly right up there," he said.

The MCG was a sea of red for Liverpool's clash with Melbourne Victory. Picture: Colleen Petch

"Close to 100,000 supporters when you're over 20 hours away from home is incredible.''

Earlier, Liverpool coaches and staff made the day of a group of vision impaired children in a once in a lifetime coaching camp.

By that time Melbourne's CBD was already a sea of red with fans eager with excitement spilling out of pubs, cafes and restaurants.

Former English soccer hard man turned movie star Vinnie Jones also made a difference, spending time with a group young of young Melbourne men whose lives have gone off the rails in the hope of helping them turn their lives around.

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Queen meets Britain's new baby prince

Prince William said his son has "his mother's looks, thankfully" as he and Kate made their first public appearance with their son, Britain's new prince. Rough Cut (no reporter narration).

QUEEN Elizabeth II paid a private visit on Wednesday to Prince William and his wife Kate to meet their newborn son, her great-grandson who will one day inherit the throne.

The 87-year-old spent just over half an hour at Kensington Palace in London where the still unnamed infant, the third in line to the throne, was spending his first day after leaving hospital.

The queen had said Tuesday she was "thrilled'' about the latest addition to the family.

Wednesday's meeting was the first between the queen and her new heir, and she became the first British monarch to meet a third-generation direct heir since Queen Victoria a century ago.

The monarch, wearing a turquoise floral outfit, made the visit without her husband Prince Philip, 92, who is convalescing following exploratory surgery on his abdomen last month.

Afterwards, William, Kate and the baby left the palace in a Range Rover, bound for the home of Kate's parents Michael and Carole Middleton in the village of Bucklebury, west of London.

William is taking two weeks' paternity leave from his job as a Royal Air Force search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, and palace officials said he and Kate would now spend "private and quiet time for them to get to know their son.''

Queen Elizabeth II has become the first British monarch to meet a third-generation direct heir since Queen Victoria a century ago. Picture: Philip Toscano

Palace officials said Prince Harry has also been to see his new nephew whose name hasn't been revealed yet. That could take anything from a few hours to several weeks - the queen did not announce the name of William's father, Prince Charles, until a month after his birth in 1948.

The new parents had earlier returned to Kensington Palace, where Pippa Middleton was introduced to her nephew – and took her boyfriend Nico Jackson along to meet him too.
 
The couple drove to the Palace to greet the newborn prince as he was being settled into his new home. They were among the first to meet him in private and were able to give him a longed-for cuddle, The Daily Mail reports.

While nannies and nursemaids have always played an important role in the lives of royal children, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are to depart from tradition with their son. Kate will look after the young prince without the help of a full-time nanny for the foreseeable future.
 
A Palace aide confirmed for the first time that the Duchess intends to do without a nanny, saying household staff were "not aware" of any plans to hire one.
 
Asked if the Duke and Duchess would have any help getting used to parenthood over the coming days, the aide said: "They have both got families that will care hugely for this baby."
 
The Duchess has made clear that she plans to spend a great deal of time with her own family. Michael and Carole Middleton have recently bought a Georgian manor in rural Berkshire.

Her mother Carole, who Catherine is very close to, has been described as a "Tiger mum", and is expected to be a "Tiger Granny" with her young grandson.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge' new-born baby boy seen in a car seat outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London on July 23, 2013. AFP PHOTO / CARL COURT Source: AFP

Earlier today, the moment the world had waited for emerged, as Prince William and his wife emerged from St Mary's hospital to show off their son and the future king - and now you can experience the moment as if you were there.

Britain's Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge hold the Prince of Cambridge, as they pose for photographers outside St. Mary's Hospital exclusive Lindo Wing in London. (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)

Barely a day old, the son of Prince William and wife Kate was shown to the world from the steps of  St Mary's hospital in London about 7.15pm local time (4.15am AEST).

With the cheers of well-wishers ringing in their ears, the royal couple could not contain their joy as they broke from protocol and walked out of the Lindo Wing to face the world's media and chat about their new addition.

With our special 360-degree panorama and video (above) we put you front and centre at the historic moment. It's easy to use: Just click on four arrows to expand then use your arrow keys – or finger if on a mobile – to guide it around.

PICTURE: Ben Pruchnie/Getty Images

Kate, wearing a blue Jenny Packham polka-dot dress, was holding the boy first before passing him to her husband.

The Prince of Cambridge, makes his public debut outside the Lindo Wing of St. Mary's Hospital, in London. The boy will be third in line to the British throne. (AP Photo/John Stillwell, Pool)

"He's a big boy, quite heavy, we're still working on a name so we will have that as soon as we can," William gushed as at least a thousand spectators cheered wildly from behind a police cordon.

When asked about his experiences so far William said "well he had a good pair of lungs on him that's for sure."

The prince confirmed the bub was overdue and quipped "I will remind him of his tardiness when he is older."

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge shows off their newborn baby boy to the world's media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London. Source: AP

Kate, cradling Prince Cambridge, said it had been an experience.

"It's been very emotional, it's such a special time. Any parent will know what this feeling is like."

Kate shows off her new prince.

Staring down at his baby boy, William later said "he's got her looks thankfully" to which Kate replied "no, no, I'm not sure about that".

Prince William then joked about his own hair loss saying "he's got way more than me thank God."

The unnamed baby raised a tiny hand above his white blankets.

William said the couple were "still working on a name".

Kate revealed her husband had changed his first nappy to which William proudly agreed.

The new prince continues to inspire and delight social media, check out our live blog below on the global reaction to the royal newborn then scroll on for more colour from the baby's first public appearance.

Britain's Prince William, carries the Prince of Cambridge to the car as they leave St. Mary's Hospital exclusive Lindo Wing in London where the Duchess gave birth on Monday July 22. Photo: Joel Ryan/Invision/AP Source: AP

After a while William carried his son back into the hospital and re-emerged a short time later with the bub in a car capsule which he installed without mishap. 

He appeared to breathe a sigh of relief after successfully getting it all in before the three of them drove off to start their new life as a family.  

 Kate's sister Pippa was reportedly waiting for them at Kensington Palace.

The young family's first public appearance together has been the moment that the world's media and crowds of onlookers had been waiting for, and the photographs snapped today are likely to be reprinted for decades as the baby grows into adulthood and his role as a future king.

The appearance recalls a similar appearance three decades ago, when Princess Diana and Prince Charles carried the newborn William out to pose for photographs on the same steps in 1982.

Princess Diana and Prince Charles leave St Mary's Hospital with a newborn Prince William in 1982. Source: AP

Earlier, Prince Charles and Camilla came to visit their grandson at 5.30 pm local time. Dozens of hospital staff were brought out the front of the Lindo Wing moments before he arrived in a Jaguar.

The first in line to the throne had said earlier he couldn't wait to meet the third in line to the throne. "Have you had a long wait?," he asked hospital staff and media standing by the entrance.

Their arrival was met with euphoric rock-star screams from onlookers. Charles and Camilla were clearly delighted at being able to visit their grandchild and the reception they received as they smiled broadly and waved to the crowd.

Prince William Duke of Cambridge and Catherine Duchess of Cambridge depart The Lindo Wing with their newborn son at St Mary's Hospital on July 23, 2013 in London, England. (Photo: Stuart C. Wilson/Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Midwife Judith Robbins could not believe her luck as she was escorted to the front of the barriers by the steps of the Lindo Wing to await the exit of the royal couple.

The Midwifery Sister from St Mary's Hospital has seen many babies in her time but this one was special.

The unthinkable happened as the batteries in her camera ran out just as the couple emerged from the hospital to show their baby.

"I didn't get a photo because the batteries died," the sister said with a laugh after the couple had left. "I was here for the last two hours. But I had a little tiny glimpse of the baby yes."

The midwife said the whole experience was special whether or not it was recorded on a photograph.

The massed ranks of the media capture the moment the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leave the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London, with their newborn son. AP Photo/Steve Parson Source: AP

"It really was so special, they are all special (babies) but it was a real privilege to have this baby, this wonderful new monarch that is going to be, to be delivered here in our hospital is just amazing.  There are a lot of hospitals in this country but they came to us and that is pretty lovely."

As each hour passed after lunchtime the crowds outside the Lindo Wing doors grew. Mothers with babies, tourists, nearby office workers, students and the idly curious.

Some climbed on post boxes or high steel picket fences for higher vantages. Others simply held their mobile phone cameras in the air and aimed in the general direction of the doors to see what was happening.

It rained off and on throughout the afternoon but it didn't seem to make a difference to the numbers.

Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge show their new-born baby boy to the world's media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in Londo. AFP / ANDREW COWIE Source: AFP

Many came after hearing on the radio confirmed reports Kate's hairdresser Amanda Cook Tucker had earlier arrived at the hospital as had a royale aide carrying a baby capsule. Many understood that could only mean one thing.

Then about 7.20pm the new royal family emerged. Kate and Wills stood in the middle of the road to chat to the press and wave to the adoring crowds to the utter delight of all, their words barely audibly over the cheers and screams.

After the royals left, tourist Mohsin Mokaram yelled "I got them, I got them" as he scrolled back through his mobile phone and saw a blurry blue dress image of Kate in the distance.

"I'm so happy I saw them," the special effects technician said.

"I love the royals, I always read about them and it was so good to see them now."

Lisa Sharpe, another midwife standing outside waiting for the couple, described the baby as stunning.

"What we saw looked absolutely gorgeous and you wouldn't expect anything else... beautiful boy. I was very honoured to be part of this and witness over the last couple of weeks all the preparations. Obviously today seeing the happy new family going home healthy ... is what a midwife likes to see."

Another tourist, Jilly Bryant, caught a glimpse of the royal couple. "I think I will have goose bumps for hours and hours," she said.

Many in the crowd said one of the loveliest moments was seeing Prince William drive his family home himself.

Prince William the Duke of Cambridge and wife Kate holds their new-born baby boy in front of the world's media outside the Lindo Wing of St Mary's Hospital in London. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

"I was not planning on shouting out 'congratulations' or whoop wooing, but you kind of got absorbed in the moment really. It just happened, that spontaneous reaction," Ms Sharpe said.

The royal baby was earlier visited by Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, who described him as "absolutely beautiful."

"They are both doing really well and we are so thrilled," Carole Middleton said.

Asked if she had suggested a name for the baby, she replied: "Absolutely not!"

Kensington Palace said Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, gave birth to the 8 pound, 6 ounce (3.8 kilogram) baby boy at 4.24pm on Monday, triggering an impromptu party outside Buckingham Palace and in front of the hospital's Lindo Wing.

The palace said on Tuesday that "mother, son and father are all doing well this morning".

As celebratory lights, gun salutes and other tributes were unleashed in Britain and abroad, William thanked staff at St Mary's Hospital "for the tremendous care the three of us have received".

"We know it has been a very busy period for the hospital and we would like to thank everyone - staff, patients and visitors - for their understanding during this time," he said in a statement. 

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Splitsville for the Biggest Losers

It's over ... Michelle Bridges and Steve Willis / Pic: Richard Dobson Source: DailyTelegraph

IT was a short-lived romance between Michelle Bridges and Steve "Commando" Willis, with the couple splitting less than two months after going public with their relationship.

The Biggest Loser trainers are no longer an item and Willis is back living with Froso, the mother of two of his children.

"Steve and Michelle are no longer dating but remain close friends," Commando's representative Lisa Sullivan, of One Management, said.

"After a difficult few months Steve and his partner are working towards a reconciliation."

The Daily Telegraph revealed in May that Bridges and Willis had become an item after he moved out of the family home he shared with Froso, his partner of seven years, and their children, aged five and two, in Sydney's southwest.

Just a few months prior, Bridges called it quits with her husband of nine years and business partner Bill Moore.

The Daily Telegraph yesterday reported Bridges was a noticeable absentee at last week's winter program launch for Channel 10. Ten strongly denied rumours she pulled out at the last minute because it wouldn't send hair and make-up artists to her home to help her prepare. Sources now say her no-show was related to her split from Willis.

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Bombers' night of crisis

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou (left) and Essendon president David Evans. Source: HeraldSun

ANTI-doping investigators have been told of a phone call made by AFL boss Andrew Demetriou to Essendon president David Evans the night before the club self-reported for the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Differing accounts of the call from Demetriou to Evans on Monday, February 4 have been detailed to the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Demetriou has vehemently denied any wrongdoing.

According to one witness testimony given to ASADA, Demetriou discussed with Evans whether his club's players had used banned performance-enhancing drugs.

AFL spokesman James Tonkin last night said: "We understand this claim was made by a particular witness in an interview with ASADA.

''The allegations, which were disputed and discredited by other witnesses, were examined by ASADA. They are completely untrue."

ASADA has been told the Demetriou call was made during an emergency meeting at Evans' Hawthorn home attended by Essendon coach James Hird, club doctor Bruce Reid, football boss Danny Corcoran and former chief executive Ian Robson.

ASADA was told Evans ordered the 8.30pm meeting after receiving earlier information.

A second source, also interviewed by ASADA, yesterday backed the first witness's claim.

It is understood Evans was recalled by ASADA and backed the AFL's version of events.

Evans yesterday said: "I went to the AFL and ASADA when serious questions were raised about our supplements program and when the club could not adequately provide me with adequate answers.

"The serious questions coming from the media and information from previous players brought issues to light that strongly warranted my actions."

The AFL has always maintained Essendon "self-reported" and asked to be investigated by ASADA and the AFL on February 5 based on its own information.

The Australian Crime Commission went public with its report into organised crime and drugs in sport two days later on February 7.

Demetriou was first briefed by the ACC about its report on Thursday, January 31, at a confidential meeting in Canberra. AFL sources said Demetriou was not told at this briefing that Essendon was the subject of concerns.

On the morning of February 5 - the day after the meeting at Evans' home - Evans, Hird, Robson and two club media staffers met AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan and league integrity boss Brett Clothier at AFL House.

Demetriou was absent because he was attending another briefing with the ACC, ASADA and other sports chiefs at Melbourne Airport.

At a 2pm press conference called by Essendon at AFL House, Evans said he had received "information" during the previous 48 hours which prompted the club's decision to come forward.

The Herald Sun has previously investigated the circumstances leading to Essendon's self-reporting.

On April 16, the Herald Sun asked Evans at his Jolimont offices whether he was tipped off about the club's issues with drugs.

"No, that did not happen," Evans said.

He said he had "snooped" around his club all weekend before deciding to go to the AFL.

Late on April 17, Demetriou, after being told about inquiries from the Herald Sun, contacted the newspaper and emphatically denied the AFL played a role in the lead-up to Essendon self-reporting.

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I doped for Tour de France: O'Grady

Australian cycling legend Stuart O'Grady retires after a record equalling 17th Tour de France.

Champion SA cyclist Stuart O'Grady. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

STUART O'Grady has admitted to doping before the 1998 Tour de France and says one horrible mistake will tarnish his entire career.

The South Australian cycling star tonight broke down as he told The Advertiser of his decision to take performance enhancing EPO in the two weeks before the `98 Tour.

He retired on Monday after riding a record 17th Tour de France amid speculation he would be named in a French Senate inquiry into doping in sport.

The inquiry listed one of his urine samples from the '98 Tour as "suspicious".

In an exclusive interview with The Advertiser, O'Grady admitted he sourced the EPO - a blood booster - and administered it without anyone knowing.

He then carried it with him during the `98 Tour, but never used it during the race.

MORE: CYCLISTS WHO TESTED POSITIVE FOR BANNED EPO

He said he felt he had no other option and had to use it to survive or be competitive in the race during the sport's dirtiest era.

O'Grady said he destroyed it (EPO) when the Festina Affair, where riders were booted off the Tour for alleged doping, blew up in the first week.

O'Grady is adamant he never used EPO, or any other banned substance again.

"Leading into the Tour I made a decision," he said.

"I sourced it (EPO) myself, there was no one else involved, it didn't involve the team in any way.

"I just had to drive over the border and buy it at any pharmacy.

"The hardest part of all this is I did it for two weeks before the Tour de France.

"I used extremely cautious amounts because I'd heard a lot of horror stories and did the absolute minimum of what I hoped would get me through.

"When the Festina Affair happened, I smashed it, got rid of it and that was the last I ever touched it.

"That's the hardest thing to swallow out of all this - it was such a long time ago and one very bad judgement is going to taint a lot of things and people will have a lot of questions."

O'Grady, an Olympic gold medallist and Paris-Roubaix champion, said the hardest thing was telling his parents in Paris on Monday.

"It was the worst moment of my life," he said.

"I just asked them to listen so I could paint a complete picture.

"All I've ever wanted in my career was to make mum and dad and my family proud.

"You win Olympics, Paris-Roubaix and now all of that is going to be tainted by this action and I wish it could be changed but it can't."

O'Grady was 24 at the time and riding for French team GAN.

In the 1998 Tour de France he won Stage 14 and became the second Australian to ever wear the yellow jersey.

"I want to paint a picture why I chose this avenue and make people understand how different things were and how isolated I felt," he said.

"After my first Tour (in 1997) when I was dropped after 5km on a mountain day and you're questioning what the hell I am doing in this sport you're not anywhere near competitive at something you're supposed to be pretty good at.

"It wasn't systematic doping, I wasn't trying to deceive people, I was basically trying to survive in what was a very grey area.

"We're humans who make mistakes. It was a decision I made at the time which I thought would basically get me through the Tour."

O'Grady is adamant he never cheated after that.

"It was for an extremely small percentage of my entire life," he said.

"When you start seeing riders getting arrested around you, people being taken to jail, that's all I needed to scare me.

"I was lucky enough to win a lot of things, they can test my samples from Paris-Roubaix and my Olympic medals for the next thousand years, they're not going to find anything.

"There is nothing more to hide.

"I have done everything since then on natural ability and when people ask `why are you still racing?'

"I guess part of me deep down is to prove that you can do the Tour clean, win Olympic gold medals clean.

"You can do as much as your natural ability allows you to and I've been riding myself into the ground trying to help out young guys, to be the leader, and maybe a small part of that is to punish myself for my own guilt."

Despite his guilt, he never wanted to come forward.

"Who in their right mind and the environment we've been in the last couple of years would stand up and be crucified?

"I guess I just wanted this to go away and the only person I've cheated out of all this is myself, my family and friends.

"I've been the one living with it and trying to smash it out ever since."

O'Grady still has not been approached by any French government official but said he feared this day could be coming when he read a story about a list of failed drug tests from the 1998 Tour being released.

He said he knew it was time to retire after winning the teams time trial with Orica-GreenEDGE on Stage 4 of the Tour this month.

"I was standing up on the podium with the boys after winning the team time trial and I thought `this is it'," O'Grady said.

"I knew about what I'd done in the past, that the time to hang up my bike was coming, my family would be here and this was the final chapter I needed for closure."

O'Grady a six-time Olympian between 1992 and 2012 said he could have kept lying in the face of his `suspicious' test result.

"There is no B Sample, I could have kept lying, there is nothing but my confession right now," he said.

"I want to close this chapter of my life and have a fresh start. I realise there are going to be consequences but I don't want to stand in front of people anymore and lie."

He said he would take some comfort knowing two of his best mates, Australian Matt White and Scot David Millar, had been through similar circumstances and emerged on the other side.

"Deep down I knew I'd made a mistake, and if there's anyone on this planet who has never made a mistake come up and throw the first rock.

"I realise my situation is different to most people but we are human beings.

"I spent my whole childhood dreaming of racing for Australia and every moral gene in my body was anti-doping and anti-cheating, the whole time I was around the AIS helped me achieve that.

"Then all of a sudden I was on my own in Europe getting my arse kicked and knowing it was around you (which) opened the option for bad judgement."

FACT FILE

STUART O'GRADY

Age: 39

From: Ingle Farm, South Australia

Lives: Luxembourg/Adelaide

Teams: GAN/Credit Agricole, Cofidis, CSC/Saxo-Bank, Leopard, Orica-GreenEDGE

6 Olympic Games

1 Olympic Gold Medal

1 Olympic Silver Medal

2 Olympic Bronze Medals

1 Paris-Roubaix Title

4 Commonwealth Gold Medals

17 Tours de France

4 Tour de France stage wins

2 Tour Down Under titles

CAREER TIMELINE

1992: Makes Olympic debut at the age of 18 in Barcelona and wins a silver medal in the team pursuit

1993: Wins team pursuit world title

1995: Turns professional with French team GAN, later known as Credit Agricole

1996: Wins two bronze medals at the Atlanta Olympics

1997: Makes his Tour de France debut

1998: Rides the Tour de France for the first time, wins Stage 14 and wears yellow jersey for two days

1999: Wins inaugural Tour Down Under

2001: Wears yellow jersey at the Tour de France for five days

2003: Wins national road race title

2004: Wins Olympic gold in Athens with Graeme Brown in the madison

2007: First Australian to win one-day Classic, Paris-Roubaix

2010: Guides Andy Schleck to overall victory at the Tour de France

2012: Joins Australia's first WorldTour team, Orica-GreenEDGE and competes in his sixth Olympics in London

2013: Rides a record-breaking 17th Tour de France as Orica-GreenEDGE wins the team time trial. Announces his immediate retirement after the Tour and admits to taking EPO before the 1998 Tour de France.

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Judge orders $1m returned to stripper

A US judge has ordered more than $1 million in savings, seized by traffic police, be returned to an exotic dancer. Picture: Bob Barker

A US judge has ordered more than $1 million be returned to a woman who saved it a dollar at a time as an exotic dancer.

The money was confiscated by police in Nebraska during a routine traffic stop, US ABC News reports.

The money belongs to Tara Mishra, 33, who put aside her earning for 15 years from when she began dancing at age 18. She planned to use the money to begin a business and leave stripping behind.

The money was seized by state police in March 2012 when they pulled over friends of Mishra, Rajesh and Marina Dheri, for speeding. The Dheris were in possession of the cash in order to purchase a nightclub in New Jersey that would be half-owned by them and half-owned by Mishra.

Police suspected the money, tied with hair bands in US$10,000 ($10,875) bundles and stored in plastic bags, was the proceeds from drug dealing. It was discovered in the boot when a search was performed on the Dheri's rented car.

"The government failed to show a substantial connection between drugs and the money," US District Judge Joseph Bataillon wrote in his judgment. "The court finds the ... story is credible ... Ms Mishra did have control over the money and directed the Dheris to deliver the money to New Jersey for the purchase of the business."

Judge Bataillon ordered Mishra receive cash or a cheque in the value of US$1,074,000 with interest.
 

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Perth is now Australia's most expensive city

Perth is now the most expensive city in Australia. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

PERTH is now Australia's most expensive city and the tenth priciest to live in worldwide, according a renowned online cost of living index.

Numbeo, a website that claims to collate the world's largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries worldwide, now rates the West Australian capital as more expensive than Darwin, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne for consumer goods, including groceries, restaurants, transportation and utilities.

And the list also christens Perth as the most expensive city in the southern hemisphere, with the rest of the top ten taken up by cities in Switzerland and Norway - with Trondheim classed as the most expensive place to live in the world.

Are you surprised that Perth is now among the priciest cities in the world? Have your say below.

The Numbeo index, which is updated weekly, is based on a worldwide comparison of prices compared to those in New York City - with Perth rating 121.99, meaning on their analysis the city is 21.99 per cent more expensive than New York.

Almost to prove the point, it was revealed petrol in Perth is set to rise 16 cents per litre tomorrow to a five-year high average of 156.3 cents per litre.
 

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Live: First Ashes Test, day one

Sky Sports cricket commentator Tim Abraham previews the first Ashes Test with Robert "Crash" Craddock.

Welcome to our live and interactive coverage of the first Ashes Test.

For all the late mail, scroll down for a comprehensive run down from the Herald Sun's Jamie Tate.

Otherwise stick with us for all the latest scores, analysis, video and reaction from social media.

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JOIN US FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF EVERY MOMENT OF THE ASHES SERIES FROM THE FIRST BALL, INCLUDING A LIVE MATCH CENTRE WITH SCORES, STATS, HAWKEYE DISPLAY OF EVERY DELIVERY AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT EACH SESSION

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[View the story "Live: First Ashes Test, Day One" on Storify]

The first of 10 Ashes Tests to take place over the next six months kicks off tonight at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.

If the series lives up to half the hype, we're in for a gripping contest.

So what can we expect this evening?

HULK HOGAN'S ADVICE FOR DAVID WARNER

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Former Test paceman Stuart Clark is backing opener Shane Watson to score a mountain of runs in this Ashes series.

TEAMS

BREAKING SELECTION: Teenage spinner Ashton Agar has earned a shock call-up ahead of Nathan Lyon.

Agar's selection will stun the cricketing world given his modest first class record of 31 wickets at 29.38 from just ten matches for Western Australia.

Agar was not originally named in Australia's Ashes touring party but was added as a development player. The left-arm finger spinner played in Australia's tour match against Worcester, claiming figures of 2-79 and 1-86.

The selection of Agar could prove important against England's ace Kevin Pietersen, who has been exposed by left-arm spin in the past.

Australia all-rounder Steve Smith will make his Ashes debut, beating Dave Warner for Australia's No.6 spot.

Warner was heavily tipped to play in the opening Test at Trent Bridge despite not having played for a month after being stood down for behavioural reasons.

Smith adds an extra spin option for Darren Lehmann's side, with the pitch expected dry-out towards the back-end of the Test. 

Fast bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc and James Pattinson all rested from Australia's optional net session last night at which fellow quicks Ryan Harris, Jackson Bird and James Faulkner all took part.

It was a sure sign Siddle will join Starc and Pattinson alongside Nathan Lyon tonight.

Former Australia captain Steve Waugh says Dave Warner should be picked at No.6 for the Ashes because of his devastating strokeplay.

England has one decision to make - Steven Finn or Tim Bresnan. Bresnan might win out for his ability to deliver reverse swing, especially considering talk of a very dry pitch.

Bresnan has taken four or more wickets in a Test five times - three of those have been at Trent Bridge.

INSIDE THE AUSSIE CHANGEROOMS

PITCH

MICHAEL Clarke noted with surprise when he first saw the pitch last Sunday that it was ready to play on then.

Maybe it's a CEO's pitch. Maybe the Wednesday start has conspired to produce a batsman-friendly strip that's sure to last five days. When every day at the 16,000 capacity is a sellout, there's a lot of coin on the line for England cricket authorities.

Notably, the pitch has been under cover the past two days despite plenty of sunshine and no threat of rain. Is the curator worried about the pitch deteriorating too quickly?

Expect the captain who wins the toss tonight to bat without hesitation and a first-innings score of 400 will be the pass mark.

Ahead of the coming Ashes series, we look at which English players pose the biggest threat to Australia's hopes of claiming the urn.

The past nine Tests have all been results, expect this to provide a winner, too. The team batting first has won six of those matches.

PICK YOUR AUSSIE XI

BIG THREAT

GRAEME Swann looms ever large.

He has a modest Test record at his home county ground, three wickets at 65 runs apiece, but with hot weather and an Australian batting line-up loaded with left-handers, he could be the decisive player come days three, four and five.

This bloke should really be playing for us. You have to love the attitude of a man who had this to say at a lead-up press conference: "Hopefully we can provide a lot of people with a lot of reasons to get very drunk ... If I wasn't playing in this series I would be standing in a pub come Thursday afternoon for six weeks solid cheering on England.''

PONTING PICKS A 2-1 AUSSIE WIN

THE PUNT

The legendary Hulk Hogan offers some words of wisdom to David Warner ahead of the Ashes series.

UNLESS nerves take hold of batsmen, this match could be a slow burn to start with before catching fire at the end.

Don't be surprised to see plenty of runs on the first three days, which would open up betting opportunities.

If you like either England ($1.95 at the TAB) or Australia ($3.50), don't take the odds offered pre-match, wait for something around $3 for England and/or $7 Australia inside the first two days.

When the pitch wears late in the game, those odds could bring gold. The draw is currently $3.75 and should stay tight in the first two or three days.

Shane Watson could hardly be in better touch and looks a strong option to be Australia's highest scorer in the first innings ($4.50 at the TAB).

Kevin Pietersen's Test average at Trent Bridge (465 runs @ 38.8) is better than any of his teammates at the venue. He's also $4.50 to score most first innings runs for England.

But the England group is a much more open market. Watson is by far the better value.

PUP'S LEADERSHIP A WORK IN PROGRESS

A replica ashes urn sits on the outfield at Trent Bridge, scene of the first Test. Picture: Getty Images

WINNING IS ALL ABOUT ATTITUDE

RINGING ENDORSEMENT FROM BELL

JOIN US FOR LIVE COVERAGE OF EVERY MOMENT OF THE ASHES SERIES FROM THE FIRST BALL, INCLUDING A LIVE MATCH CENTRE WITH SCORES, STATS, HAWKEYE DISPLAY OF EVERY DELIVERY AND VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS THROUGHOUT EACH SESSION

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Bieber pees into janitor's mop bucket

A screen grab of a video showing Justin Bieber peeing into a bucket at a restaurant. Source: Supplied

A NEW video shows pop star Justin Bieber urinating into a mop bucket at a restaurant as his friends egg him on.

The singer, who appears to be drunk in the video, laughs with friends as he pees into a janitor's bucket, TMZ reports.

The footage was recorded earlier this year in a New York restaurant. Bieber and his entourage were sneaking out of a nearby nightclub through the restaurant kitchen, when Bieber whips down his saggy harem pants pants and lets fly.

As security looks on, his friends try to convince the restaurant they'll forever remember the day Justin Bieber urinated in their restaurant.

Bieber also shows some rage for Bill Clinton, spraying some cleaning fluid on a photo of the former US President and swearing "F*** Bill Clinton!"

The singer has been in the spotlight for his increasingly out-of-control behaviour, including allegations of speeding near children in his posh gated community and attacking a paparazzi photographer in Europe after leaving hospital.
 

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Apple found guilty of ebook conspiracy

Apple has been found guilty of engaging in a conspiracy to fix the price of ebooks.

A JUDGE has found Apple guilty of a price-fixing conspiracy for electronic books, saying the company "conspired to restrain trade" with publishers to boost the price of ebooks.

In a sweeping ruling, US District Judge Denise Cote, who presided over a bench trial in New York, said in her opinion that "Apple is liable here for facilitating and encouraging the (publishers') collective, illegal restraint of trade".

She ordered a new hearing to determine damages.

Judge Cote rejected all the arguments from Apple, which claimed its entry into the e-book market promoted competition. The judge also determined that comments from late chief executive Steve Jobs proved the government's allegations of a conspiracy.

The trial focused on a six-week period in late 2009 and early 2010 during which Apple negotiated contracts with publishers ahead of its iPad launch and proposed a new and more profitable business model.

Publishers at the time were unhappy with Amazon's practice of charging $US9.99 ($10.90) for bestsellers but were unable to effect change until Apple helped organise the group, Judge Cote said.

"Understanding that no one publisher could risk acting alone in an attempt to take pricing power away from Amazon, Apple created a mechanism and environment that enabled them to act together in a matter of weeks to eliminate all retail price competition for their ebooks," Judge Cote said.

"The evidence is overwhelming that Apple knew of the unlawful aims of the conspiracy and joined that conspiracy with the specific intent to help it succeed."

Each of the five publishers originally named in the US government's civil lawsuit settled the case, leaving Apple to stand trial alone.

Apple's chief executive Tim Cook had said ahead of the trial that the California firm would not settle, claiming it had done nothing wrong but was merely pursuing normal business practices.

Apple said it would appeal the ruling.

"Apple did not conspire to fix ebook pricing and we will continue to fight against these false accusations," said an Apple spokesman in a statement.

"When we introduced the iBookstore in 2010, we gave customers more choice, injecting much needed innovation and competition into the market, breaking Amazon's monopolistic grip on the publishing industry. We've done nothing wrong and we will appeal the judge's decision."

The Justice Department meanwhile hailed the ruling.

"As the department's litigation team established at trial, Apple executives hoped to ensure that its e-book business would be free from retail price competition, causing consumers throughout the country to pay higher prices for many ebooks," said Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer.

"Companies cannot ignore the antitrust laws when they believe it is in their economic self-interest to do so. This decision by the court is a critical step in undoing the harm caused by Apple's illegal actions."

Amazon held "wholesale" contracts with publishers in which it set prices. Apple's contracts shifted to an "agency" model where publishers set the price in exchange for a 30 per cent commission to Apple.

As Apple was finalising the new model with publishers, several publishers successfully pressured Amazon to accept the agency model and higher prices, threatening to withhold books from Amazon unless it made the shift.

Much of the testimony during trial centred on whether Apple had orchestrated the industry's efforts to get out of the Amazon model.

Judge Cote rejected Apple's arguments that it was indifferent to price, concluding that "Apple convinced the Publisher Defendants that Apple shared their goal of raising e-book prices, and helped them to realise that goal".

Judge Cote also rejected Apple's contention that it's entry into the ebook market was pro-competitive because Amazon enjoyed a market share of around 90 per cent.

The innovations of Apple's iPad, while admirable, are irrelevant to the case, Judge Cote said. Apple's agreements with the publishers "did not promote competition, but destroyed it".

Judge Cote also cited a number of statements from Jobs that the government touted as proof of the conspiracy. These included a Jobs remark to his biographer boasting that the publishers "went to Amazon and said, 'You're going to sign an agency contract or we're not going to give you the books.'"

Apple defence attorneys said during the trial that Jobs' comments had been misinterpreted.

But Judge Cote concluded that "Apple could find no effective way at trial to escape the import of Jobs' remarks".

Prior to Apple's entry, the publishers - all of whom have settled in the case - would complain about Amazon's $US9.99 price at private dinners in fancy New York restaurants, but each feared taking on the internet giant alone.

Among the publishers settling the case, the largest was with Penguin for $US75 million, while a settlement with Hachette, Harper Collins and Simon & Schuster created a $US69 million fund for refunds to consumers. Macmillan settled for $US26 million.

Harper Collins is owned by News Corporation, which also owns the parent company of this publication.
 

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NRL star posts nude pics online

George Burgess cuts an intimidating figure. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

The naked selfie of George Burgess that has circulated on Twitter. Source: The Daily Telegraph

HE may have slipped the noose with the wilful damage charges against him discharged by a Cairns magistrate yesterday but no sooner had "Gorgeous" George Burgess breathed a sigh of relief than a new problem reared its ugly head.

Nude pictures of what appears to be 21-year-old Souths pin-up have surfaced online, finding their way to a men's gay porn site.

The two nude "selfies" (front and profile) are believed to have circulated on Twitter last week and come just as the NRL continues its attempts to clean up the code.

The Souths Leagues Club has said it won't be taking any action against Burgess, who wasn't returning calls yesterday.

George Burgess charged, stood down over Cairns incident

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Fans ink-censed over Ruby's tat

Ruby Rose posted images of her new tattoo on her Instagram site. Source: Instagram

RUBY Rose has upset fans on her social media feed with pictures of her receiving her latest tattoo on her naked torso.

The image of a crown is a copy of artwork by Jean-Michel Basquiat, an American artist who died of a heroin overdose at his art studio in New York aged 27.

After posting numerous pictures of her new tattoo, Rose said, "F***ing Art J.M.Basquiat the love of my life. Wanted this tattoo for years."

Despite her excitement over the newest tattoo, her fans are worried she is relapsing following her recent emotional breakdown which saw her admit herself to an LA retreat. Her reps were not returning calls yesterday and neither was Rose.

Ruby Rose posted images of her new tattoo on her Instagram site. Source: Instagram

"Hm speechless. Not in a good way though ... Ugly as hell but i'm sure or at least hope it has some kind of meaning for Rubs. To me it looks like a random misplaced tat," wrote skywriter 3170.

"No words!!," posted cronicasdenayra.

"What the hell," said melly1973.

Ruby Rose posted images of her new tattoo on her Instagram site. Source: Instagram

"Hope it means something cos (sic) dat (sic) is one ugly design on such fine piece of skin," wrote bulldog8804.

"Sorry for the date but why would yu (sic) ruin that sexy body with ugly tatts?" added claytonjohn93.

Hours later, the DJ posted a video online, where she throws a rock on the ground, then rolls around in the middle of the road - trying to demonstrate the expression rock 'n' roll.

In April the controversial model stopped all work commitments and flew to Los Angeles to be treated for depression after announcing she was "losing my battle with depression".

Ruby Rose posted images of her new tattoo on her Instagram site. Source: Instagram

She used Twitter to tell her fans she was "feeling down" and depressed.

"It is with great sadness that despite everything I have tried in the short time I was given I am still losing my battle with depression," she posted.

"As for cancelled dates this month I'm sorry. Very. But these things need attention sometimes. I urge u all to do the same if feeling down x."

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