Wednesday news

13 Mar 2013

Adrian Bayley will face trial for the rape and murder of ABC employee Jill Meagher. Meanwhile, extreme weather conditions are causing havoc in Europe.

Adrian Bayley pleads guilty to rape

Adrian Bayley has pleaded guilty to the rape of Jill Meagher but not guilty to two other rape charges and the charge of murder. Deputy Chief Magistrate Felicity Broughton of the Supreme Court found there was enough evidence for the case to go to trial. The Age has all the details, including excerpts of Bayley’s interview with police. 

Firies facing new threats

Firefighters in Tasmania are bracing for new threats today with extreme weather conditions forecast for the state. A total fire ban has been declared as temperatures continue to soar. The Mercury has more.

Police denied bail over dragging death

Nine policemen in South Africa have been denied bail after being accused of dragging a Mozambican taxi driver behind their van and then beating him to death. Bystanders filmed the scene which occurred in Daveytown, just east of Johannesburg. Read more.

Havoc in Europe

Heavy snow is causing havoc in Western Europe with power cut off and road, air and train travel disrupted. Drivers have been delayed for up to 10 hours in parts of Britain due to ice, snow and freezing winds, and commuters were advised to stay home in Paris. Sky News has the full story.

Iran to sue Hollywood over Argo

Iran is planning to sue Hollywood over the “unrealistic portrayal” of the country in the movie Argo. Officials have dismissed the movie as pro-CIA, anti-Iranian and too violent. News.com.au has more. The movie is also facing criticism from New Zealand with members of parliament saying it misrepresented the role the diplomats played in the dramatic escape. Read more.

The Great Gatsby to open Cannes

The 2013 Cannes Film Festival will be opened by The Great Gatsby directed by Baz Luhrmann and filmed in Sydney. Read what Luhrmann had to say on News.com.au and watch the trailer below.