Ghislaine Maxwell has been denied bail for a fifth time after an appeals court ruled the British socialite still poses a significant flight risk.

The 2nd US Circuit Court of Appeals in Manhattan rejected the 59-year-old’s latest bail request on the grounds that she might try to avoid extradition by fleeing to France or the United Kingdom where she is a citizen.

Ms Maxwell, who is accused of recruiting four underage girls for convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein to sexually abuse between 1994 and 2004, will subsequently remain in a New York jail.

The court also denied Ms Maxwell’s request for a hearing on what her lawyers called “horrific” confinement conditions at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn.

It did not explain its reasons.

If convicted, Ms Maxwell faces up to 80 years in prison. A trial in Manhattan is slated for November.

Ms Maxwell was arrested last July , and has lost four previous bail requests – including a $28.5 million bail release proposal in December.

Her lawyers argue she cannot properly prepare for trial because of sleep deprivation, a lack of potable water, a sewage stench in her cell, an inability to meet privately with her lawyers or keep jail guards from reviewing her confidential materials and an underpowered computer to review evidence.

Ms Maxwell faces charges that she lured underage girls for Jeffery Epstein to sexually abuse.

“Ghislaine Maxwell is subjected to more gruelling conditions than any other inmate” at the Brooklyn jail, her lawyer David Markus said in an email.

“This is due to the Epstein effect. Because Epstein died on the jail’s watch, it has decided to torture Ghislaine. That’s wrong.”

Her brother Ian Maxwell told the BBC’s Today program in March that he believed she was losing her hair, having trouble with her eyesight and her ability to concentrate.

Ms Maxwell is “in effective isolation” in a 1.8- by 2.7-metre cell without natural light that contains a concrete bed and a toilet, he said.

She is under around-the-clock surveillance with 10 cameras and four guards tracking her movement, and is also being deprived of sleep, he added.

Ms Maxwell has pleaded not guilty to sex trafficking and other charges.

Epstein was found dead in a Manhattan jail in August 2019 while awaiting trial on separate charges.

A spokesman for US Attorney Audrey Strauss in Manhattan and a spokeswoman for the Federal Bureau of Prisons declined to comment.

-with AAP

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Queensland holds the upper hand after the Bulls attack ripped through NSW on day one of the Sheffield Shield final in Brisbane.

At stumps on Thursday, Queensland is 1-58 after hosts dismissed the Blues for 143.

Queensland opener Bryce Street was not out 14 while Test No.3 Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 23.

After NSW won the toss, all-rounder Michael Neser made quick work of the visitors by claiming 5-27 at Allan Border Field.

Neser again! 🔥 The Bulls' main man snicks off the in-form Edwards! #SheffieldShield final live: https://t.co/KjZHs5gMFs pic.twitter.com/l8pzQGiP4C

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 15, 2021

New-ball partner Jack Wildermuth chimed in with 4-21 as NSW never got going with the bat.

After resuming at 2-54 at lunch, NSW lost 6-47 including skipper Kurtis Patterson for 43 in the middle session.

At one stage NSW lost 3-8 including Mitchell Starc (four) and Sean Abbott (23) in consecutive balls off Wildermuth.

Neser mopped up the tail in the final session to claim his fifth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

You know that we love Marnus' 'no runs', leaves and other mannerisms!

Just before the season is all over, another compilation of what he offered us today 🕺 #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/1EYPJrnO6O

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) April 15, 2021

IPL duties have ensured NSW is without Steve Smith, Pat Cummins, David Warner and Moises Henriques, but Brisbane will still host a Shield final boasting 14 players with international experience.

Queensland is undefeated in its past three clashes at the venue and will be quietly confident of securing Shield title No.9 and its first since 2017-18.

However, that will be easier said than done against a quality NSW outfit eyeing off the domestic double after claiming the one-day Cup on Sunday.

The Blues are gunning for their first back-to-back Shield titles since 1993-94 and a record 48th overall crown.

NSW has lost just one of its past 13 games against Queensland, in March 2018.

The final will be decided by the bonus-points system used during the regular season if there is a draw.

-AAP

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An inquest into the death of Toowoomba policeman Brett Forte heard his killer was “shocked” to learn the officer’s death.

Senior Constable Forte died after Ricky Maddison fired two full magazines at police cars during a pursuit from Toowoomba to the Lockyer Valley in May 2017.

Maddison was later shot by police after at least 85 attempts to have him surrender during a 20-hour siege.

Coroner Terry Ryan is investigating the circumstances of both deaths.

Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Buxton from Ethical Standards Command was the investigating officer who focused on Maddison’s death.

He told the court that after Senior Constable Forte’s death, Maddison was walking around the property discharging a gun.

Brett Forte was killed in a shootout with Rick Maddison. Photo: Facebook

“Thirty rounds at a time … indiscriminately,” Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said.

He said when police negotiators told Maddison of Senior Constable Forte’s death, he was “surprised”.

“And then there was a long pause,” Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said.

Maddison asked “what was his name?” and “where is he from?”.

“At that point he [Maddison] said, ‘well, I’m very sorry for the family’,” Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said.

“His initial response was one of shock.

“He had not seemed to consider that is what the outcome could have been.”

Maddison made ‘outlandish requests’ for visitors

Rick Maddison sounded surprised to learn he had killed Senior Constable Forte, the inquest heard. Photo: Supplied

The inquest heard Maddison had not made the connection that Senior Constable Forte had answered his phone call to police earlier that day.

Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said Maddison had been talking in a “threatening way” regarding weapons and ammunition he had in his possession and spoke generally of domestic violence charges against him.

The inquest heard he made “outlandish requests” for certain people to be brought to the stronghold, including his alleged domestic violence victim.

After several hours, at 1:00am, police believed Maddison started to become more paranoid and was “becoming fatigued”.

“He was just very, very agitated and sensing a loss of control,” Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said.

Once daylight broke, police disabled Maddison’s vehicle with a robot device and the court heard he was “very agitated about that”.

The inquest heard Maddison emerged from the back door of the shed and discharged a fully automatic weapon towards the Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) vehicles.

The operators believed they were in a life-or-death situation and fired one round, which hit Maddison in the shoulder.

“He ran a distance,” Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said.

The court heard armored vehicles began moving forward and Maddison got up and ran towards police.

He was shot by SERT officers in the chest from 75 metres and was declared dead at 11:16am, ending the 20-hour ordeal.

Senior Constable Brett Forte was killed by Maddison in 2017. Photo: Supplied

Maddison had more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition

A letter was found in Maddison’s glove box after an extensive search of the property.

“It was essentially a suicide note,” Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said.

“I’ve had a good life, don’t be sad for me — that kind of sentiment.”

He said the note appeared to be written before the death of Senior Constable Forte.

The inquest heard six firearms, some illegally modified, and an antique pistol were also found.

Detective Senior Sergeant Buxton said the modifications to one firearm “essentially make it a fully automatic weapon” with a 300 to 400-metre range.

Investigators concluded more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition were available to Maddison during the siege.

Drugs and chemicals were also found at the property.

Brett Forte’s wife Susan provided further evidence to the inquest in the form of a written statement today, after an application by lawyers representing several police officers.

The inquest resumes on Monday and is expected to run all week.

– ABC

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Fisherman Trent Riley posted two videos on social media showing calm waters two hours before he went missing off the coast of Brisbane.

The 26-year-old’s small aluminium boat was found empty and motoring in circles off Mud Island, near the Port of Brisbane, at about 3.30pm on Wednesday.

Missing Brisbane man Trent Riley is believed to have fallen from his boat in Moreton Bay waters.

Police Acting Inspector Mark Mooney says Mr Riley posted two videos on Instagram at 1.27pm which showed calm conditions on the bay.

“That’s the last we heard of him, of his posting or interaction,” he told reporters on Thursday.

Insp Mooney said the boat was not damaged, indicating there had not been any collision, but one of the 26-year-old’s three fishing rods was missing.

He said a dry bag Mr Riley would have taken with him if he had “voluntarily” got into the water was still in his boat.

“No, we’re not totally aware at this stage how he’s fallen out of the boat,” Insp Mooney said.

Water Police, Volunteer Marine Rescue, helicopters and volunteer coast guard have now been searching for Mr Riley for almost 24 hours.

Insp Mooney said Mr Riley’s family have also started their own search.

“I just spoke to his mum, she’s obviously holding out hope, as we all are,” he said.

“It’s been 24 hours, she’s aware survivability after 24 hours is quite low, which is very heartbreaking for her family and friends.

“However, she’s holding up the best she can, the best that anyone can expect in the circumstances, and we’re still really holding out hope that we can bring him home alive to her.”

At the time he went missing Mr Riley was wearing a long-sleeved grey fishing shirt, black jeans, black shoes and a bucket hat.

He is Caucasian, about 183cm tall, with a proportionate build and brown hair.

Mr Riley’s disappearance occurred in conditions that were regarded as close to perfect by local fishermen and other boaties.

“It’s very strange and unusual,” Moreton Bay fishing expert Spero Kartanos told the Courier Mail .

-with AAP

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A ‘relieved’ Senator Kristina Keneally will be on her way to Christmas Island within hours to visit a detained Tamil family, despite her earlier plans being grounded.

The Labor senator will leave on a commercial flight late on Thursday, after getting Australian Border Force approval for her visit to the family from Biloela who are held on the island.

“I am glad I will be able to meet many members of the Christmas Island community during my visit and, of course, I especially look forward to meeting Nades, Priya and their two Australian-born little girls,” she said on Thursday.

The Biloela family, including daughters Kopika and Tharunicaa, have spent more than three years in detention.

Community members have campaigned tirelessly for them to be returned to their adopted home in central Queensland.

The family had told the ABC they had been looking forward to meeting opposition home affairs spokeswoman Kristina Keneally in person.

“It’s just unbelievable, shocking that this has been cancelled,” Angela Fredericks, a friend of the Biloela family, said.

“Four wonderful people, our friends, are just being treated as political pawns in a game.

“Their life is very hard in detention and they always appreciate the opportunity to show what their reality is.”

Tweet from @KKeneally

Senator Keneally, who said Labor would allow the family to return to Biloela if the party won the next election, was planning on taking a birthday present from Priya’s friends and a gift for the children.

She said her permission to visit the detention centre was confirmed by the Australian Border Force at 4.50pm on Wednesday.

But 22 minutes later, she received an email saying Mr Dutton had “determined that the special purpose aircraft can no longer be made available” for the trip.

A government spokesperson told the ABC the planes were all either in use – including by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Trade Minister Dan Tehan – or undergoing maintenance.

“The visit to Christmas and Cocos islands had been planed for months by the joint standing committee on the national capital and external territories, of which I am a member,” she said.

Former defence minister Linda Reynolds had approved the use of a federal government special purpose aircraft, given the scarcity of flights to the islands.

Other MPs and senators from both sides of parliament were to join Senator Keneally on the trip, which was also to look at communications infrastructure. They will no longer be going.

“While I can’t do everything that the parliamentary delegation planned to do during this visit, I will do as much as I can, including meeting with the Bioloela family” Senator Keneally said.

She repeated her view that the detained family should be allowed to return home to Biloela.

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Top doctors have raised serious concerns about Australia’s COVID vaccine rollout with the Prime Minister.

Scott Morrison met general practitioners and the Australian Medical Association officials in Perth on Thursday to discuss the troubled vaccine program, describing it as “another set of challenges”.

Mr Morrison said he wanted to get the job done, pointing to national cabinet’s work as the pandemic emerged in 2020.

“It’s another set of challenges, there’s some problems to solve,” he said of the vaccine rollout.

More than 1.3 million vaccinations have so far been given nationally.

But that is well short of the millions the federal government initially promised by now. Last Sunday, plagued by ongoing supply issues and following a medical advisory that the AstraZeneca shot not be given to anyone under 50, Mr Morrison abandoned targets altogether.

Pfizer is now the preferred vaccine option for people under the age of 50 because of the AstraZeneca’s link to rare blood clots.

Earlier on Thursday, Australian Medical Association president Omar Khorshid said the core of problem was a lack of vaccine supply , as the Pfizer jab is made overseas.

“We just don’t have the vaccine supply and there is no mass increase in vaccine supply likely for several months,” he told ABC radio.

“If it does come it’s probably going to be in the form of the Pfizer vaccine, which, of course, has those logistic challenges when it comes to rolling them out.”

Dr Khorshid said supply remained the biggest issue with the vaccination program. Photo: AAP

He says the Pfizer jab was best suited to be used in state-run centres, rather than GP clinics, as they had appropriate storage facilities.

While the shot can now be stored for a few weeks at normal freezer temperatures, most clinics do not have such facilities.

The AMA wants the federal government to look at mass vaccination clinics for the Pfizer jab but leave the AstraZeneca shot to be administered by GPs.

“The problem with a centre that focuses on the 50- to 70-year-old age group using the AstraZeneca vaccine is that you’re using the same vaccines that we are currently rolling out through general practice,” Dr Khorshid said.

“The only way to actually fill those centres will be to take the vaccines off general practice, which is quite capably administering those vaccines as we speak.”

The vaccine rollout could be dealt another blow following a decision made in Denmark, which has stopped offering AstraZeneca jabs to its entire population.

The European nation is on the hunt for more Pfizer doses, which Australia is also desperate to secure.

Dr Khorshid said vaccinations were Australia’s way out of the coronavirus crisis.

“We don’t have COVID now, but COVID is coming,” he said.

“We cannot keep this virus out of Australia forever unless we become a true island nation with no travel.”

National cabinet will meet on Monday and again later next week to further push the vaccine program. Mr Morrison said he was confident state and territory leaders and the Commonwealth would work together to resolve the issues.

“Australians want to see the job done. I am committing to getting the job done,” he said.

“I am committed to working with states and territories and doctors and many other health professionals to get that job done.”

-with AAP

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The ABC has admitted it manipulated footage from a naval event to make it appear like the Governor-General and other dignitaries were watching a sexually explicit performance, after the dance group publicly accused the broadcaster of being “creepy and exploitative”.

The performance from 101 Doll Squadron at the commissioning of HMAS Supply on Wednesday shocked the nation , thanks mainly to the footage aired by ABC, showing dancers ‘twerking’ before cutting to the crowd.

The original editing by the ABC, which has since been re-edited.

The dance troupe on Thursday took aim at the ABC for its “creepy” filming and editing, saying they were made to feel exploited and unsafe.

They accused the film crew of sexualising the performers for “their own gratification”.

They said their performance was filmed from angles the audience couldn’t see, and the editing made it deliberately look like they were performing to guests who, in actuality, hadn’t yet arrived.

“The 101 Doll Squadron members have been under personal attack on all media platforms since the weekend and we now feel unsafe. The media which purports to support women have been the most virulent,” the group said in a statement to media.

“We are very disappointed at the ABC’s deceptive editing of their video piece…These are the images appearing in the media and the ABC have a lot to answer for in making us feel threatened and exploited.”

The national broadcaster quickly followed the statement on Thursday, issuing a clarification.

“ABC News published a video attached to a story concerning a dance performance at a commissioning ceremony for the HMAS Supply in Sydney. The video included vision of the Governor-General and Chief of Navy. The ABC has since confirmed both men arrived minutes after the dance performance finished. The video has been updated to reflect this. ”

The ABC also issued a statement, in which it apologised to the Governor-General and Chief of Navy – but not the 101 Dolls Squadron.

“The video should not have been edited in that way and the ABC apologises to the governor-general and the chief of navy, and to viewers, for this error,” the statement said.

Governor-General David Hurley said the ABC’s behaviour was “disappointing”, as his office confirmed he and Chief of Navy Vice Admiral Michael Noonan arrived after the performance.

“The presentation of the video to suggest otherwise was disappointing,” a statement from the Governor-General said.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the ABC should be reflecting on its actions.

“…it is clear much of the reporting that we have seen of that matter that has been provided to Australians, in this case by the ABC, was wrong, was false and was misleading,” Mr Morrison said at a press conference in Perth on Thursday.

“I think that is very disappointing.”

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A senior Japanese ruling party official has admitted cancelling this year’s Olympic Games remains an option.

Toshihiro Nikai, secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic Party, said if rising coronavirus cases mean “it is said to be impossible, we would have to give up”, Kyodo news agency reported.

Coming on the day the Games mascots were unveiled, Mr Nikai’s comments reflect growing concern at how infections are rising in many parts of Japan.

The country only began its vaccination programme this week, leaving vast sections of its population unvaccinated as the start date of July 23 looms.

Infection numbers are trending higher in Tokyo after the government ended a state of emergency, and Osaka posting a record 1,130 new cases on Wednesday.

Mr Nikai questioned what the meaning of the Olympics would be if it was to end up spreading the virus.

A newspaper poll this week indicated that 70% of Japanese people don’t want the Games to go ahead.

• Minister backs prioritising vaccine shots for Olympic team members

Experts say the country is in a fourth wave of COVID-19, with official figures showing more than 36,000 active cases, and variant strains putting huge amounts of pressure on the medical system.

The government is pushing ahead with preparations for the Olympics, putting social distancing measures and restrictions on spectators in place.

The Games are set to begin in 99 days.

Polls indicate little support in Japan for holding the Games during a global pandemic. “Canceling Olympics” was trending on Twitter in Japan on Thursday, with more than 20,000 tweets from users.

-with agencies

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Some of the country’s most powerful political, business and fashion leaders have gathered in Sydney to farewell fashion mogul Carla Zampatti.

Thursday’s official farewell was what Zampatti’s daughter described as “the best dressed funeral”, with guests adorned in her iconic designs, there to celebrate the 78-year-old’s life and work.

After founding her eponymous label in 1965, the Italian-Australian designer was remembered as a trailblazer in the industry, bringing practical, fashion-forward designs to the working women of Australia.

Politicians, including former Prime Minister John Howard and wife Jannette, flocked to farewell Zampatti. Photo: Getty

Zampatti’s pieces have been worn by everyone from Nicole Kidman and Cate Blanchett, to former prime minister Julia Gillard and Denmark’s Princess Mary.

St Mary’s Cathedral was filled with Zampatti’s famous friends and fans, as well as hundreds of white orchids.

Attendees included former governor-general Quentin Bryce, who spoke ahead of Zampatti’s three children.

Julie Bishop, and former PMs Malcolm Turnbull and John Howard attended with their wives, Lucy Turnbull and Janette Howard.

Television presenters, and long-time Zampatti-wearers, Melissa Doyle and Natalie Barr, were also present.

Former foreign minister Julie Bishop wore a classic Zampatti gown. Photo: Getty

Reigning monarch

Zampatti’s children spoke of their mother’s warmness, ambition and her lasting legacy in the fashion world.

Her son and current CEO of Carla Zampatti, Alexander Schuman, said they referred to the label as “our other sibling, sometimes the favourite child”.

“She was a demanding boss and a demanding mother and saw that as a good thing because she’d achieved more than she ever dreamed of, and she wanted the same for you,” Mr Schuman said.

The Sydney Archbishop presided over Zampatti’s Catholic service. Photo: Getty

His sister, Bianca Spender, who is also a designer, said their mother loved a hug and called everyone ‘darling’.

“She was alive to beauty in any form,” Spender said.

“Dance, visual arts, fashion, architecture. The creativity of others genuinely inspired and uplifted her.”

“If she were alive today … I’m sure she would say this is the best-dressed funeral she has ever attended.”

Bianca Spender said her mother served “champagne and croissants at any time of day”. Photo: Getty

Zampatti’s other daughter, Allegra Spender, commented on her mother’s strong feminist roots and commitment to seeing women thrive.

“We are very proud of you mum. We are committed to continuing your legacy of inspiring, empowering and supporting women,” she said.

Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher said Zampatti was unlike another famous name who died recently, Prince Philip. He will not receive a state funeral, because he was not a reigning monarch.

“Here in Australia … it could be said that Carla Zampatti was indeed a reigning monarch, the queen of fashion.”

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