Category: News

The leader of a headteachers’ union is urging ministers to tackle the “excessive” costs of holidays during school breaks

Some parents see school as “optional” following the Covid-19 pandemic and fines for unauthorised absences are “not reversing” that trend, according to the leader of a headteachers’ union.

Pepe Di’Iasio, the leader of a headteachers’ union, is set to say some families now view school attendance as “optional” post-pandemic, and that fines for unauthorised absences failing to curb the trend. Speaking at the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) annual conference in Liverpool on Saturday (today), Di’Iasio will argue that penalties for parents who take their children out of school without permission can “often deepen tensions” with families.

In his address, Mr Di’Iasio will urge ministers to collaborate with the travel industry to tackle the “excessive” costs of holidays during school breaks.

These remarks come as a recent ASCL survey indicates that 93% of state school teachers and leaders have encountered instances this academic year where pupils were absent because their families opted for a holiday during term time.

READ MORE: Mum fined £480 for taking kids on term-time holiday takes drastic action after she’s left with ‘no choice’

READ MORE: Mum taken to court after going on holiday with her children during school term-time

The survey, conducted by the Teacher Tapp app, questioned 9,127 teachers and leaders across England about pupil absences they’ve encountered this year.

Findings reveal that over four-fifths (81%) of respondents reported students missing school for family events, while 74% noted absences due to school-related anxiety. Additionally, 61% mentioned pupils staying home because they were tired after a previous night’s event, and 36% cited disputes between parents or carers and the school as a reason for absence.

Furthermore, the poll found that around one in eight (13%) educators had been informed of students wanting to work online from home instead of attending school.

In September, fines for school absences in England were increased from £60 to £80, with a subsequent fine for the same child within three years now set at £160.

The hike in fines was announced by the previous Conservative government in February last year as an initiative to improve school attendance post-pandemic.

During his speech at the union’s annual conference, Mr Di’Iasio will say: “We all know something changed in society after the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but for some families, school seems to have become – at least in part – optional. And that mindset persists.”

Mr Di’Iasio will also say that “the blunt instrument of fines is not reversing this trend.”

Penalty notices issued to parents in England for unauthorised school absences soared to nearly half a million (487,344) in the 2023/24 academic year, with the majority (91%) being for unauthorised family holidays.

Mr Di’Iasio will discuss how “fines often deepen tensions between schools and parents” and result in schools “are left looking like the villains”.

Addressing hundreds of school and college leaders on Saturday, he will propose: “It’s time to refresh and renew the social contract with a declaration agreed and developed by schools, government, and parents working together.

“This means setting out clear expectations, the importance of following the rules for the collective good, and the proper channels for complaints.

“Such an agreement should be developed, endorsed, and promoted by everyone with a stake in education. We need to speak with one voice.

“I want to address the increasingly strained relationship between schools and some of our parents.

“When I speak to colleagues across the country, many tell me they feel under siege from a growing culture of complaints.

“These grievances aren’t just directed at schools – they’re escalated to Ofsted, the Teaching Regulation Agency, the Department for Education, and local authorities.

“And if that weren’t enough, they are often amplified on social media, adding further pressure to already overstretched staff, who feel unable to respond.”

Professor Becky Francis, chair of the Government’s curriculum and assessment review, will also take the stage at the ASCL conference this Saturday.

In her Friday speech to school and college leaders, the Education Secretary highlighted the urgent need for schools to “catch up fast” in enhancing pupil attendance rates.

Bridget Phillipson expressed concerns that some schools were lagging in tackling absenteeism and emphasised the need for “old-fashioned graft”.

Speaking at the conference in Liverpool, Ms Phillipson conveyed her refusal to overlook the “damage” inflicted when children miss out on their schooling.

Martin and Roman Kemp chat about their close bond, their family’s unusual parenting techniques, and the ‘morbid’ reason Roman likes working with his dad so much

Martin and Roman Kemp have become one of TV’s best-loved father-and-son duos. And when we sit down to chat with the former Spandau Ballet bassist, 63, and his radio DJ son, 32, they’re every bit as funny and affectionate (and somewhat sweary) as they are on Gogglebox. Their bond, they tell us, is built predominantly on mutual respect – and they share a very apparent and deep-rooted adoration, which is particularly evident on their weekly podcast, FFS! My Dad Is Martin Kemp.

In an exclusive chat with OK!, the pair open up about childhood discipline (or the lack of it, because it’s hard to be disciplined by a man who spent a decade living the life of a world-famous rockstar, Roman says), their ever-evolving relationship and the surprising reason why Roman loves recording his dad’s stories…

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You’re almost at the one-year anniversary of your podcast. Why do you think people love it so much?

Martin: All the messages I get are people saying, “Oh I wish I had that relationship in our family”, and I think with us it’s just that I’ve tried to bring them up with no embarrassment about anything. I talk to Ro as if I’ve gone down the pub with my mates, and people enjoy that. I don’t try to make things polite, I don’t try to hide things – life is life. He knows what I’ve been through, like my life in a band for 10 years, so there’s no point hiding anything. We just talk, like two blokes down the pub.

Roman: I still can’t understand the reaction really, because it’s just me and my dad having a chat. People will come up to me and say, “I heard you say such and such”, and I think, “I forgot people were listening!”

Has your relationship changed over the years?

Martin: I think we’re much like any other family. As a boy, Roman was really easy to entertain, he liked football and his Batman toys so it was easy. Obviously our relationship is slightly different now because we spend a lot of time working together, which I really enjoy. I know I get on his nerves but I enjoy it because Ro is ultra professional. And I know that if I didn’t work with him, I wouldn’t see him half as much.

Roman: I don’t think I’ve ever felt like we weren’t friends, which is probably a bit strange to some people. Football has been a big part of it. I’ll call my dad and speak about Arsenal in the same way I’ll call my friends and talk about Arsenal. Even as a kid it wasn’t, “Oh, my dad’s taking me out for the day”, it was just like going out with a friend.

Did you ever push that relationship too far as a kid?

Roman: Not really. They never really had to discipline me or Harley because I think we’ve always had that respect for the family unit. If they had friends over for dinner, it wouldn’t be, “There’s the kids table over there”, it would be, “Come and sit down here and engage in conversation.” And if we did something wrong, we didn’t get the, “We’re not angry, we’re disappointed”, speech, it was more a question of, “How do you feel that you’ve upset your mates?” I think it’s sad that nowadays people are far more likely to have frayed relationships with their parents because there’s a clear parent-child divide. For us it was more that we didn’t want to upset our friends.

Martin: It was one of the things Shirley and I both wanted when Harley and Roman were young, to make us feel like a gang, like we were all best mates. I think a lot of the other parents at school kind of frowned upon it. It wasn’t everybody’s cup of tea, but it worked for us.

Do you think your parents got it right when it came to rules and boundaries?

Roman: Of course they’d tell us when to go to bed and things like that. But at the key moments in life, like becoming a teenager, it wasn’t all “you can’t do this” and “you can’t do that”. All you have to do is read my dad’s memoir or read about what my mum was doing at 16 or 17 to understand that they know regardless of what they say, we’re going to go and live our lives anyway. And if they’re supportive, we’re much more likely to tell them about it.

Is there anything about each other that drives you mad?

Martin: That’s a difficult question, but yes! What drives me mad about Ro is he’s always late. It doesn’t matter what you’re doing or where you’re going, he’s 10 minutes late and always has a really good excuse. But I’ve learnt to live with it.

Roman: [Laughs] I don’t know how I do it because I’ve got an amazing team that organises everything really well for me. Maybe I overestimate or underestimate time in general? It’s like a sickness! Dad loves to people please, but that’s also something I love about him. Growing up, we’d have the same conversation, where I’d say, “Dad, have you seen this film?” And he’d say yeah so I’d start talking about it and it would become very obvious he hadn’t seen it. But it’s because he saw I was excited about something and he wanted to be part of it and have the conversation.

Martin: But look at how articulate you are now! That’s because we used to have all those conversations.

Roman: Oh, I know. But we still try to have conversations about movies on the podcast and he’ll say, “I love that one”, and I can tell he’s never seen it. But he’s so happy that I’m happy, or whoever he’s talking to is happy, and he doesn’t want to disappoint them.

You’ve just been on a family holiday together. How was that?

Martin: It was the first family holiday we’ve had in years so it was a real bonding experience. For me, holidays aren’t just about having a rest, they’re about making memories and telling each other anecdotes. I loved every minute of it.

Did you travel a lot when the kids were young?

Roman: I know I had the life as a kid that anyone would want, and we were able to go to some amazing places. Travel was so important to us. I mean, I wasn’t even born in the UK. [Roman was born when Shirley visited Martin on a film set in Los Angeles]. As kids, we were always fascinated by our parents’ stories about travel, like my mum being part of the first ever Western group to play in China. But I started working at about 16, so I haven’t had a family holiday since that age.

Tell us about cruise life. Is it for you?

Roman: We’ve never done one before and the thing I learnt is that everything you could possibly imagine can fit on a boat. It’s a phenomenon of its own.

Martin: There were even go-karts on the top, which I couldn’t quite believe.

Roman: I think lockdown made lots of people realise how important holidays are to us as humans. And I know money is so tight for so many people at the moment, but it was a reminder that if you have the capability to do it, go out and enjoy life a bit.

You recorded some podcasts on the cruise. Are you still loving doing it?

Roman: Yes, and the thing I like about working with dad – and I know some people think this is morbid – is that I’ve got so much footage and audio, so that when he isn’t here any more I can show my grandkids. We kind of built that off the podcast and off our relationship on Gogglebox and if we can carry that on, that’s amazing.

Martin: It’s absolutely my favourite time of the week, because it’s not like work. I get to sit down with Ro and we can chat and reminisce and tell stories – it’s the loveliest conversations.

Roman and Martin Kemp have teamed up with Norwegian Cruise Line to enjoy a multigenerational voyage with NCL’s ‘More at Sea’. Aboard Norwegian Encore in the Caribbean, they experienced the balance of relaxing and adventurous cruising – and where every guest can enjoy world-class dining, entertainment, and excursions tailored for all ages. Visit www.ncl.com to plan your next adventure to the Caribbean.

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After Kim Sae Ron’s untimely death on February 16, several past instances surrounding the actress resurfaced, including allegations of cyberbullying. In an interview with K-media Daily Sports on March 9, Kim Sae Ron’s father announced plans to take legal action against YouTuber Lee Jin Ho for posting numerous videos regarding the actress’ controversies. Four days later, on March 13, the YouTuber apologized to the bereaved family, as reported by K-media Dailian.

He was rumoured to have posted the videos surrounding Kim Sae Ron‘s 2022 DUI case and other debatable past actions in coordination with Kim Soo Hyun’s agency GOLDMEDALIST. On March 13, he posted a video stating his stance in the matter. As per him, the claims of his association with Kim Soo Hyun was “malicious and one-sided” and he did not receive any payments from the actor, his agency or anyone else involved in the matter. As per the Dailian report, Lee Jin Ho apologized to the late Kim Sae Ron’s family, but also presented justification regarding his actions.

The YouTuber said in his video, “I wanted to apologize, even if it was just for morals. I wanted to bow my head to the bereaved family.” He mentioned trying to contact them on February 20, after Kim Sae Ron’s funeral because of wanting to apologize. Regarding that he said, “If they were mad at me, I wanted to listen, and since I couldn’t visit, I wanted to show my condolences.” He explained that he made videos featuring the late actress private after her passing as a sign of respect.

However, he’s now torn due to public pressure, saying, “People are saying I should make them public if I’m being honest, and that’s making it hard for me to decide what to do.” Additionally, Lee Jin Ho also announced that he will be taking legal action against Kim Se Eui of Garosero Research Institute. He stated that he will cooperate fully with the investigation, sharing the results with the public once they become available. He ensured that he will not evade accountability if any of his wrongdoing is found.

Also Read

Kim Sae Ron’s mom is against releasing ‘more shocking photos’ of Kim Soo Hyun, being ‘concerned’ about his mental state

An American influencer, widely criticised for picking up a baby wombat and carrying it away from its mother, has apologised, saying she was trying to move the animal from the roadside to prevent it from being hit by a vehicle.

The influencer, who is known as Sam Jones but also uses the name Samantha Strable, left Australia on Friday after earlier posting an Instagram reel of herself on an unidentified road picking up the joey and running towards the camera with the marsupial in her arms as its mother chased after her.

The footage featured the joey squirming and screeching before the influencer put it back on the road. It showed the animal walking back into the scrub.

In an apology posted to Instagram on Saturday, Ms Jones said she had been trying to protect the wombat and said she has since received threats against her life by people angered by her actions.

“When we found the mother and joey on a road, not moving, I was extremely concerned. As wombats are so often hit on Australian roads, I stopped to ensure they got off the road safely and didn’t get hit,” Ms Jones said.

“I was concerned it may have been sick or injured, and made a snap judgement to pick up the joey and see if this was the case. I ran, not to rip the joey away from its mother, but from fear she might attack me.

“The snap judgement I made in these moments was never from a place of harm or stealing a joey … I looked it over quickly and immediately returned it to its mother.

“Over holding a wombat, thousands threaten my life.

“I have done a great deal of reflection on this situation and have realized that I did not handle this situation as best as I should have.

The influencer deleted the original video after animal welfare advocates criticised her over her treatment of the joey.

Immigration Minister Tony Burke also confirmed this week that officials were reviewing the conditions of Ms Jones’s visa to determine whether immigration law had been breached, but she then left Australia of her own accord to return to the United States.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also added to the criticism of Ms Jones’s actions, describing the video as an “outrage”.

“They are gentle, lovely creatures … I suggest to this so-called influencer, maybe she should try some other Australian animals, maybe she should try a crocodile,” he said on Friday.

“Take a baby crocodile from its mother and see how you go there. Take another animal that can actually fight back rather than stealing a baby wombat from its mother.”

In her statement on Saturday, Ms Jones also took aim at the federal government, saying it allows Australian farmers to kill wombats and other wild animals in the process of harvesting and producing food products.

“While the prime minister wishes harm on me for picking up a wombat, I implore you to take a good, hard, look at what is currently being done in Australia surrounding the real issues it faces, the lack of power for tens of thousands of Aussies, and the treatment of its native wildlife,” Ms Jones said.

Is it illegal to pick up a wombat?

Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service (WIRES) vet Tania Bishop told the ABC on Friday that under Australia’s Environmental and Biosecurity Protection Act 1999, it was illegal to harm or take any native wildlife in Australia.

“The only time there’s a legal reason to do anything like that is if there’s a dead mother and somebody has a reasonable idea that a joey is in need of help or assistance,” she said.

“But in this circumstance, there was no legal justification for her to do that.”

Four academics also said in a piece written for The Conversation that without official approvals to handle native wildlife, “engaging in these activities without the necessary permits is typically illegal”.

The ABC has not received reports from any jurisdictions about charging Ms Jones over the video.

A woman is questioning her relationship with her boyfriend — and his potential “Mommy issues” — since he won’t be open with his parents about them rekindling their romance.

“I have been with my boyfriend for a year next week. However, we split up for a month, and now we’re back together,” the woman wrote on the U.K.-based forum Mumsnet.

“When we were initially together, it took him 6 months to tell his parents about us! I got to know the family, and everything was great,” she continued, then explaining that it took her boyfriend so long to first tell his parents they were dating because he was “worried” about how his mother would react to him being in a relationship.

Now, a month after they began dating again, the woman said her boyfriend “still hasn’t told his parents we’re back together.”

“[He] lives with his parents at the moment, claims it’s never the right time, and keeps making excuses, saying his mom will argue that we’re back together,” she further explained, adding that her partner “said he really wants to tell them but is mentally cooked.”

The woman also explained that her boyfriend “is always around my house” and “he only calls me on his way to and from work because he doesn’t want his mother to hear.”

Questioning — “Mommy issues?” — she added that her boyfriend even “bought his own flat in November, and he still hasn’t moved in” because he said “home was comfortable.”

“Generally he’s a good guy, but with regards to telling his parents about us, I’m not happy. [Would he be a] bad lifelong partner?” the woman concluded her post, asking others for advice.

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In the comments section, one person suggested that the boyfriend was hesitant to share the news of the couple’s rekindling because he had been talking badly about the woman during their one-month split to his parents.

“He’s now embarrassed to tell them you are back together,” the user wrote, also suggesting that it’s possible the man’s parents “don’t actually approve of you or like you and weren’t glad when you broke up.”

Others, meanwhile, were fixated on the boyfriend’s relationship with his mother.

“It sounds as if he’s very much dominated by his mom and seems to struggle to be assertive and make his own decisions,” one commenter said.

“The fact he’s bought himself a home, yet is still living with mommy, is plain ridiculous,” they continued. “His behavior doesn’t bode well for any long-term relationship.”

A smiling baby girl surrounded by bluebells, newborn lambs and a rabbit against a backdrop of daffodils – our talented photographers have captured some adorable pictures over the past week.

‘Signs of spring’ is the current theme from members of the Watford Observer Camera Club and you can enjoy the latest selection of their photos by scrolling down this page.

The Watford Observer Camera Club is a Facebook-based group.

It is open to all photographers, from those who snap pictures on their phones to professionals who capture perfect shots with specialist equipment.

Every four weeks usually, members of the camera club are set a new challenge, a theme is selected and then the work starts for our talented photographers.

Search for Watford Observer Camera Club on Facebook. Ask to join the group and we’ll accept you.

This week’s selection of pictures were taken by:

Luke Allen

‘Daffodil’ (Image: Luke Allen)Stephen Danzig

‘Crocus garden at parish church of St John’s the Evangelist, Boxmoor’ (Image: Stephen Danzig)Sue Craigs Erwin

(Image: Sue Craigs Erwin) Jane Jasper Merry

‘Nothing shouts spring like daffodils’ (Image: Jane Jasper Merry)Deborah Nichols

‘New blooms’ (Image: Deborah Nichols)Tracey Phillipps

‘We have our first bluebell in the garden.’ (Image: Tracey Phillipps)Steven, The Picture Maker

‘Beautiful fresh spring morning with warm sunlight on a light mist in Cassiobury Park’ (Image: Steven, The Picture Maker)Robert Stapleton

‘Bluebells’ (Image: Robert Stapleton)Lesley Tilson

‘Bunny enjoying the lovely sunshine’ (Image: Lesley Tilson)

A viral video featuring a man, Fatai Odunsi, who claims to be the father of popular artist, Asake, has stirred controversy on social media since the early hours of Friday, March 14. In the video, Odunsi claimed he had not seen Asake since 2022, when his health began to deteriorate, and he now felt the need to speak help publicly. He pleaded with Nigerians for financial assistance, revealing that he has been battling a stroke since 2022. He further alleged that despite Asake’s fame and success, the singer has not been financially supportive of him.

“I am Asake’s father. I gave birth to him. I gave birth to Asake, Ahmed, the singer. Babatunde Ololade Odunsin, Mr. Money. Since I had a stroke, I haven’t seen him. The last time I saw him was March 29, 2022. He doesn’t pick my calls when I call him. Please, I only need your help,” Odunsi said.

Responding in a video, Asake was seen singing in Yoruba, seemingly addressing the controversy. The lyrics of his song conveyed a message about staying true to himself despite external pressures. He sang, “You can’t please the world. Whatever you do, do it for God and always remember the day you’ll die and meet your God. My people, can you see how it’s going? Even my father wants to cajole me, but I stand firm and they can’t off my light. I used to press money for him and I do it with one mind. If you strike, I will move on. No one can quench my fire. God is the one that is taking me ahead in life.”

Meanwhile, a prominent showbiz personality who spoke to Saturday Beats anonymously on Friday, alleged that Asake had not been caring for his father, whom he referred to as “Malo.” The source also claimed that Asake has a child who has been under Malo’s care since birth, and the child recently turned a year older on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The source further stated that the only things Asake had ever given his father were a Lexus car and an apartment on Lagos Island, with the rent set to expire in December 2025.

Also reacting to the viral post, Asake’s ex-manager, Tunde Phoenix, criticised the singer’s alleged abandonment of his father, writing, “Operation GoFundMe for your favorite’s Papa. Please help us find that old man, his seed won’t listen. He abandons people who have helped him. Even if they left you, should you act like them when God has blessed you beyond your wildest dreams? A heart of a man reveals all you need to know. Please find Papa, let’s get him the help he needs. These children have the audacity.”

In another post, he further condemned Asake’s actions, adding, “One by one, God will show you who they are. Not my words anymore. Go and pick Papi up. We don’t care if he left as a child, in fact, I believe that man over anything you will say. If you don’t, we will handle your responsibilities for you and do a full interview with him to give us all the truths the masses want to know. You are a public figure. Get PR girl, put a statement together or I will. PS: PR girl is a vibe. Love her, I would definitely date her, she has a good heart but keeps bad company.”

The controversy continues to fuel online debates, with many Nigerians sharing their perspectives on the family dispute.

Reacting to Odunsi’s video, Sulaimon Alade recounted his past interactions with Asake and his father, writing, “I was Asake’s teacher when he was in nursery school, right in front of my family house (Ile Atapupa or Ile Oni Gelede at No. 70 Ojuolokun Street, Isale Eko, Lagos). Back then, I worked with my brother, Musbau Teacher, the proprietor of MPS Mussey Private School. His father took good care of him as a single parent, dropping him off at school every morning. I swear with the Quran. After school, he would go to Agboolokun, his mother’s house, and stay there until evening when his dad (Malo) returned from work. I don’t know why he neglected his dad to this extent.”

Echoing Alade’s sentiments, Adetola Adunade Oso also shared his thoughts: “Fact. Malo took care of Ahmed (Asake). He never failed in his responsibilities as a father. We both worked with the Lagos Island Local Government—though in different departments—but maintained a cordial relationship until I retired in 2022. I can’t believe Ahmed could neglect his father in this state. I pray the Almighty Allah restores his health. So sad. Always smiling, Lammedah.”

Andrew Walsh’s grief-stricken family listened for weeks as a court heard the horrific details of how the young man was executed and his battered body encased in a concrete tomb.

But after her son’s killers were sentenced to life in prison, the thoughts of Mr Walsh’s distraught mother Liz Ryan soon turned to another missing man.

Police discovered Mr Walsh’s body in March 2022, covered in oil and buried in a concrete-sealed pit at a warehouse in Coopers Plains in Brisbane‘s south.

After following the fly swarm and stench inside the transport depot, officers drilled into the tomb thinking they had just uncovered the remains of a different 35-year-old, Lachlan James Griffiths.

To their surprise, they instead found Mr Walsh.

A Supreme Court jury on Wednesday found Joshua Searston, 27, and Dewald De Klerk, 30, guilty of the ‘vile and inhumane’ murder on or about November 8, 2021.

Outside, Ms Ryan declared the trial ‘jarring and scarring’ for all involved.

‘The jury have had to sit through some of the most horrific evidence and they did it graciously and came back with the result we needed,’ she said.

However, her attention turned immediately to Mr Griffiths’ family.

‘Andrew was only found because they were looking for another young man,’ she said.

‘Lachlan Griffiths is still missing. His parents don’t have the closure that we were able to get.

‘So if anyone has information please speak with the investigators.’

Mr Griffiths was last seen alive in Brisbane CBD on January 16, 2022. His mother reported him missing 10 days later, on Australia Day.

Crown prosecutor Chris Cook told Searston and De Klerk’s trial they assaulted and stabbed Mr Walsh believing he had drugged and sexually abused someone.

Chief Justice Helen Bowskill said the pair shared a ‘chilling’ phone conversation in which they laughed about the killing and contempt with which they’d treated his corpse.

Searston will serve 20 years without parole and De Klerk 22.

Mr Walsh’s father Patrick said the verdicts provided a measure of comfort.

‘We extend our sincere gratitude to her Honour and the jury for their time and dedication and careful consideration of the evidence,’ he told reporters.

‘We also wish to thank Queensland police for their tireless and thorough investigation. 

‘Our deepest appreciation goes to the prosecution team.’

De Klerk initially pleaded guilty to interfering with a corpse, while Jessica Noy was convicted of being an accessory after the fact. She later testified as a prosecution witness.

The verdicts for Searston and De Klerk bring to a close a three-year legal saga involving multiple court cases around the two men murdered at the same warehouse just over nine weeks apart.

Detectives charged a total of six people over one or both murders but there is still the unanswered question of what happened to Mr Griffiths’ body.

His family appealed for public assistance late last year following the last of multiple legal proceedings.

Billy Lee Bornstein was sentenced in October after pleading guilty to Mr Griffiths’ manslaughter.

Mr Cook at the time told Justice Frances Williams the 30-year-old decided to take part in ‘retaliation’ after claims a person close to his friend, Filip Grbavac, had been abused by Mr Griffiths.

‘Instead of letting authorities deal with any allegations, Grbavac and Bornstein thought they would get involved themselves, that they could play God,’ Mr Cook said.

He said Bornstein told Mr Griffiths to travel to the warehouse to be paid for a drug deal.

Mr Griffiths’ last communication was a text message sent at 3.03am the next day: ‘Bro, I think I’m being set up.’ Attached was a link to his phone’s location.

Mr Cook said police had obtained a photo of Mr Griffiths’ body wrapped in plastic.

‘What occurred was a brutal, and must have been prolonged, attack to kill Mr Griffiths,’ Mr Cook said.

He said Bornstein was not present when Mr Griffiths was killed but had known Grbavac intended to cause serious harm.

Described as the ‘prime offender’, Grbavac died of critical head injuries after a confrontation with another prison inmate in February 2024.

Bornstein was sentenced to nine years’ jail. 

Outside court, Mr Griffiths’ mother Bernie issued a plea for help so he could be buried at their local church.

‘We beg anyone who may know where he is to come forward and give us this small measure of peace,’ she said.

The warehouse where Mr Walsh and Mr Griffiths was killed was connected to a transport business owned by David Lee Tan.

Just days before he was due to stand trial in October, the 42-year-old pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr Griffiths and to being an accessory after the fact to the Walsh murder.

Justice Frances Williams said Tan had provided significant assistance in a cover-up after Mr Walsh was killed, helping place his body at the bottom of an oil drainage pit and weighing him down with a wooden pallet.

‘Cleaning products and chemicals were used to try to melt the deceased’s body,’ Justice Williams said, causing Mr Walsh’s family members to gasp.

‘You knew Mr Griffiths was being assaulted and in pain. You were aware of this and did nothing,’ Justice Williams told Tan and Bornstein at sentencing in November.

Tan was jailed for 15 and a half years in total.

Prisoners in Queensland can be denied parole if a victim’s body has not been located and the applicant is uncooperative.

Francescos Sebastian Giorgi, 43, pleaded guilty to deprivation of liberty and assaulting Mr Griffiths.

He was sentenced to two-and-half-years’ imprisonment but paroled due to time served.

By TANYA JEFFERIES

Updated: 07:00 GMT, 15 March 2025

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During lockdown parents found themselves isolated – with babies spending some of their most key years for development locked inside, unable to mix with other family members or children in social groups or nurseries.

Experts are still weighing up the impact – but what do you think?

With the first cohort of these babies now in full-time education, The Press wants to chat to parents who are willing to share their stories.

To contact us, either fill out the box below, or get in touch at newsdesk@thepress.co.uk.