How Ricky found his love of life

He's the latin sensation with all the moves, but is Ricky Martin still seducing viewers as a coach on The Voice Australia?

RICKY Martin is a man in love with life.

At the heart of who he is are sons, Valentino and Matteo, the reason he gets up in the morning, the meaning he's found after years of searching.

The Voice coach, who warms hearts each episode with his stage chivalry and Latin passion, has been looking for this kind of love and balance and joy for as long as he can remember.

As a child performer, he found an adulation that confused as much as comforted this lonely boy chasing his musical dreams.

For Martin, fame only magnified an inner turmoil, a search for acceptance, only resolved when he came out to fans on March 29, 2010.

As he tells Insider, the new Swisse ambassador says the journey to "love the man in the mirror" was painfully long, but ultimately rewarding.

"It was years and years of searching for something, a search to be well, well mentally, spiritually. It was a lot about acceptance, feeling comfortable in my skin."

In a TV interview on Larry King Live, Martin said: "everything about saying that I am gay feels right ... if I'd known how good it was going to feels, I would have done it years ago."

The search to find that personal peace, he says "took me around the world. I went to India and studied yoga. After that I did capoeira. Before that I became a strict Catholic, I was even an altar boy. I've always been searching and once again it's all about being well with yourself. Looking yourself in the mirror and being happy with who you are."

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Comfortable in his skin ... The Voice coach Ricky Martin. He has signed with vitamins company Swisse to become an ambassador for the brand. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: News Corp Australia

Then, in August 2008, his greatest joy arrived with the surrogate birth of his sons.

Keeping them balanced, in the seeming chaos of his frenetic and increasingly in-demand international career, is as much for their wellbeing as it is in sustaining Martin.

"You have to have some sort of regime in this business if you are to survive, but I'm wearing two hats at the same time. The most important one is being a father. A single father of twin boys is not an easy task so you need to know the importance of time management. In all of that, rest is extremely important and that hour a day, call it meditation, be it a walk or you go to the gym or you do capoeira, or some time in the steam room where you can just liberate stress ... I believe it's important, it's the only way."

An islander by nature ... Ricky Martin poses with his sons Valentino and Matteo back in 2009 in Miami, Florida. Picture: Pablo Alfaro/Ricky Martin via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

At the moment, his career in music and on television (he has a TV series in development with US network, NBC), demands all the discipline and stamina he can muster.

Since prerecording the blind auditions and battles on his second season of The Voice, Martin has crisscrossed the globe — recording, performing and promoting new music, including a 2014 World Cup track, Vida (chosen after a worldwide songwriting contest organised by FIFA and Sony Music).

Latino superstar Ricky Martin talks to 60 Minutes journalist Liz Hayes about his decision to come at and tell the world he was gay. Courtesy 60 Minutes/Channel Nine

There was also the March release of Pure Victory, a collaboration with reggaeton star Wisin and fellow Latin superstar Jennifer Lopez.

Last week he appeared on The Voice Italy, his reputation as a passionate and dynamic coach on the Australian series making him hot property for other Shine/Talpa franchises around the world.

For the Puerto Rican, his family's Australian adventure has been as close to home as they come.

"My kids were born on the road. We spend most of out time in New York. We are from Puerto Rico but they don't ask when are we going back to NY ... they just wanna go back to Australia. They have the Aussie slang down but the thing is I come here, I live at the beach and I feel like I have the same life we have back home. Those walks on the beach, those sunsets, the bike rides. I'm an islander and I don't want to change that. I've spent years living in Paris, years living in New York City, years in Buenos Aires, chaotic cities, we love that ... but at the end of the day I need the ocean. I'm an islander but I get that in Sydney, in Australia and it's beautiful."

Globetrotters ... Ricky Martin and his children Valentino and Matteo. Picture: Instagram Source: Instagram

They have a happy routine that involves regular home schooling, play dates with local children and the best part of every day spent with their father, or Papi as they call him.

"We're at out happiest when we wake up in the morning. I wake them up with either a massage or just (sings) 'hey, hey, hey'. I start with silly jokes and silly voices. They find it hilarious and we all wake up laughing. It is a beautiful moment."

The family look set for more happy times in Australia, with Martin signed to do a private performance at the Palms, Crown Casino in Melbourne for 500 Swisse competition winners and 100 VIP guests next April — the best indication yet he will return for a third season of the top-rating Channel 9 series.

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The ultimate wedding excuse note

Ryan Hunter-Reay has won the Indy 500 in dramatic circumstances, beating Helio Castroneves across the line in the second closest finish in the time honoured race's history.

Victory! Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrates winning the Indy 500. Source: AFP

RYAN Hunter-Reay is an IndyCar star.

His childhood friend invited him to attend a wedding this past weekend on hands down the worst day you could invite an IndyCar star to attend anything: the day of the Indy 500, the biggest race of the year.

So Hunter-Reay and his wife Beccy sent the friend a note, politely explaining that while they'd love to be there "Hopefully Ryan will be winning the Indy 500 @ the same time as your wedding".

And what happened next?

Hunter-Reay actually won the Indy 500 for the first time in his career, earning $2.4 million.

The Hunter-Reays' note to a childhood friend. Picture: Jalopnik.com Source: Twitter

The note, confirmed as real by Andretti Autosport, was sent to Jalopnik.com, which also reported that Hunter-Reay's friends watched the race in the bar when the ceremony was over.

Ryan Hunter-Reay celebrates after winning Indy 500 in Indianapolis. Source: AP

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Mad Max cops could come to life

Mad Max cops ... an artist's impression of a Ford Mustang police car. Source: Supplied

HIGHWAY patrol officers could soon look like a modern version of Mad Max — roaming our roads in Ford Mustangs.

With Ford and Holden ending production of their high performance Falcons and Commodores over the next three years, police forces across Australia are grappling with what to use next to catch high-speed criminals.

The Ford Mustang is the only V8 so far confirmed for Ford or Holden showrooms once the homegrown sedans switch to four-cylinder power similar to a Toyota Camry by the end of 2017.

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The new Mustang due in Australia in 2016 may seem a fanciful choice, but with an estimated price of $50,000 it's expected to cost about the same as the current highway patrol cars.

A statement from Ford Australia said: "We cannot discuss private dealings with our fleet customers but we do plan to remain a leader with law enforcement."

Police have used V8 coupes before: in the 1970s and early '80s NSW Police used Valiant Chargers and Ford Falcon coupes.

Back in time ... NSW police used Valiant and Ford coupes in the 1970s and 1980s. Source: News Limited

Dubbed "Australia's Mustang" at the time because Ford refused to import the iconic muscle car, the Falcon coupe used by police was the same type used in the original Mad Max movie.

Queensland police had a fleet of 10 Holden Monaros in 2005 and now have five high performance HSV Clubsport sedans (after taking delivery of four in 2011).

Chasing criminals ... Queensland Police had a fleet of 10 Holden Monaros in 2005. Picture: Parker Grant Source: News Corp Australia

Earlier this month there were reports South Australia police were considering BMWs, but a representative for BMW Australia said "no discussions have taken place".

Even with a Luxury Car Tax exemption BMW sedans would cost more than twice the price of Commodores and Falcons.

Victoria police had a HSV GTO coupe in 2003 but, as with most states and territories, it is today heavily reliant on Falcon and Commodore pursuit cars.

Changing gear ... Victoria police HSV GTO in 2003. Photo: Joshua Dowling Source: Supplied

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said, once the Falcon and Commodore are no longer available "we will canvass all available options in the market for the sustainable supply of vehicles that meet our specific operational needs".

A former police fleet manager told News Corp Australia: "The absence of the Falcon and Commodore is going to pose a problem for the highway patrol."

He said all emergency services have had "massive support" from Ford and Holden to develop vehicles for Australia's unique requirements, "but that support won't be there because they won't want to tailor global cars for such a small market."

A senior NSW highway patrol officer with 20 years' experience said: "The latest high-performance Falcons and Commodores are probably the best cars we've ever had."

He said they act as "a strong deterrent" to high-speed crooks "because they know they're not going to get away and, anecdotally at least, we don't have as many pursuits as a result."

The fleet expert said more is demanded of highway patrol cars than any other vehicle in the police force.

Queensland police had four HSV cars in 2011, they now have five. Source: Supplied

"The cars carry up to 200kg of emergency equipment and have to be able to accelerate and brake over and over again, shift after shift, without giving up," said the former police fleet manager, who asked not to be named.

"The highway patrol are often the front line for officer safety as the first cars to crime scenes and life-threatening crashes," he said.

The government fleet expert said the highway patrol would probably end up in a variety of cars, including some four-cylinder "hot hatches".

"You might end up with something like a Volkswagen Golf GTI in the city but still have the Mustang or some other high performance car in the greater metro and regional areas, to maintain the deterrent effect," he said.

Germany's highway patrol mostly drive Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs.

UK traffic police drive a wide range of vehicles, including BMWs, Volvos and Skodas, but in some cities they drive scooters and tiny Smart cars.

Until recently, a number of regions in the UK used rally-bred Subaru WRXs and Mitsubishi Evo sedans.

In the US, Holden has been using a police pack version of the Australian-made Caprice limousine to try to take business away from the iconic Ford Crown Victoria and Dodge Charger.

But the Caprice will be axed once the Holden factory closes in late 2017.

Police in Italy this week took delivery of the new Lamborghini Huracan supercar, their third Lamborghini since 2004.

Slick design ... the Lamborghini Huracan police car. Source: Supplied

But police in Dubai are the luckiest in the world, with a multi-million-dollar fleet that includes several Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Aston Martins and Porsches.

Polcie cars in Dubai ... where authorities have the richest police cars in the world. Source: Supplied

Meanwhile the fastest police cars in Australia today are the supercharged HSV GTS and Ford Falcon GT in the custody of NSW Police.

Fast wheels ... NSW police HSV GTS is used for safety awareness campaigns. Source: Supplied

However, funded by the Motor Accidents Authority, they are mostly used in static displays for road safety campaigns at public events, rather than regular highway patrol work.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

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The day the Socceroos scared Brazil to death

The Socceroos began training in earnest on Friday with their World Cup opener against Chile nearing.

Australia still had its moment of destiny, successfully advancing to the second round after drawing with Croatia. But against Brazil, we just fell short. AFP PHOTO/Torsten BLACKWOOD Source: News Limited

IT'S BARELY two weeks now until the 2014 FIFA World Cup. This should help you get in the mood.

In the second of our exclusive excerpts from Jesse Fink's new e-book World Party: The Inside Story of the Socceroos' Greatest Campaign (Xoum, $3.99), we remember the day the Socceroos played the world champions … and played like world champions.

THIS WEEK: THE DAY WE (ALMOST) SCARED BRAZIL TO DEATH

Three weeks out from the start of Germany 2006, while the world was devouring profiles of the two Ronaldos (the Portuguese and Brazilian versions) and betting agencies were installing Brazil as unbackable favourites to win a sixth World Cup, a civil war was raging in Brazil's biggest city, São Paulo.

The few images coming out of the country were cinematic in their rawness and violence. Gangsters from the Primeiro Comando da Capital (First Command of the Capital), a ruthless crime syndicate, had mounted coordinated terrorist attacks inside 80 prisons and on the streets in protest over the relocation of hundreds of its members to a remote penal facility. Police and fire stations were bombed, vehicles torched, hundreds of civilians slaughtered. The four days of carnage only ended when the gang's kingpin, Marcos Willians Herbas Camacho, aka 'Marcola', called for his foot soldiers to release their hostages. In return for their compliance, Marcola had a simple request: new plasma TVs for his men to watch the World Cup.

So in a country where even civil wars come to a halt for football, to earn the yellow shirt of the national football team marks a player as exceptional. It's when 11 of those players come together that the real trouble begins. The boys from Brazil have forever grappled with the curse of overconfidence, what they call oba oba. The better the Seleção, the more crippling oba oba becomes. The curse struck instantly at the 1966 World Cup in England after Brazil had won the previous two tournaments in a canter. The 1982 team, regarded by some experts as the best Brazilian side ever assembled, didn't get past the quarters in Spain, eliminated by eventual winners Italy 3-2 in Barcelona.

In addition to overconfidence, Brazil also had to overcome this guy. Source: AFP

In Germany, the spectre of oba oba was bigger than ever. With a line-up containing Ronaldinho, Kaká, Adriano, Ronaldo, Robinho and Roberto Carlos, among others, and a World Cup-winning coach in Carlos Alberto Parreira, there could be no excuses. How could there be? Failure was not an option — it never has been in Brazilian football. Dida, the team's number one, had spent the previous months begging his country to forgive the 'crucified' figure of the late and unlamented Moacir Barbosa, the goalkeeper who'd had the grave misfortune of letting in Uruguay's winning goal in the World Cup final ... in 1950.

The Socceroos knew it would take an extraordinary effort to come away with a result at Allianz Arena in Munich. The key to an improbable victory wasn't technical ability but mindset. Lucas Neill, the most headstrong of the Australian players, wasn't buying into the David-versus-Goliath talk about the match.

'If you worry too much about your opponent, then you take away the strength of your own game,' he told me. 'We're an unpredictable team and we're a very good team. If we play to all our strengths, hopefully that will cancel out what everybody else is trying to do. Maybe Brazil will find themselves defending more than attacking.'

And maybe CAFU would revert to dirty tactics against Tim Cahill. The giant Brazilian earned a yellow card for this effort. Pic: Gregg Porteous. Source: News Limited

Germany's Circus Maximus demanded something special. Yet the Socceroos weren't overawed by the occasion. In fact, they took to the pitch with nothing to lose. A win or draw would see the Socceroos qualify for the second round. A loss would mean that the game everyone expected to be the crunch clash of Group F, against Croatia, would be just that. Australia could run onto the field and just play.

The opening minutes followed a fairly predictable pattern: the Seleção building up their attack with short, carefully measured passes. Australia, a step off the pace, conceded a free kick to Kaká within the first two minutes but Ronaldinho's lame effort was cleared away by Mark Viduka downfield. Then Brazil showed what it could do in the blink of an eye. Roberto Carlos punted the ball back down the left flank, it bounced once and found Lúcio, who was dispossessed by Craig Moore; only the Australian defender's miskick ended up in the path of Kaká, who headed on to Ronaldo. The heavyweight striker received it cleanly on his chest, then volleyed over his head to where Kaká, now steaming in directly behind him, smacked it hard into the advertising hoarding behind the left goalpost. Mark Schwarzer, who'd barely had time to spit on his gloves, was sent rolling on the grass.

'The spirit of Australia is the flying kangaroo, mate,' Viduka had laughed when we spoke before the tournament. 'We've gotta fly at 'em. We've gotta take 'em on. It would be a shame if we tried to play "bunker system" or something like that. It wouldn't utilise what kind of players we have. Going forward we've got so many good players. My philosophy is attack is the best defence.'

Australia really bared its teeth against the likes of Ronaldinho. AP Pic: Christof/Stache Source: AP

It was a wonderful sentiment, and that's all it might have stayed. But, true to the captain's word, the Australians immediately hit back, Viduka himself unleashing an inswinging strike that came off his boot at half pace. Neill then made a terrific run through midfield, beating Ze Roberto, but was foiled by Lúcio. On seven minutes, Moore, falling to his feet after a back pass from Jason Culina, kicked a 30-metre cutout pass to Scott Chipperfield who sent Mile Sterjovski scuttling through to the byline. There were signs of life in this team. Brett Emerton was containing Ronaldinho. Chipperfield was outfoxing Cafu. A pumped-up Vince Grella was tormenting anyone who came his way and was lucky not to be sent off for a studs-up tackle on Ronaldo.

A flummoxed Brazil had reverted to playing long balls for their strikers to get through the six-man midfield. The Socceroos, in contrast, were pushing the ball around on the deck, keeping possession. 'GO AUSSIE! GO AUSSIE! GO AUSSIE!' reverberated around the stadium. Emerton and Culina combined for a dazzling one-two down the left, fooling Ze Roberto, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos. Culina then linked with Viduka to set up a rampaging Mark Bresciano, whose strike whistled over Dida's crossbar.

It had been a bravura show by the Socceroos, a performance that in just 45 minutes had exploded the myths about the Australian game — the resorting to thuggery, reliance on the long ball, lack of invention, poor tactical discipline. Whatever historical baggage Australia had taken into the World Cup had been unceremoniously dumped.

So how to account for what happened just after the break? The goal seemed too easy. It was made from a Ronaldinho straight pass from near the centre of the pitch to a fractionally off-side Ronaldo on the left edge of the box. He drew Emerton, Neill and Moore and crossed square to Adriano, who had no trouble threading it through Chipperfield's legs.

Bugger. AP Pic: Anja/Niedringhaus Source: AP

It was a bitterly disappointing goal to concede. More disappointing, though, was the failure to snatch a goal back when Australia had the world champions back-pedalling on the counter-attack.

When Australia manager Guus Hiddink brought on John Aloisi to buttress an attack that was already running hot laps around the Brazilians, his adversary Parreira, like an old man on the other side of a chessboard, had his own plan. On came Robinho for Ronaldo, Gilberto Silva for Emerson. With almost his first touch, Robinho danced around Chipperfield and unleashed a fierce strike past Schwarzer's left post. Minutes later, he forced the Australian goalkeeper to save off his legs.

The action was end to end. Bresciano had a half-bicycle kick from an Aloisi header saved by Dida, and Viduka, under pressure, had a volley swallowed in the roof of the net. Downfield, Brazil's best chance came when a zipping header from Kaká hit the near post off a Ronaldinho corner. The Brazilians had been pushed back onto the ropes. It was a measure of how good the Australians were playing that the Seleção were relying on long aerial balls to mount any sort of effective offence.

But Parreira had one final trick up his sleeve. He pulled off Adriano and threw on Fred, a striker who had the enviable record of scoring the fastest goal in Brazilian football. It was the killer blow. It took less than two minutes to open his World Cup account.

Perhaps Schwarzer shouldn't have ducked off to the shop for a packet of chips midgame. In all seriousness, he was one of our best and had good reason to be protecting the near post in the lead-up to this goal. Source: AP

In the 'mixed zone' where journalists gathered to conduct post-match interviews, Grella was asked how the Brazilians had reacted after the final whistle. What had they said to the Socceroos? 'Well done. Good luck. Same sort of bullshit everyone says after a game,' he said, wiping his chin and looking at the floor. 'Nothing special, mate, nothing special.'

His honesty was charming but jolting. Life went on. It was over. No matter how valiantly they had played, or how amazing the experience had been, Brazil had still won and Australian football, after a short flight in orbit, had been brought crashing back to earth.

On the positive side, few Australian heads would have been hurt if it had suddenly started hailing. Pic: Adam/Smith. Source: News Limited

Jesse Fink's iTunes #1 Sports & Recreation e-book World Party: The Inside Story of the Socceroos' Greatest Campaign, with an introduction by Tim Cahill ($3.99), out now through Xoum and available on iTunes, Amazon Kindle and Google Play. Click here for details.

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Muslims call for jihad on Cadbury

Products withdrawn ... A shelving display shows Cadbury Dairy Milk hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk roast almond products are temporarily out of stock after traces of pig DNA were found. Source: AFP

ANGRY Muslims in Malaysia demand a Jihad, or holy war, be declared on confectionary company Cadbury and their parent company after traces of pig DNA were found.

In response Cadbury Malaysia is pulling Cadbury Dairy Milk hazelnut and Cadbury Dairy Milk roast almond from shelves in the Islamic country, Reuters reports.

A group of more than 20 Muslim organisations condemned the UK-based company, owned by Mondelēz International, saying "it has crossed the line."

Jihad call from some Muslim groups ... Cadbury Malaysia has vowed to find the source of the PIG DNA that got into two products. Source: YouTube

"They have betrayed us Muslims by putting 'haram' elements through the foods we consume in our body, to weaken us Muslims," said Abu Bakar Yahya, chief of Muslim group, Perkasa Selangor, at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaymailonline reports.

Some Muslim organisations even called for a Jihad to be declared against Cadbury for its "betrayal."

The Malaysian Islamic Development Department was urged to take legal action against Cadbury.

The Malaysian Health Ministry confirmed that traces of porcine DNA had been picked up in a routine check for non-halal substances in Cadbury products. According to Islamic law, Muslims cannot consume pork or any products derived from it.

"Ensuring that all our products made here in Malaysia are halal is something we take very seriously," Cadbury Malaysia said in a Facebook posting.

Malaysian Health Minister Subramaniam Sathasivam told press that Cadbury was now cooperating with the Ministry and sharing samples to ascertain where the porcine DNA came from.

"We want to know how the product became contaminated with pig DNA. The health ministry will also do additional tests," said Subramaniam.

Cadbury Malaysia sales are a small fraction of the around 15 per cent of the company's revenues that come from the Asia-Pacific region, but concerns over halal standards could jeopardise sales in bigger Muslim markets, such as Indonesia and the Middle East.

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Delving into the dark side of Rolf

A court has heard that Rolf Harris' daughter was shocked at hearing abuse allegations against her father.

Cross examined ... Rolf Harris took to the witness stand this week to defend himself against allegations of sexual assault. Source: DailyTelegraph

ROLF Harris is a household name and has been at the forefront of the TV entertainment, art world and music charts for six decades. And when he took to the witness box this week he did not fail to disappoint.

It was no doubt not the stage he had hoped for but an audience was an audience, and Harris regaled in stories of his past from being a national 15-year-old backstroke champion in Australia to when as a young man he moved to London and Earls Court and sang to drunk expats at the Down Under Club each Thursday for 7 pounds a gig.

But then he was signed to BBC and like the telling of his story to the hushed courtroom, Harris' mood lifted in the witness stand. He suddenly became more animated and before the morning session of his trial was over he had sung a verse from Jake the Peg, recreated the way a wobble board works with sounds and hand actions, talked about all his Top 5 hits in Australia, the UK and the US and described the art of successful didgeridoo playing.

"You've delighted us with your many talents as an artist … but this case is not, as you know, a talent show," Prosecutor Sasha Wass QC reminded the defendant.

Then she cut straight to her argument — it was the tale of two sides to the man, a public side and a dark private side.

Court performance ... A drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Rolf Harris in the dock at Southwark Crown Court, London, where he faces charges of alleged indecent assaults on under-age girls. Picture: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire Source: AAP

Harris, 84, made a number of admissions, that indeed he was pretty good at hiding his darker side, at least as it related to extramarital affairs with women. The admission included one of his alleged victims, who claims she was indecently assaulted and groomed as a sex toy since the age of 13, but Harris says was a consensual 18-year-old woman who pursued him to perform sex acts on him.

The alleged victim claimed she was indecently assaulted as a 13-year-old while on holidays with the Harris family in Hawaii and Australia in 1978, each time Harris allegedly would spit on his fingers then digitally penetrate her.

Harris agreed he had spat on his fingers and digitally penetrated her but said that was only five years later when she turned 18.

To suggest otherwise was laughable.

"She said all sorts of things that if they were not so serious it would have been laughable," Harris told the court.

Family support ... Artist and television personality Rolf Harris arrives at Southwark Crown Court with his daughter Bindi Harris, left, and wife Alwen Hughes. Picture: Ben A. Pruchnie Source: Getty Images

"Do you want to laugh?" Ms Wass asked the defendant, who is facing 12 charges of indecent assault of four women between 1968 and 1986.

He replied no.

But then more admissions.

He told the court that he did compliment the 13-year-old that she looked lovely in her bikini and agreed with Ms Wass that could be construed as "you've got a great body".

"I suppose so," he agreed.

"And she was 13?"

"Yes."

He was then asked whether that could be seen as a sexual comment.

"In hindsight I suppose it is," he replied.

"You admired (alleged victim's) body during that holiday … you admired her sexually during that holiday?"

"It's possible yes."

Public profile ... A promotional picture of Rolf Harris issued during a tour of Australia in 2008. Source: Supplied

He went on to describe what the prosecutors described as an unusual "relationship" with the then 18 year old, with eight sexual encounters between them when on each occasion not a word was spoken. Except on the last occasion, when he prematurely ejaculated and the pair discussed how to wash the sheets so his daughter Bindi, whose house they were staying over in, didn't find out.

Otherwise there was nothing spoken at all. He said the pair had nothing in common, didn't really talk but just performed sex acts on each other whenever an opportunity arose. No-frills sex he called it.

Supportive wife ... Alwen Hughes arrives at Southwark Crown Court. Picture: Ben A. Pruchnie Source: Getty Images

Harris described the first time it happened in great detail when the woman stayed over at his house, ostensibly to visit Bindi, and in the morning he took her cup of tea in bed.

He knocked, there was no answer so he went in with the cup. She was awake and grabbed his elbow and motioned for him to sit. He placed the cup down, sat on the bed and she kicked the doona off her legs to show just her bare calves.

Harris told the court it was clear. It was an "invitation".

"I took it as a sexual advance," he said.

"Why?"

"I don't know, it all seemed very strange."

He touched her leg but nothing happened. A month later, another stay over, another early morning cup of tea delivery.

"My heart I remember was thumping," he said and with his hand pumped his chest for effect. "There was a certain sexual chemistry that was happening between us. The whole thing was exciting, my heart was thumping like mad."

He was asked whether any word was spoken then.

"As far as I remember not a word," he said.

There was a third cup of tea incident and this time he said there may have been "sweet nothings" whispered between the two but he could not be sure. He then revealed they may have kissed but again, before they had oral sex, but he was not sure. It was the first time anyone had ever heard there could have been a kiss between the pair.

"I've not been the whitest of white and pure" ... Australian artist and entertainer Rolf Harris outside court in central London. Picture: BEN STANSALL Source: AFP

Harris gave evidence there were other sexual dalliances. They gave each other oral sex in a laneway near his home but he could not remember how that took place but they were standing and it was at her instigation. She also instigated a sex act while they were driving along a motorway, prompting him to pull over into a breakdown lane. They were in Devon in south of England with his daughter Bindi and as all three sat on the sofa watching TV under a blanket when the woman began to fondle him and he became aroused. But he said it was a really good TV show so Bindi didn't notice. Later that night he stripped naked in his room walked down a short corridor to the alleged victim's room and she was waiting up for him also naked but that was when he prematurely ejaculated. In all there were eight encounters over 11 years and he said he and the woman, 35 years his junior never spoke a single word to each other.

"In moral terms I have not been the whitest of white and pure," Harris admitted, but said all acts were at the instigation of the woman, and only after she turned 18. Her allegation has him bringing her the cups of tea when she was 15 and having sleepovers with Bindi.

Rolf Harris signature on one of his paintings. Source: Supplied

It was all her every time and he said when she turned 29 she threatened to take their affair to the Sunday newspapers unless he gave her 25,000 pounds for her boyfriend's bird sanctuary.

He refused and told the court each weekend he said he would look at the newspapers for the story. He said he was "living in trepidation" and under the Sword of Damocles. No article ever appeared; the woman has always denied making such a threat.

Then Harris perhaps made the most damning admission of all.

He did not tell police the truth on his statement. There were only two sexual encounters he told them. No mention of any involving tea or laneway oral sex. He gave the reasons because there was two "attractive young ladies" in the lawyers' chambers and he was too embarrassed. He deliberately did not tell the truth apparently to save embarrassment.

No doubt Cicero, author of the famous Sword of Damocles, could create a parable about all of this.

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Victim or suspect? MH370’s runaway

Early suspects ... Passengers on the missing Malaysian Airlines plane Pouria Nour Mohammad Mehrdad, left, and 29-year-old Iranian Delavar Seyedmohammaderza. Source: Supplied

'Fleeing persecution' ... Pouria Nour Mohammad Mehrdad has been named as one of two Iranian men travelling on stolen passports. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

HE was suspected to be terrorist and accused of killing all on board Malaysia Airlines flight 370, but Pouria Nourmohammadi was just an "ordinary kid" fleeing Iran in fear of religious persecution.

It was 12 weeks ago that his mother, Niloufar Vaezi Tehrani, was waiting for her son to land in Frankfurt.

Since then she has suffered in silence, isolation and under intense scrutiny after it was revealed Pouria and another Iranian passenger — 29-year-old Delavar Seyed Mohammad Reza — had used stolen passports to board the ill-fated flight.

RELATED: The quiet continuing search for MH370

Now, for the first time, the mother-of-two has opened up about her agony and why her teenage son — who she hadn't seen in two years — had broken the law in order to reach her.

"It's not fair to push and point everything regarding this incident at Pouria; they need to look at what was the actual and real reason for this incident," she told News Corp Australia through an interpreter.

Seeking a better life ... Passenger Pouria Nourmohammadi (second left) who was travelling on a stolen passport. Pictured here with friends. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

"Judging people is very easy but people don't know the truth. Pouria was an ordinary kid. He was a student at university ... and he just had a normal life."

Ms Vaezi said her son — a kind, sensitive and helpful boy — had been desperate to flee Iran since converting to Christianity.

"People found out Pouria was Christian instead of Muslim and they started looking around him for more information and he was getting into major problems. For that reason he was desperate to get out of the country and he needed to get out as soon as he could," she said.

"When Pouria turned 18 it took longer because getting out of Iran once you turn 18 is very difficult.

"He was planning to go to Germany to be a good person, to study, work and eat. He was just looking for happiness. He was looking to be able to speak his opinion and he was looking for freedom. He just wanted to be able to (live) without fear and being anxious."

A mother's grief ... Niloufar Vaezi Tehrani says her son, MH370 Passenger Pouria Nourmohammadi, was travelling on a stolen passport to escape religious persecution. Source: Supplied

Pouria had also planned to marry his girlfriend, who remains in Iran.

"Pouria has a very good girlfriend. I am worried about her more than I'm worried about myself. She is a loving girl and she's very stressed because Pouria is missing," his mother said.

"They were both first year college students. Pouria was planning to get settled here then ask for a fiancé visa for her.

"Pouria also has a lot of friends who keep calling and saying they are anxiously following the news and waiting for him to come back."

Ms Vaezi last spoke to Pouria on March 7, about 10 minutes before he headed to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

"We thought initially that the passport was just a made up passport. We didn't even know that the passport was stolen from somebody else," she said.

"But we were still very anxious about it. We talked a lot about this and I said they may realise the age difference between Pouria and the person on the passport.

Escape bid ... Passenger Pouria Nourmohammadi (right) who was travelling on a stolen passport. at left is his mother Niloufar Vaezi Tehrani and younger brother Ilia Nourmohammadi. Pictures: Facebook Source: Supplied

"We were basically very nervous however, despite his fear; Pouria was very excited and very happy that he was coming to see me."

But on the morning of March 8, Ms Vaezi received a call from her brother, who said a Malaysia Airlines flight was missing.

Ms Vaezi then called Pouria's friend, who he had stayed with, in Kuala Lumpur to ask him to go to the airport and inform authorities.

"After that the Malaysian embassy in Berlin called and met with me in my house in Hamburg," she said.

"After that the contact was through email ... But after a few emails the emails it became more like an interrogation or investigation, questioning me and gathering information."

Children of their times. Pouria Nourmohammadi, right, with his mother Niloufar Vaezi Tehrani and younger brother Ilia Nourmohammadi. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

Having battled breast cancer (resulting in a double mastectomy) and fled Iran herself, the 47-year-old said she had been dreaming of reuniting with her son before this tragedy.

Family time ... Pouria Nourmohammadi with his younger brother Ilia Nourmohammadi and a pet. Source: Supplied

"I was picturing him coming to Frankfurt and walking by my side. I picture myself hugging and kissing him. I was just waiting for him. When my brother called (to say the plane was missing) it was just so devastating," she said.

"Now I'm just waiting and listening for the phone to ring and for Pouria to come on the phone and talk to me. I don't do anything. The only thing that motivates me to get up each morning is my other son. I'm just spending my days listening for the phone.

"I'm alive because of Pouria. I don't even think of Pouria as being gone."

Ms Vaezi, who is now having regular counselling, said that until the plane is found, she won't give up hope. She even baked a cake and lit a candle for his 19th birthday on April 30 in case he came home.

"I cannot imagine why an aeroplane from that point flew all the way for seven hours and crashed into the Indian Ocean. I can't accept that. I think there is a bigger mystery behind this but unfortunately 239 passengers got involved in that mystery," she said.

Shopping expedition ... Pouria Nourmohammadi with his mother Niloufar Vaezi Tehrani Source: Supplied

"Malaysia Airlines has not contacted me at all or given me any information whatsoever. The only way I get information about the aeroplane is from media and the internet."

Relatives in the US then engaged attorney Dan Gilleon to deal with the investigators.

Mr Gilleon said that despite the two Iranian men being cleared them of any wrongdoing, Malaysia Airlines had refused to provide Pouria's ticketing information to them, saying the passenger's case was in the hands of the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP).

Innocent ... A younger Pouria Nourmohammadi, left, asleep with his younger brother Ilia Nourmohammadi Source: Supplied

"Under the Montreal convention the final destination will help determine venue and jurisdiction to prosecute the case against the airline," he said.

"We don't have any information. They won't give it to me. They won't even respond to my letter. The investigators aren't responding at all. It's just like a black hole.

"She's never talked to me about money at all. I've dealt with a lot of wrongful death cases and parents aren't even going to think about money. They just want to have closure. Her only real way of controlling anything is through legal action. I don't think that she'll particularly care (about the money)."

Neither Malaysia Airlines nor the RMP responded to News Corp.

Ms Vaezi said her only hope now is that the search is not abandoned.

"It is the pain of 239 families. I don't want the aeroplane forgot because of politics or lies or anything," she said.

"A lot of people have a lot of pain but not knowing where they are and what's happened to them is so painful. I just want to know what happened to my son and if he's alive or not.

"Every day thinking about where he is and how he is going is very difficult. I don't want years after when I die for him to come back. I just want to know where he is and what happened to him."

Frozen memory ... Pouria Nourmohammadi, right, in a posed portrait with his mother Niloufar Vaezi Tehrani and younger brother Ilia Nourmohammadi Source: Supplied

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The dark, mysterious heart of Russia

RUSSIA. It's big and mysterious. Its leader is belligerent and dangerous, and its citizens are wary of foreigners. But penetrate the world's largest nation a little and the people are surprisingly warm and engaging. They will even invite you home for the best dumplings and pancakes you've ever had in your life.

Earlier this year, Anthony Sharwood travelled by train from the south to the north of Russia after covering the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi. He survived being cooped up with a drunken Siberian policeman on a train and he survived the dogmeat pies from the babushkas on the train platforms. He even survived a naked whipping with red hot birch leaves.

This travel story is a journey into the real Russia. It will take you to a Russia that few Westerners see. It may even leave you surpisingly optimistic about Russia's future.

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Kidman ‘proud’ of Connor, Bella

Proud mum ... Nicole Kidman poses as she arrives for the premier of her film "Grace of Monaco" at the Cannes Film Festival on May 14. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

NICOLE Kidman has opened up on her relationship with her two children from her marriage to Tom Cruise, saying she is "proud" of the adults they've become.

Kidman, who also has two daughter Sunday and Faith with husband Keith Urban, has drawn criticism for appearing to have little contact with her oldest children, Isabella and Connor Cruise.

Isabella and Connor Cruise live in Los Angeles, and it is believed their devotion to Tom Cruise's beloved Scientology is behind what appears to be a family rift.

Family time... Cruise with Connor and Isabella during a LA Galaxy game in 2009. The children have rarely been seen with Kidman since their parents split. Source: News Limited

"They have both chosen to pursue creative and artistic fields, and are doing brilliantly," Kidman told The Australian Women's Weekly.

Son Connor Cruise now travels the world as a DJ, while Isabella attending Art School in London.

Creative ... Connor Cruise plays Future Music Festival in Randwick. Source: Supplied

"However, more importantly, I am proud of the people that have become," Kidman said.

"They are generous, kind and hardworking, and these are traits that I love to see in my children."

The Hollywood star, who plays Grace Kelly in her new film Grace of Monaco, also admitted she would follow in Kelly's footsteps and pick family over career any day.

"If it were the choice between my family and Keith, and my career, I wouldn't even bat an eyelid," she said.

"The most important things to me are the love of our relationship and my children."

"At this stage of my life, with time being so precious, the joy I get from us as a family outweighs any joy in any other area of my life, by far."

Happy family ... Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban their daughters arriving for a performance at the Sydney Opera House. Source: News Corp Australia

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Guy travels 21,000km for the most insane job

Dom Dwight who has the luckiest job in the world and has travelled the globe to create the perfect cup of coffee from the best ingredients. Source: Snapper Media

LUCKY Don Dwight got himself a grind job — travelling the world in pursuit of the ultimate cup of coffee.

Don sourced the finest coffee beans in Kenya. Source: Snapper Media

The 36-year-old was recruited by Taylors of Harrogate who asked him to find the ingredients for the perfect brew.

Top quality beans come from the Nyeri region in Keyna. Source: Snapper Media

He journeyed 21,000 kilometres and returned with what he claims are the perfect ingredients:

● Top quality beans from the Nyeri region of Kenya, roasted in the Alps with the purest Arctic water from Lapland

The beans were then roasted in the Alps. Source: Snapper Media

● Holy milk from Hare Krishna cows in Watford, Hertfordshire in England, from a herd gifted by Beatles legend George Harrison.

The finest milk has a link to The Beatles. Source: Snapper Media

Dom, who has a lifelong passion for coffee, said: "It really was the trip of a lifetime.

"It was wonderful being able to travel the world, sourcing ingredients identified as the very best, then sharing the fruits of that crazy labour with people back home."

Roasting the coffee beans in the highest altitude of the Alps with the purest air in Chamonix. Source: Snapper Media

Dom found the best beans in Kenya which were then taken to the French Alps. There they were roasted at one of the highest points in Europe, a 3,842 metre-high peak overlooking Chamonix, in order to significantly reduce the boiling point of the water.

Dom takes a well deserved break from his epic search. Source: Snapper Media

With just two people per square metre of land, Ylitornio, in the idyllic wilderness of Finnish Lapland, is one of the remotest places on the planet — and also the source of the purest water in the world, which comes from the protected free-flowing springs.

In the Arctic Circle he found the purest water — perfect for his concoction. Source: Snapper Media

Famed for its unique softness and taste, 'Veen' water is unusually low in mineral content — especially magnesium and calcium, elements which would ordinarily make mineral water a poor choice for brewing coffee.

The mineral water used is low in minerals and is known for its softness. Source: Snapper Media

Back in the UK, milk was provided by one of the 'happiest cows in Britain', Shanti. Nurtured by Hare Krishnas on a Watford farm — bequeathed to them by Beatles legend the late George Harrison — the herd of 46 holy cows is looked after in accordance with Hindu philosophy.

The Kenyan beans had to grounded just perfectly for the coffee. Source: Snapper Media

And finally, back in Harrogate the beans were carefully ground by coffee technician Jamie Treby before being tested on unsuspecting members of the public, who gave it the thumbs up.

The perfect cup took just the right amount of care. Source: Snapper Media

Dom added: "The coffee industry is booming at the moment. More and more people are developing a taste for a quality cup of coffee with luxury, unique blends growing in popularity.

Dom — and his taste testers — gave the cup the thumbs up. Source: Snapper Media

"Sales of coffee beans have increased by 19 per cent across the industry and sales of our own, new luxury blends are up — a trend which we expect will continue to grow year-on-year."

The trip was a raging success. Source: Snapper Media

Taste tester Harry Walsh, 58, said: "I love a good cup of coffee and this is a really special brew. It's full of flavour and when you hear the story you can see why."

The journey was worth it. Source: Snapper Media

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General dies as chopper shot down

Russia has reportedly assured the US it will not invade Ukraine as tensions continue to soar.

Casualties ... smoke rises from a shot-down Ukrainian Army helicopter outside Slovyansk, Ukraine. Picture: Alexander Zemlianichenko Source: AP

REBELS in eastern Ukraine shot down a government military helicopter Thursday amid heavy fighting around Slovyansk, killing 14 soldiers including a general, Ukraine's leader said.

Acting President Oleksandr Turchynov told the parliament in Kiev that rebels used a portable air defence missile Thursday to bring down the helicopter. He said General Serhiy Kulchytskiy was among the dead, according to the Interfax news agency, which earlier gave the wrong first name for the general.

Slovyansk, 160 kilometres from the Russian border, has become the epicentre of fighting between pro-Russia insurgents and government forces in recent weeks. Its residential areas have regularly come under mortar shelling from government forces, causing civilian casualties and prompting some residents to flee.

Epicentre ... Sorvar Yasinov, 76, stands inside his destroyed house following a motor attack outside Slovyansk. Shelling from government forces has prompted some residents to flee. Picture: Alexander Zemlianichenko Source: AP

An Associated Press reporter saw the helicopter go down amid a trail of black smoke. Gunshots were heard in Slovyansk near the crash site and a Ukrainian air force jet was seen circling above. It was too dangerous to visit the site itself.

Mr Turchynov said the helicopter was flying troops in for a rotation to a hill outside Slovyansk where Ukrainian forces have set up positions.

The Interfax news agency said Kulchytskiy had once served in the Soviet army and was in charge of combat training for Ukraine's National Guards.

The city of 120,000 is in the Donetsk region, one of the two sprawling provinces in eastern Ukraine that have declared independence from the government in Kiev.

The Kiev government condemns the insurgency roiling the east as the work of "terrorists" bent on destroying the country and blames Russia for fomenting it. Russia denies the accusations, saying it has no influence over rebels, who insist they are only protecting the interests of Russian-speakers in the east.

Still, fighters from Russia, including from the battled-hardened region of Chechnya, have been appearing recently in the ranks of the separatists.

Insurgent ... Vyacheslav Ponomarev, self-proclaimed mayor of Slovyansk, told AP his fighters were holding four missing observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Picture: Alexander Zemlianichenko Source: AP

Also Thursday, an insurgent leader confirmed that his fighters were holding four missing observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and promised they would be released shortly. Vyacheslav Ponomarev, the self-proclaimed "people's mayor" of Slovyansk, told the AP that the monitors - who are from Turkey, Switzerland, Estoniad Denmark - were safe.

"I addressed the OSCE mission to warn them that their people should not over the coming week travel in areas under our control. And they decided to show up anyway," Mr Ponomarev said.

"We will deal with this and then release them," he said, without setting a specific timeframe.

The OSCE had lost contact with the team in Donetsk on Monday evening. Their teams have been deployed to Ukraine to monitor security situation following Russia's annexation of Crimea and the rise of the pro-Russia separatist insurgency in eastern Ukraine. They also observed Sunday's presidential vote, won by billionaire candy magnate Petro Poroshenko.

Mr Poroshenko has promised to negotiate with people in the east but also vowed to uproot the armed rebels.

Separatists ... a pro-Russian fighter takes position behind a car as a truck full of rebels heads towards the clashes against Ukrainian forces near the airport in Donetsk. Picture: Fabio Bucciarelli Source: AFP

In the most ferocious battle yet, rebels in Donetsk tried to take control of its airport Monday but were repelled by Ukrainian forces using combat jets and helicopter gunships. Dozens of men were killed - some insurgent leaders said the death toll might be up to 100 fighters.

The mood in Donetsk was calm Thursday, although many businesses have stopped opening due to fears of renewed fighting.

The separatists in Ukraine have pleaded to join Russia, but President Vladimir Putin has ignored their appeal in an apparent bid to de-escalate tensions with the West and avoid a new round of Western sanctions.

Mr Putin has supported an OSCE peace plan that calls for ending hostilities and launching a political dialogue and has said Russia would work with Mr Poroshenko. But Russia has repeatedly urged the Ukrainian government to end its military operation against the separatists.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Thursday called for quick international mediation to persuade Kiev to halt what he described as a "punitive operation" in the east.

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Hate going to the dentist? Well, fear no more

No more pain ... as few as five minutes laser treatment is enough to activate a healing process in the mouth. Picture: Thinkstock Source: News Limited

GREAT news for odontophobes – scientists have discovered a way to make rotting teeth repair themselves using a laser beam.

The pain associated with invasive dental surgery and the need for fillings may become a thing of the past, the London Telegraph reports.

Researchers have discovered that as few as five minutes laser treatment was enough to activate a healing process in the mouth, which may prevent the need for fillings for some kinds of decay. The hope is it will also eliminate the need for root canal surgery.

Low cost ... a visit to the dentist may become far more affordable. Picture: Thinkstock Source: News Limited

After blasting by intense light, a chemical in the mouth was activated that stimulated stem cells within the tooth to form new dentine – the hard core of the tooth – around three months later.

Experiments so far have only taken place on rats, but researcher Praveen Arany, of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research in Maryland, hopes to test the technique on people soon.

"The approach seems to be pretty straightforward and although it sounds high tech, the technology is not prohibitively expensive," said Dr Dusko Ilic, Senior Lecturer Cell Science, King's College London. "Quite contrary, it is low cost."

Fillings may still be necessary for some types of tooth decay, according to the study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine.

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Eight huge Origin I talking points

A Jarryd Hayne-inspired NSW has taken a 1-0 lead in the 2014 State of Origin series, with a determined 12-8 victory over Queensland in game one on Wednesday night.

Blues star Jarryd Hayne celebrates victory in game one. Source: Getty Images

STATE of Origin is alive.

The NSW Blues held off the Maroons 12-4 in one of the great encounters at Suncorp Stadium, setting the scene for one hell of a series.

These were the major talking points.

1. WAS IT THE BEST GAME EVER?

The short answer is no, but it was up there. The intensity was extraordinary, there was plenty of drama and controversy and the finish was brilliant. But Origin has had so many classics over its 100 games, dating right back to the very beginning, so that's just way too big a call.

MORE: Wounded Morris' miracle try-saver

MORE: Cracks appear as Maroons downed in epic

MORE: 17 things that happened since the Blues last won

Opposing skippers Cam Smith (left) and Paul Gallen embrace post-match. Source: Getty Images

2. 'ONE OF THE GREAT ORIGIN PERFORMANCES'

Those are the words of the one and only Andrew Johns, referring to fullback Jarryd Hayne's majestic display for the Blues. In the 33rd minute, Hayne forced his way out of a tackle from Johnathan Thurston close to the line to find his way over and give his side a lead it ultimately would not relinquish. With his first touch of the footy in the second half, Hayne burst onto a kick return with so much intent you just knew this would be his night. He was in everything.

MORE: Daley hails 'courageous victory'

MORE: Heroic Hayne is the one

Jarryd Hayne was outstanding for the Blues. Source: News Corp Australia

Hayne finds his way to the line. Source: News Corp Australia

3. NSW WAS SHELLSHOCKED

Five minutes in, and with Queensland's first chance with the footy in opposition territory, Darius Boyd scored a relatively soft try out wide. Moments later Billy Slater stormed through the heart of the Blues defence. It didn't lead to a try that time, but the signs were ominous.

Darius Boyd celebrates scoring a try for Queensland. Source: News Corp Australia

4. THE COOPER CRONK INJURY

With a player of the ilk of Daly Cherry-Evans at the ready to fill in from the bench, the loss of Cooper Cronk did not appear catastrophic at first for Queensland. But NSW capitalised on the loss of the superstar playmaker, overcoming its poor start to slowly seize control and take an unlikely 10-4 half-time lead. Cronk picked up the injury in the 10th minute in an apparent innocuous collision with teammate Nate Myles in a standard tackle.

Queensland star Cooper Cronk nurses a broken arm. Source: News Corp Australia

Cronk leaves the field in the 10th minute and doesn't return. Source: News Corp Australia

5. BRENT TATE 'FRIGHTENED'

In the 28th minute, Blues five-eighth Josh Reynolds was placed on report for an ugly tackle in which he flipped Queensland's Brent Tate. The crowd blew up and so did Tate's Maroons teammates, who rushed in from all over the field – but no punches were thrown. Reynolds now faces the prospect of missing Origin II after being hit with a grade two dangerous throw charge. Tate was not injured in the incident but said: "I have never been more frightened in all my life. I had my family here. The last thing they want to be doing is sitting next to a hospital bed like an Alex McKinnon situation."

Josh Reynolds was placed on report for this tackle on Brent Tate. Source: News Corp Australia

The Reynolds tackle from another angle. Beau Scott was the other Blues player involved. Source: Getty Images

6. THE LATE DRAMA

It's Origin. What else do you expect? The Blues were forced to defend for the last 45 seconds after a controversial decision saw a penalty blown against NSW's Trent Hodkinson for a knock-on when he didn't play at the ball. Another penalty was awarded right on the siren, giving the Maroons one last shot to escape with the win, but NSW managed to wrap up Billy Slater with the final tackle of the game.

Paul Gallen questions referee Shayne Hayne in the dying seconds of the game. Source: News Corp Australia

7. PLAYERS DROPPING LIKE FLIES

First it was Cooper Cronk with his broken arm, then Brett Morris popped out his shoulder while scoring for NSW in the first half. Proving that wingers are tougher than most people give them credit for, Morris popped it back in and played on. Queensland also had injury scares for Cam Smith (foot) and Billy Slater (shoulder), while Blues skipper Paul Gallen had a shoulder concern. NSW forward Anthony Watmough could be facing an extended stint on the sidelines with a torn bicep.

Alfie Langer checks out Billy Slater's injured shoulder. Source: Getty Images

Blues flyer Brett Morris in agony. Source: News Corp Australia

Cam Smith limps from the field. Source: News Corp Australia

8. WHAT'S THE GO WITH DARIUS BOYD?

Have you seen this guy play for Newcastle this year? It wasn't the same man who was on the field at Suncorp. Boyd has come under fire this season for his lack of effort for the Knights but pull on the Maroon jersey and it's a different ball game. He was great for Queensland, scoring a double and coming within inches of a game-levelling third.

Darius Boys strolls in to score one of his two tries. Source: News Corp Australia

What did you make of State of Origin I? Share your thoughts below or on Twitter: @newscomauHQ @cam_tomarchio

NEW SOUTH WALES 12 (J Hayne B Morris tries T Hodkinson 2 goals) bt QUEENSLAND 8 (D Boyd 2 tries) at Suncorp Stadium. Referee: Shayne Hayne, Ben Cummins. Crowd: 52,111.

Game 1: NSW 12 bt QLD 8 Series: NSW lead QLD 1-0

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Palmer and Turnbull busted in meeting

Clive Palmer with Malcolm Turnbull / Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

IT was the secret meeting in a Canberra Chinese restaurant that could secure the Budget for the Abbott government.

Billionaire Clive Palmer sat down for dinner with Communications Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Head of Treasury Martin Parkinson last night.

As he left Wild Duck at 10.30pm, Mr Turnbull confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that the Budget had been on the agenda.

CLIVE PALMER ROLLS UP TO PARLIAMENT

Clive Palmer with Malcolm Turnbull / Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

"The Budget is a topic of conversation everywhere," he said. "There really is not much to say, we have had a pleasant dinner and a good chat."

He refused to divulge further details of the meeting.

Mr Palmer could not confirm these were the "party faithful" he had earlier said he was going to meet. "I just ran into them," he said with a grin.

Mr Palmer got into a hire car with the two other mystery diners while Mr Turnbull walked home.

Dr Parkinson remained inside the restaurant before leaving through a back exit.

The timing of the dinner for five was perfect — the nation's eyes were on the State of Origin and in Parliament House Prime Minister Tony Abbott and most of his ministers were at the Annual Minerals Industry dinner. The restaurant owner said some of the guests were regular diners and had enjoyed a range of entrees and mains before one of the two mystery diners had picked up the bill.

Clive Palmer had a secret dinner with Malcolm Turnbull and the head of Treasury Martin Parkinson in a Kingston restaurant late last night. Pic by: Gary Ramage Source: News Corp Australia

Mr Palmer had earlier been at the minerals dinner but walked out after the entree and before the Prime Minister spoke.

He left behind a power-packed hall of mining bosses and politicians, including Speaker Bronwyn Bishop, MP Phillip Ruddock, Liberal Party boss Brian Loughnane and Martin Ferguson.

Mr Palmer did not let on that he was heading to the real power dinner of the night. "This is the life of a politician, I have to go and give a speech to the party faithful," he said as he walked out. "We have thousands of members all over the country."

Certainly the power that Mr Palmer holds through his independent seat is of great interest to the Abbott government right now as it battles to push through a controversial Budget.

The Queensland billionaire left his dining companions waiting at the Asian restaurant on the newly developed Kingston foreshore, close to Mr Turnbull's Canberra penthouse.

Mr Palmer anxiously paced around the front of Parliament House as his driver raced to get his silver Bentley from the carpark to pick him up.

"I have six minutes to get there," he said, at least 10 minutes before he left.

Earlier in the day he had asked for the government to provide him with the same number of staffers as The Greens. It might have been the bargaining chip the government was waiting for.

Or it could just have been a nice dinner of "fine Asian cuisine" among very rich friends.

Senior ministers last night were surprised to hear of the meeting and even more curious about the presence of Dr Parkinson.

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China’s moon rover still alive

Space race ... China's moon rover Jade Rabbit is still alive, but unable to move and is being weakened by the cold, China says. Above, a Chinese rocket blasts off in 2001. Picture: AFP Source: AFP

CHINA'S troubled Jade Rabbit moon rover is still alive after more than five months on the moon, but it is heading for an icy death.

The rover, launched in December, can still send data back to Earth, but it is unable to move after its wheels broke down, Xinhua news agency reported, citing Li Benzheng, deputy commander-in-chief of China's lunar program.

Jade Rabbit is also suffering from chills after solar panels for thermal insulation to protect against freezing lunar nights stopped working, the report said.

"With each lunar night, the functionality of Yutu is yet again weakened," Mr Li said, using the Chinese name for Jade Rabbit.

The rover turns dormant and stops sending signals during the lunar night — two-week periods when the part of the moon's surface on which it is sited rotates away from the sun and temperatures turn extremely cold.

Chilly environment ... An image of the moon's surface transmitted by Jade Rabbit, China's first lunar rover. Picture: AFP

The Jade Rabbit is named after the pet of a mythical goddess of the moon in Chinese mythology and was deployed on the lunar surface on December 15, but it experienced a "mechanical control abnormality" on January 25.

This led to fears in China it might never revive, but to the country's relief, it started sending signals again in mid-February.

China sees the space program as a symbol of its rising global stature and technological advancement, as well as of the Communist Party's success in reversing the fortunes of the once-impoverished nation.

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Whibley thanks fans after hospital

Recovery ... A frial-looking Deryck Whibley posted this pic to Facebook, thanking fans for their support after he was hospitalised with liver and kidney failure after years of alcohol abuse. Picture: Facebook Source: Supplied

SUM 41 frontman Deryck Whibley has left hospital as he continues his recovery from alcohol-induced liver and kidney failure, with the rocker stating that he hopes to be "back on stage before you know it".

While in hospital, Whibley said he wanted to warn fans against the dangers of excessive drinking, by posting a series of shocking photos, which showed him severely emaciated.

Death's door ... Whibley posted this shocking picture of himself in hospital. Picture: deryckwhibley.net Source: Supplied

Now, Whibley has shared a new picture of himself on his Facebook page upon his release, which is an improvement on his hospital photos, but he still looks a long way from his heyday of the noughties, when he was known as a cheeky, skateboarding pop-punk star with spiky hair and dimples.

Whibley thanked his fans for their support, posting, "Hey everyone, I just wanted to thank you all so much for sending gifts and all of the compassion and support you have shown me.

"It really means a lot to me in this time of recovery. I will be better soon and back out on stage before you know it.

"See you all soon, Deryck Whibley."

Better days ... Sum 41 band members Cone McCaslin, left, Deryck Whibley, centre, and Steve Jocz, right, backstage at MTV in 2007 in New York. Picture: AP Source: AP

Whibley — who was married to Avril Lavigne between 2006 and 2009 — announced news of his hospitalisation in mid- May, describing in a blog post, entitled "Rock Bottom", that his alcoholism had "finally caught up" with him.

After years of hard drinking, the singer collapsed at home and was admitted into a hospital intensive care unit.

Doctors told him that further drinking would kill him.

"I was stuck with needles and IV's all over," he wrote.

"I was completely sedated the first week. When I finally woke up the next day I had no idea where I was. My mum and step dad were standing over me. I was so freaked out. My liver and kidneys collapsed on me. Needless to say it scared me straight."

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Labor government’s $370 million G20-up

A glimpse of how police will flex their might if things go wrong at this year's G20 summit but authorities hope protests won't turn violent

A $370 million budget allocation booked by the former Labor government was used as a two-year slush fund by fat-cats to host junkets for G20 ­officials in the lead-up to this year's world leaders meeting in Brisbane.

Officials from the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet admitted last night that no clear rules had been ­established on administering the huge pot of money, which was being used for extravagant overseas trips and functions by senior bureaucrats.

Ten government departments have been approved for G20 "activities" and can access the money to spend it on whatever they choose by signing a simple memorandum of understanding with the ­Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

A senior government source said Prime Minister Tony Abbott demanded an ­immediate explanation after the "largesse" was discovered this week.

It is believed department chiefs were hauled in by the PM's office and reminded that they were "not heads of state" and could not use the G20 money for extravagant activities or events.

Last night The Daily Telegraph learnt Mr Abbott had asked the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet to hand over its broader budget for vetting by his office.

A "line by line" audit of the PM&C's overall budget will be conducted by the PM's office.

It is understood every individual request to access the G20 slush fund now made by a department or bureaucrat would have to go through the Prime Minister's office and would be rejected if it did not meet strict new criteria. "The department has now been put on notice that everything will be approved by PM's office," a senior government source said.

The most recent trip using money from the fund, revealed this week in The Sunday Telegraph, was a $22,000 cruise down the River Seine in Paris for the Department of ­Employment hosting G20 officials and a $28,000 superyacht cruise on Sydney Harbour.

Rules established by Mr Abbott on coming to office created an automatic trigger for any expenditure requested by a department head of more than $20,000. Several trips using this fund had already been cut by the PM's office.

But it is believed new rules will be established around the use of money from the $370 million pot, which is also meant to fund infrastructure and ­security for the major meeting in November.

The Coalition had never disputed the cost of hosting the event, which will put Australia on the world stage, but was alarmed that no rules had been set for how the money was to be spent.

Under G20 rules, the host country is obliged to host scores of official meetings.

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Buttered-up Bronson attacks guards

Spurs fan ... Britain's most dangerous prisoner Charles Bronson smeared himself with butter before attacking a dozen prison guards after Arsenal won the FA Cup. Source: News Corp Australia

NOTORIOUS British prisoner Charles Bronson says he "lost it" and coated himself in butter before attacking 12 prison guards after Arsenal won the FA Cup.

Bronson, who is a Tottenham Hotspur fan, wrote in a letter to the Kate Kray, ex-wife of gangster Ronnie Kray, that he had "had another rumble" at Full Sutton prison in York after archrivals Arsenal beat Hull to win the FA Cup, The Mirror UK reports.

Bronson also said he saw an "eeries" vision of Kray urging him to let the prison guards "have it" before smearing himself with Lurpak butter and going berzerk in the yard.

"Not good news. I've had another rumble," he wrote to Kate Kray.

"This time with a dozen riot move on the yard!"

"Obviously I had my reasons and I'd sooner swallow teeth than my pride. Sadly I came off worst — got smashed up in the ribs," he wrote.

"It was sunny! A scorcher! Arsenal was playing Hull. I so wanted Hull to win, coz I'm Spurs.

"I got Lurpak and spread it on thick. Then a small cloud appeared. I swear I see Ron's face. It was eerie. Go on son, let 'em have it!", he wrote.

The infamous Bronson, who is known as the UK's toughest prisoner, has spent almost 40 years in prison, including 36 years in solitary confinement.

He was first sentenced to seven years in jail in 1974 for robbing a post office.

However, in the decades since, he has been out of prison for just four months thanks to a series of violent incidents including assault and taking hostages.

Bronson has become a keen painter behind bars, will go on trial in September after allegedly attacking a prison governor for criticising his artworks as "too aggressive".

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Are the Queenslanders too cocky?

Queensland Origin legend Gorden Tallis believes Paul Gallen's controversial comments have knocked out any complacency Queensland may have had, heading into game one tomorrow night.

Johnathan Thurston in good spirits ahead of game one. Source: News Corp Australia

IT ALL started a little over a week ago, when the Maroons literally did a jig as the team was announced.

It was out of character.

A ring announcer introduced the players as music blared. There were strobe lights.

Just before lunchtime today, a statue will be unveiled of Maroons coach Mal Meninga outside Suncorp Stadium.

Origin day. A statue. Come on.

This is a team that has built its dynasty around respecting its opposition and refraining – for the most part – from taking cheap shots.

Johnathan Thurston does a jig at the Queensland team announcement last week. Source: News Corp Australia

NSW has carried on like it usually does, with Paul Gallen's "two heads" jibe at Queenslanders leading the way.

That's expected from the Blues. Just one of many reasons they're staring down the barrel of nine series losses in a row.

But on Monday, the great Wally Lewis went on a world-class rant, saying NSW will never understand the meaning of Origin.

"I don't think NSW ever did get Origin. If this (run of losses) continues for NSW, they might eventually get it," Lewis said.

"That (Gallen's comment) was an indication of a long-held disrespect for Queensland.

"For NSW, it was a waste of f***ing time playing Queensland for decades and then I hear Gallen joking about the two-headed people up north."

Blues players form a huddle ahead of Origin I. Source: Getty Images

Then Maroons star Johnathan Thurston took a shot at the Blues' new-look halves pairing, saying that while the Bulldogs' Josh Reynolds and Trent Hodkinson have been in fine form at club level, it does not compare to stepping into the Origin cauldron at Suncorp Stadium.

"It's going to be tough for them, no doubt about that,'' said Thurston.

"They are playing some really good football at the Dogs, but in saying that, State of Origin is a whole new ball game.

"Origin ... it's a different level and they will come to see on Wednesday night what it's like.''

There's also a reported pact between Queensland's senior players that they won't hand over to the new generation until they've won 10 series in a row.

They haven't won nine yet.

All signs are pointing towards Queensland winning again, let's be honest.

Two games at Suncorp appears to be too big a task for Laurie Daley's men.

But if anything can stop Queensland it is the Queenslanders themselves.

They're cockier than they've ever been and it may just come back to bite them.

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Roger’s dodging days are over

Sydney's most infamous crooked cop Roger Rogerson is in custody tonight, accused of murder after a 2 day police hunt

IT was in unit 803, a bare brick rented storage room, where Jamie Gao was shot twice in the chest by two former detectives, police will allege.

CCTV footage allegedly shows the ex-cops Roger Rogerson and Glen McNamara walking out of the unit alone just 10 minutes after arriving with Mr Gao last Tuesday.

YESTERDAY: ROGER ROGERSON CHARGED WITH MURDER

THE ROGER I KNEW, BY MARK MORRI CRIME EDITOR

Roger Rogerson inside a police wagon being taken to Bankstown Court / Picture: Craig Greenhill Source: DailyTelegraph

They then backed their own station wagons up to the unit's roller door, where they allegedly carried out Mr Gao's body wrapped in a surfboard cover and a blue tarpaulin.

The Self Storage units IN Padstow where its believed Jamie GAO was killed / Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

Officers later seized a surfboard from McNamara's Cronulla home. They also found items of clothing which he had allegedly been seen wearing on the CCTV footage.

COPS WIN BATTLE OF ARRESTING PR STUNTS

DAY OF HEARTBREAK FOR JAMIE GAO'S FAMILY

RODGER DODGER THE CAT BURGLAR

A SUNDAY IN THE SUN WITH ROGER

Police climb the back fence of Roger Rogerson's Padstow home / Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

The next day, May 21, it is alleged the two men returned and spent 40 minutes cleaning the inside of the Rent-A-Space unit after dumping Mr Gao's body at sea using McNamara's 4.5m Quintrex fishing boat.

Police swarm Roger Rogerson's Sydney home, arresting the disgraced former detective in relation to the alleged murder of student Jamie Gao.

The shocking details of the young student's last moments emerged as Rogerson, the country's most infamous former police officer, yesterday afternoon limped into the dock at Bankstown Local Court during a special late sitting, charged with murdering the 20-year-old a week ago.

Rogerson, 73, was not required to say anything as his lawyer, Paul Kenny, told magistrate Eaine Truscott he would not be applying for bail. Rogerson was remanded in custody to appear at Central Local Court on July 22, the same day as his co-­accused, former Kings Cross detective

Roger Rogerson is taken into custody by police at his home in Padstow / Picture: Dan Himbrechts Source: News Corp Australia

Glen McNamara, 55, who was arrested late on Sunday.

Rogerson had been planning to attend Sydney Police Centre at lunchtime to hand himself in but more than a dozen officers from the elite Serious Crime and Robbery Squad stormed his Padstow home at around 11am yesterday.

They surrounded the house, climbing over the back fence to make sure Rogerson could not escape.

Less than 10 minutes later he was brought out of his house in handcuffs before an awaiting media scrum.

"We're back to the Gestapo days now," Rogerson said as he was escorted by detectives through the pack.

Roger Rogerson's lawyer Paul Kenny addresses the media outside Bankstown Court / Picture: Daniel Aarons Source: News Corp Australia

After two senior detectives flew to Brisbane on Monday to find him, the decorated former Armed Hold-up Squad officer is believed to have ­driven through the night to get home from Brisbane to see his wife Anne Melocco before his arrest.

He arrived home just before dawn yesterday. His wife is said to be ­"shattered" by events.

Rogerson had spent the weekend in Brisbane at a speaking engagement with the former bodyguard of notorious Melbourne crook Chopper Read. Read, a fellow author who had shared the speaking circuit with Rogerson, died late last year.

University student Jamie Gao / Picture: Supplied Source: News Corp Australia

Former detective Glen McNamara being escorted to prison. Picture Craig Greenhill Source: News Corp Australia

The Daily Telegraph can reveal it will be alleged Mr Gao, a University of Technology, Sydney business student, told friends last Tuesday morning, May 20, that he was going to meet a person called "Glen".

McNamara was allegedly captured on CCTV footage using a Telstra public payphone to call Mr Gao, who drove from his Hurstville home to the meeting on Arab St, Padstow.

There he met two unidentified Asian men at 1.40pm.

The Asian men left and have not been found.

CCTV footage allegedly shows Mr Gao meeting Rogerson and McNamara as the student carried a bag containing 3.1kg of methamphetamine, worth $3 million.

Security vision showing a man, believed to be Jamie Gao, and two others getting out of a vehicle / Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied

Rogerson and McNamara have also been charged with supplying a commercial quantity of the drug.

Police will allege the three men drove to the storage block just 600m from where they met.

After allegedly shooting Mr Gao dead and putting his body in the back of McNamara's white station wagon, CCTV footage shows them carrying chairs out of the unit and putting them in the back of the wagon.

When they allegedly returned early afternoon the next day to clean out the unit, they were seen unloading some chairs back into the unit.

Roger Rogerson arrested at his Padstow home / Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

When police seized McNamara's boat from a storage unit at Caringbah on Sunday evening, following his arrest in Kyeemagh, there were signs that it had been used "recently", it is claimed.

Police yesterday confirmed the body pulled from the sea off Cronulla early on Monday morning was that of Mr Gao.

The body was found wrapped in a blue tarpaulin and tied with ropes and chains.

Roger Rogerson arrested at his Padstow home / Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

A post-mortem has not yet been completed.

Rogerson and McNamara had met while they were both in the NSW police in the early 1980s. As police continue to investigate the ­recent links between them and Mr Gao, Rogerson appeared in court at 4.10pm yesterday with only the media there.

Roger Rogerson arrested at his Padstow home / Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

Roger Rogerson arrested at his Padstow home / Picture: John Grainger Source: News Corp Australia

There were no family or friends at the court to support him.

Like McNamara, he will be kept in protective custody at Silverwater Jail.

His lawyer Mr Kenny asked that Rogerson be given access to medication, including Voltaren, for a variety of ailments he suffers, including pain after a recent knee reconstruction and a heart condition.

Ms Truscott ordered police to serve the brief of evidence on Mr Kenny by July 8.

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Mystery donor tweeting clues for cash

Mystery benefactor ... a Twitter user is leaving 'hidden cash' all over San Francisco in a 'social experiment for good'. Picture: Twitter Source: Supplied

A MYSTERY benefactor is hiding cash around San Francisco and tweeting photos with location clues as part of a "social experiment for good".

The hide-and-seek game began on Thursday night, with the secret donor sharing a picture of a vegetable patch and the caption "Love arugula? So do we ;)" on the Twitter account @HiddenCash.

Dozens of tweets have since been posted, containing clues to $100 and smaller notes stashed under benches, in unisex bathrooms and in parks around the city.

Once the money is found, the lucky recipient must tweet a photo of themselves with the cash, like this:

— Olivia Benson (@GrijalvaOlivia) May 24, 2014

According to the Twitter account, @HiddenCash is "an anonymous social experiment for good. Real cash hidden around FS & beyond."

The identity of the mystery tweeter is unknown, but they told Bold Italic via email they're a real estate magnate who wants to give back.

"I've made millions of dollars the last few years, more than I ever imagined, and yet many friends of mine, and people who work for me, cannot afford to buy a modest home in the Bay Area," they wrote.

"This has caused me quite a bit of reflection. I am determined to give away some of the money I make, and in addition to charity, to do it in fun, creative ways like this."

The unidentified Tweep has more than 9800 followers eagerly awaiting the next tip.

"Could you and 25 of your friends use a @Sightglass Coffee? Look in the abandoned phonebox next door,: one tweet said, along with a photo of a $100 note.

Early birds will get the worm this Sunday! Hint: Usually you pay them. Today, they'll pay you. Multiple locations," the most recent, posted on Sunday, read.

@HiddenCash said they would leave money once or twice a week, and are considering expanding to other cities.

"This is my way of giving back to the community and also having fun," the anonymous person said.

"[I] was just kicking around ideas with a friend yesterday and we decided to start hiding a bunch of cash in different places around the city."

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Inside a killer’s twisted world

The alleged Isla Vista shooter, Elliot Rodgers wrote a chilling 140 page document providing graphic details of his murderous plot. Courtesy: Fox News

Scene of the shooting ... in California. Picture: France Kirsten, Twitter Source: Supplied

LESS than 24 hours after Elliot Rodger carried out the deadly rampage that left six innocent victims dead in a California college town, a 140-page manifesto penned by the mentally disturbed 22-year-old arrived at a local TV station.

In the rambling document, titled "My Twisted World", Rodger outlined his plans to take vengeance against those female students who had rejected him.

He had sent the document to a friend who then passed it on to KEYT-TV Channel 3 in Santa Barbara, which provided a copy to The Los Angeles Times.

In cold blood ... Elliot Rodger killed six people before taking his own life. Source: Supplied

FULL TRANSCRIPT: Read Rodger's hate-filled YouTube rant

'WHY DID CHRIS DIE?': Father lashes out

KILLER WAS A 'VERY DISTURBED BOY': grandmother tells of fears

"All of those beautiful girls I've desired so much in my life, but can never have because they despise and loathe me, I will destroy," wrote Rodger, the son of Peter Rodger, an assistant director on The Hunger Games.

Elliot Rodger details the reasons behind his mass shooting, the day before carrying out the horrific attack. WARNING: Some viewers may find disturbing.

"All of those popular people who live hedonistic lives of pleasure, I will destroy, because they never accepted me as one of them. I will kill them all and make them suffer, just as they have made me suffer. It is only fair."

Rampage ... a Facebook selfie of Elliot Rodger, who stabbed to death three of his room-mates before killing three students in a drive-by shooting in Santa Barbara. Source: Supplied

The Santa Barbara City College student took his own life after his deadly rampage, which began in his own apartment.

"I would have to kill my housemates to get them out of the way," he wrote in his manifesto. "In fact, I'd even enjoy stabbing them both to death while they slept."

It appears as though Elliot Rodger was planning the killing spree "for at least a year," Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told CNN on Sunday morning.

In his manifesto, Rodger divided his rampage up into three parts.

Deadly ... Elliot Rodger in his black BMW, which he drove during his killing spree. Source: Supplied

"On the day before the Day of Retribution, I will start the First Phase of my vengeance: Silently killing as many people as I can around Isla Vista by luring them into my apartment through some form of trickery," he wrote.

'I WILL SLAUGHTER YOU LIKE ANIMALS': chilling video

His Second Phase, he said, would represent his "War on Women".

"I will punish all females for the crime of depriving me of sex. They have starved me of sex for my entire youth, and gave that pleasure to other men," he wrote.

"In doing so, they took many years of my life away.

"I cannot kill every single female on earth, but I can deliver a devastating blow that will shake all of them to the core of their wicked hearts. I will attack the very girls who represent everything I hate in the female gender: The hottest sorority of UCSB."

Senseless killing ... student Chris Martinez was shot dead in the gun rampage. Source: No Source

The final phase, he said, would be his "ultimate showdown in the streets of Isla Vista".

In this section, he spoke of killing his family and using his parents' Mercedes SUV as "killing machines against my enemies."

Rodger also spoke of his plans for "retribution" in a chilling video posted on YouTube.

"On the day of retribution I am going to enter the hottest sorority house ... and I will slaughter every single spoiled single stuck up blonde s**t I see inside there," he said.

Earlier, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown detailed how the horror of Rodger's rampage unfolded.

Rodger "repeatedly stabbed" three male victims at his apartment prior to the shootings in the town of Isla Vista, near the University of California's Santa Barbara campus.

Grief ... students attend a candlelight vigil in the college town of Isla Vista. Source: AFP

Once outside, Rodger targeted three women from across a street, killing two of them aged 22 and 19, Brown said.

Driving in his car, a black BMW, Rodger found his next victim, a 20-year-old student named Christopher Martinez, shooting him dead.

Police then went after him, Brown said, as Rodger shot indiscriminately at passers-by - injuring at least 13 - and drove all over the road.

Rodger was shot in the hip in a shootout, before zooming off once more and hitting a cyclist, throwing him onto the hood of his car.

"The suspect's vehicle then collided with several parked cars and came to a stop," said Brown, but Rodger "was obviously dead with an apparent gunshot wound to the head."

So much grief ... Students gather at the University of California's Santa Barbara campus in Isla Vista to pay tribute to the victins. Source: AFP

Three nine-millimeter semi-automatic handguns were recovered from the BMW — all legally purchased and registered — and Rodger had dozens of unused rounds of ammunition.

It has emerged that police had "contacts" with Rodger on three separate occasions before Friday's killings, the first time in July 2013, Brown said.

Richard Martinez, father of Christopher, choked up several times as he paid tribute to his son and blamed politicians and the gun lobby, asking in an emotional and at times angry speech:

Father's pain ... Richard Martinez, whose son Christopher was killed in the mass shooting, breaks down as he talks to the media. Source: AP

"When will this insanity stop?" "Our family has a message for every parent out there: you don't think it'll happen to your child until it does," he said, his face contorted with despair and rage.

"Chris was a really great kid, ask anyone who knew him. His death has left our family lost and broken." His voice shaking with emotion, Martinez rounded on politicians and the powerful National Rifle Association.

Hollywood family ... Elliot Rodger's father, British director Peter Rodger. Source: Getty Images

"Why did Chris die? Chris died because of craven, irresponsible politicians and the NRA," Martinez said, raising his voice.

"They talk about gun rights. What about Chris's right to live? When will this insanity stop?"

The bloodshed was just the latest in a string of gun massacres that have rocked the United States in recent years and is likely to trigger more passionate debate about gun rights.

Horrific ... Elliot Rodger took his own life after his deadly rampage in Santa Barbara. Source: Supplied

Anti-gun campaigner Michael Moore responded to the massacre by posting a statement on his Facebook profile describing America's national symbol as "the gun, not the eagle".

"With due respect to those who are asking me to comment on last night's tragic mass shooting ... I no longer have anything to say about what is now part of normal American life," Moore wrote.

A community in mourning gather for a candlelight vigil to honour the victims of Friday night's mass shooting in Santa Barbara, California. Courtesy: Instagram

"Everything I have to say about this, I said it 12 years ago: We are a people easily manipulated by fear which causes us to arm ourselves with a quarter BILLION guns in our homes that are often easily accessible to young people, burglars, the mentally ill and anyone who momentarily snaps."

Devastated students from the University of California's Santa Barbara campus hugged each other and wept as they gathered at a candelight vigil for those killed in the rampage.

Katie Cooper, shooting victim. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Veronica Weiss, shooting victim. Picture: Facebook Source: Facebook

Earlier, residents at the Alpha Phi sorority reported hearing loud and aggressive banging on the front door that lasted for about two minutes. Shortly afterwards witnesses reported seeing young women standing outside shot by Rodger from across the street.

Those inside who refused to open the door were saved from certain death.

"He [Elliot] banged on the door, but no one opened the door so he just drove off and opened fire everywhere," said one student.

Alan Schifman, the lawyer for the Rodger family, said the 22-year-old was being treated by several therapists. He added that his parents and a social worker knew of his difficulties and had been so alarmed by his behaviour they had reported him to police.

Schifman said Rodger was a high-functioning patient with Asperger syndrome who had faced bullying through his schooling and had difficulty making friends.

Mass shooting ... bodies are seen covered on the ground after the mass drive-by shooting. Picture: AP Photo/KEYT, John Palminteri Source: AP

In the YouTube video, Rodger man rants about women who have allegedly rejected him, saying he doesn't understand why he is a 22-year-old virgin and wanted to seek his revenge.

He says: "Tomorrow is the day of retribution, the day in which I will have my revenge against humanity, against all of you.

"For the last eight years of my life, ever since I hit puberty I've been forced to endure an existence of loneliness, rejection and unfulfilled desires all because girls have never been attracted to me.

"Girls gave their affection and sex and love to other men, but never to me.

"I'm 22 years old and still a virgin. I've never even kissed a girl.

"I've been through college for two and a half years … and I'm still a virgin. It has been very torturous. I've had to rot in loneliness. It's not fair.

"Girls have never been attracted to me. I will punish you all for it. It's an injustice, a crime.

"On the day of retribution I am going to enter the hottest sorority house ... and I will slaughter every single spoiled single stuck up blonde s**t I see inside there."

Murder ... paramedics at the scene of the rampage next to the University of California. Picture: NOOZHAWK Source: Supplied

Bloody scene ... Seven people, including the suspected gunman, died during the shooting rampage. Picture: AP//KEYT, John Palminteri Source: AP

A student said he saw shots fired from a BMW, fatally striking one woman and critically injuring another woman.

"I heard shots, scream, pain," Michael Vitak said.

"All emotions. I hope she is going to be fine."

Wrecked car ... a BMW sedan sits wrecked on an Isla Vista sidewalk after the driver — who allegedly gunned down six people during a blocks-long shooting rampage Picture: Urban Hikers Source: Supplied

Andrew Jun, a third year economics and accounting student who witnessed the rampage, told AFP the situation was "pretty surreal." "It's unbelievable that this kind of thing can happen," he said. Other witnesses said they initially mistook the gunshots for fireworks or firecrackers.

Sienna Schwartz, her voice breaking, recalled how she came face-to-face with the gunman.

At first, she mistook the attacker's "little black pistol" for an airsoft gun. "I turned around, and I started walking the other way. He shot, and I felt like -- I just felt, like, the wind pass right by my face," Schwartz told CNN as she choked back tears.

Nine crime scenes ... night-time drive-by shooting in a student enclave next to the University of California. Picture: NOOZHAWK Source: Supplied

By grisly coincidence, in 2001, the son of Ally McBeal and The Wire television series director Daniel Attias ran down four pedestrians with his car on a crowded street just a block away from the scene of Friday's assault.

Witnesses said that part-time college student David Attias got out of the car after his deed and shouted "I am the angel of death." He was ruled insane and locked up in a state hospital after being initially convicted of second-degree murder.

If you or someone you know may be at risk of suicide contact Lifeline 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36, or Salvo Care Line 1300 36 36 22.

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