Mother of Groomed Teen Says Son Was “Torn Away” by Alleged Criminal Influence

A mother has contacted STPL News to describe the lasting trauma on her family after her son was allegedly groomed and recruited by a Hastings man. Aaron Torpy, who remains on remand, is facing 48 charges linked to youth exploitation, vehicle theft, burglary and drug-related offences. The matter will return to court in January.
Bloc Votes Down Bid to Tighten Council Campaign Donations

Deputy Mayor Paul Pingiaro appeared uncomfortable as he opposed Cr David Gill’s donation transparency motion, saying it “doesn’t really seem fair” and could have “real unintended consequences”.
Somerville Times Final 2025 Edition Out This Wednesday

The final Somerville Times print edition for 2025 is out this Wednesday, featuring a year-in-review of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, an interview with Hannah Swinnerton, updates on the Aaron Torpy case, Christmas events and more. STPL News continues online through the holidays.
‘Don’t Let Him Out’: Community Anger Builds as Police Call Hastings Man a ‘Massive Driving Force’ Behind Local Crime

Hastings man Aaron Torpy, 30, is accused of grooming local children to commit burglaries and steal cars. He is now facing 48 charges and is seeking bail, which Victoria Police strongly oppose, as public anger grows across the Mornington Peninsula.
Western Port Community Unites to Mark Start of 16 Days of Activism in Hastings

Western Port community members gathered at Hastings foreshore for the opening of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, joining a march and community event promoting respect and gender-based violence prevention.
Crime News
Mostly Experienced Drivers Caught in Schoolies Road Blitz on Mornington Peninsula

Victoria Police have detected mostly experienced drivers for alleged drink driving, speeding and suspended-licence offences in a single-night schoolies road blitz on the Mornington Peninsula, as officers step up patrols to keep young school leavers and other road users safe.
Mother of Groomed Teen Says Son Was “Torn Away” by Alleged Criminal Influence

A mother has contacted STPL News to describe the lasting trauma on her family after her son was allegedly groomed and recruited by a Hastings man. Aaron Torpy, who remains on remand, is facing 48 charges linked to youth exploitation, vehicle theft, burglary and drug-related offences. The matter will return to court in January.
‘Don’t Let Him Out’: Community Anger Builds as Police Call Hastings Man a ‘Massive Driving Force’ Behind Local Crime

Hastings man Aaron Torpy, 30, is accused of grooming local children to commit burglaries and steal cars. He is now facing 48 charges and is seeking bail, which Victoria Police strongly oppose, as public anger grows across the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula Police Issue New Wanted on Warrant Appeal

Police have issued a fresh appeal to locate four people wanted on warrants across the Mornington Peninsula, following an earlier Crime Stoppers alert naming eight other individuals.
Wanted Persons Sought Across Frankston and the Mornington Peninsula

Police are seeking public assistance to locate several people wanted on warrant across Frankston, Rosebud and Langwarrin. Crime Stoppers Victoria has released the names and details of individuals linked to burglary, theft, drug-related offending and bail breaches.
Mostly Experienced Drivers Caught in Schoolies Road Blitz on Mornington Peninsula

Victoria Police have detected mostly experienced drivers for alleged drink driving, speeding and suspended-licence offences in a single-night schoolies road blitz on the Mornington Peninsula, as officers step up patrols to keep young school leavers and other road users safe.
Mother of Groomed Teen Says Son Was “Torn Away” by Alleged Criminal Influence

A mother has contacted STPL News to describe the lasting trauma on her family after her son was allegedly groomed and recruited by a Hastings man. Aaron Torpy, who remains on remand, is facing 48 charges linked to youth exploitation, vehicle theft, burglary and drug-related offences. The matter will return to court in January.
Somerville Times Final 2025 Edition Out This Wednesday

The final Somerville Times print edition for 2025 is out this Wednesday, featuring a year-in-review of Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, an interview with Hannah Swinnerton, updates on the Aaron Torpy case, Christmas events and more. STPL News continues online through the holidays.
‘Don’t Let Him Out’: Community Anger Builds as Police Call Hastings Man a ‘Massive Driving Force’ Behind Local Crime

Hastings man Aaron Torpy, 30, is accused of grooming local children to commit burglaries and steal cars. He is now facing 48 charges and is seeking bail, which Victoria Police strongly oppose, as public anger grows across the Mornington Peninsula.
Insider Claims Suggest Further Departures at MPSC

An anonymous MPSC insider has contacted STPL News alleging a new wave of departures, following senior staff exits in December 2024 and January 2025, as well as redundancies in September. The source also claims the Local Government Inspectorate is continuing its presence inside the organisation.


