A pilot with a claimed reputation as a "master manipulator" allegedly strangled his wife and used her phone to send messages before faking a lawnmower accident, a judge has heard.

There have been heartbreaking scenes in an Adelaide courtroom as the family of Olympic cyclist Melissa Hoskins broke their silence over the crash that claimed her life.

A woman is dead and three men are fighting for their lives as police investigate the tragedy on a Brisbane road.

Police are zoning in on Werribee following a spate of thefts and knife crimes committed in public places.