Faulty Information Blamed For Mistaken Release Of Inmate

 BY LIAM COLLINS

Faulty court information has been blamed for the mistaken release of a wanted man to Newcastle. 

35-year-old inmate Kyle Quayle was handed down a year sentence at Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 14 April for larceny, assault, and other crimes. 

He was taken to Clarence Correctional Centre in Grafton, but was mistakenly released later the same day. 

On Thursday, NSW Police announced following his release they believed Quayle travelled from Grafton to Newcastle, prompting a subsequent city-wide manhunt. 

He was later captured on Boreas Street at Hamilton North on Thursday afternoon, where he was subsequently charged at Newcastle Police Station by virtue of an outstanding warrant. 

The mistake was attributed to an administrative error and miscommunication between the involved parties, with the specific error still undisclosed, with NSW Premier Chris Minns labelling the incident as  "embarrassing."

Corrections Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said the mistake should've never happened. 

"It's unacceptable that an inmate was inadvertently released," he said. 

"But fortunately, to the good work of NSW Police and others, the inmate has been recaptured and is now in custody." 

Quayle was refused bail and expects to face trial today.

Minister Chanthivong explained the incident was a failure and the government plans to take steps to address and mitigate the issue.

"When instances like this happen they are concerning," he added. 

"Corrections will always look for ways to improve our processes to make sure that mistakes are not made, because community safety is the Minns Labor Government's top priority." 

Investigations are now underway into how Quayle was allowed to be released, with plans to prevent similar occurrences under development. 

Picture: NSW Police

Officer Injured During Police Operation On The Fernleigh Track: Man In Custody

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today (Friday 17 April 2026) accused of hitting a police officer with an unregistered motorbike during a police operation on the Fernleigh Track at Kahibah.

Officers on e-bikes were conducting high-visibility patrols on the track at about 11.30am yesterday (Thursday 16 April 2026) following reports of anti-social behaviour.

They were speaking to a 14-year-old boy when a man on a motorbike approached the officers but allegedly failed to stop as directed and struck an officer in the arm before crashing into a guard rail.

The officer was not seriously injured and did not require hospital treatment.

The 47-year-old man was arrested - he's been charged with seven offences including drive recklessly/furiously at speed in a manner dangerous and refused bail to face the Bail Division Court today.

 

Officers have been regularly patrolling the Fernleigh Track on E-bikes following reports of anti-social behaviour. Photo NSW Police

NDIS Workers Under Pressure With Rising Fuel Costs

 BY BRONWYN VERWEY

The Australian College of Trade Unions (ACTU) and Australian Services Union (ASU) are pushing for increased fuel allowances for the Hunter's disability support sector. 

The initiative comes as ASU received calls from NDIS workers struggling to support disabled clients, amidst high fuel costs.

Disability support workers are often required to use their own vehicles to transport participants to appointments, activities and services. 

Workers claim they're losing money whilst working without adequate allowances, having to cover fuel costs out of pocket. 

Additionally, shortages in the disability sector shortages are expected to increase, potentially putting clients at risk. 

ASU Secretary Angus McFarland said the government needs to assist. 

"During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government stepped in with urgent support to keep disability services running." he said

"We need that same urgent now. 

"NDIS workers need a transport allowance that covers high fuel costs so they can keep driving and supporting their clients." 

Picture: ShiftCare

Fire Forces Evacuation of Hamilton Restaurant

 BY IAN CROUCH

Six people have been evacuated after a fire broke out in a Chinese restaurant at Hamilton.

Newcastle Fire Command says seven trucks from Newcastle, Carrington, Lambton and Merewether were sent to the Beaumont Street restaurant just before 8.30pm on Wednesday 15 April, 2025 to reports of a fire in the kitchen.

Three crews with hoses took just over 30 minutes to extinguish the blaze which was confined to the kitchen area.

No-one was injured.

The fire is not being treated as suspicious.

 

UPDATE! Manhunt Under Way In Newcastle For Man Mistakenly Released From Gaol

 BY IAN CROUCH

Escaped inmate Kyle Quayle is back in custody after being arrested at Hamilton North.

The 35-year-old was mistakenly released from Grafton Gaol on the same day he was sentenced in Newcastle Local Court to one year's gaol for stealing and assault-related offences.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested Quayle on Boreas Street yesterday afternoon (Thursday 16 April 2026).

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged by virtue of an outstanding warrant for being Unlawfully At Large and will face the Bail Division Court today (Friday 17 April 2026).

A spokesperson for the correctional centre said staff released the inmate according to court information available to them.

A spokesperson for The Department of Communities and Justice says they are looking into how this occurred and will put in place measures to minimise the risk of this happening again. 

EARLIER: 

Newcastle Police are asking for our help to find a man who's been mistakenly released from gaol.

35-year-old Kyle Quayle was serving a sentence for stealing and assault related offences when he was erroneously released from a correctional centre on Tuesday.

Police believe he's in Newcastle area.

Quayle is described as being of Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance, 180cm tall with a medium build, black hair, brown eyes and is unshaven.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest for being Unlawfully At Large.

Wanted man Kyle Quayle

 

Lord Mayoral Candidates Speak Out On Link Road Forest

 BY OLI GOELDNER

The Link Road Forest Campaign is urging Newcastle residents to think carefully at the ballot box this weekend. 

Ahead of the upcoming Lord Mayoral by-election on Saturday April 18, the environmental group requested comments from the six candidates on their plans around Link Road Forest. 

The 574-hectare site is earmarked for a large-scale housing development by the state government, despite it reportedly being home to several endangered species. 

In December, Newcastle council voted in favour of the campaign, calling on the state government to convert the lot into a national park. 

"We're just ensuring through this by-election coming up that we get a Lord Mayor that is going to champion this cause for the people of Newcastle," said Link Road Forest Campaign spokesperson Ian McKenzie. 

Greens candidate Charlotte McCabe, Labor's Declan Clausen, independent Gavin Morris and the Socialist Alliance's Steve O'Brien responded positively to the questions. 

"I understand the land forms part of a green corridor which is vital for the ongoing survival of many endangered species," Mr O'Brien responded. 

"I think the broad cross-party and community support for protecting this habitat as a National Park is a powerful story that needs to be told again from the chamber," said Ms McCabe. 

Mr Morris stated simply the "land must not be developed," and Mr Clausen reinstated his continued stance, noting "where the land has high environmental value" he will advocate for its protection. 

According to the environmental group, independent Milton Caine was personally supportive of retaining the forest but failed to answer the questions. 

Liberal Jenny Barrie also did not provide a response. 

Pre-polling for the by-election is currently open. 

Picture: Link Road Forest Campaign

Search Under Way For Missing Hunter Valley Teen

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have launched a search for a teenage girl who's gone missing in the East Maitland area.

16-year-old Dakoda Burns was last seen at Green Hills about 1.00pm yesterday (Tuesday 14 April, 2025) and police and family hold concerns for her welfare as she lives with a number of health issues.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 167cm tall with a solid build and red/brown coloured hair.

Dakoda was last seen wearing a black jumper with the word "Stashouse" in white down the arms, black pants and black sandals with sox.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers or Belmont Police Station.

Missing teen Dakoda Burns