Police Release CCTV Footage Of Alleged Getaway Driver In Commonwealth Hotel Armed Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have released CCTV footage of a man and a vehicle which they believe were involved in the violent armed robbery on the Commonwealth Hotel at Cooks Hill two years ago.

Last week, 37-year-old John Jarrett and 32-year-old Marley Tiopira were each gaoled for a maximum of 7 years after storming the pub in the early hours of February 28, 2024 armed with a machete and baseball bat respectively.

It's alleged a getaway driver assaulted a cleaner before all three men escaped with $125,000 in a white Mercedes A190 hatchback with damage on the rear left side passenger door.

The third man was wearing a hooded jumper, baseball cap, tracksuit pants and black shoes with a distinctive while mark or stain on the right shoe.

Police believe this man can assist with their inquiries

 

BREAKING! Second Man Arrested Over Violent Armed Robbery On Commonwealth Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police investigating a violent armed robbery on the Commonwealth Hotel at Cooks Hill last month have made a second arrest.

A cleaner was allegedly bashed during the incident just before dawn on Wednesday February 28.

Earlier this month, Strike Force detectives arrested a 34-year-old man at Mayfield - he remains before the courts.

Further inquiries led police to an address at Cooks Hill at about 7.45pm on Wednesday, where a 28-year-old man was arrested.

He's been charged with robbery with an offensive weapon, reckless grievous bodily harm and conspiracy to commit robbery in company and is due to face court today.

Man Faces Court Over Commonwealth Hotel Armed Robbery

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man arrested over a violent armed robbery at a Cooks Hill hotel last week will remain behind bars.

The 34-year-old was arrested at Mayfield on Wednesday following a week-long investigation into the hold-up at the Commonwealth Hotel.

A worker was found injured on King Street following the incident early on the morning of Wednesday 28th February.

It's alleged the cleaner was bashed while trying to escape from the incident.

Police were told two men wielding a machete and a baseball bat forced entry to the hotel.

John Jerrett appeared in Newcastle Court on Thursday charged with robbery while armed with an offensive weapon and reckless grievous bodily harm in company.

He's been refused bail to face court again in May.

UPDATE! Worker Injured During Violent Armed Robbery At Cooks Hill Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police have been called to reports of an armed robbery at a Cooks Hill hotel.

Officers were called to the Commonwealth Hotel on the corner of Union and Bull Streets at about 4.45am on Wednesday.

Police have been told two men armed with a machete and a baseball bat forced entry to the hotel and confronted two employees.

One of the workers was bashed while attempting to flee and was found with serious injuries on King Street Street - officers performed CPR and he's been taken to the John Hunter Hospital. The other worker wasn't injured.

The armed men are described as being of Caucasian appearance, aged in their 20's and wearing masks - they fled the hotel with cash.

King Street is partially closed at the intersection of Union Street and there are local diversions in place.

Police have set up a crime scene and are appealing for anyone with dash cam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.