Two Boys Arrested Over Alleged Assaults On Newcastle Bus Drivers

 BY IAN CROUCH

Two teenage boys have charged over the alleged assault of two bus drivers in separate incidents last week.

Police have been told three males were fighting on a bus last Thursday when the driver stopped at New Lambton Heights are asked them to get off.

When leaving it's alleged one of the teens punched the driver.

A short time later the males boarded another bus and allegedly began causing a disturbance to passengers.

The bus stopped at Glendale where the passengers got off, but police say the trio forced open the rear door and assaulted the second driver.

Both drivers suffered minor injuries but were not taken to hospital.

Following extensive inquiries, police arrested a 14-year-old boy on Tuesday.

He was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with two counts of common assault, stalk/intimidate with intent to cause fear or harm, and hindering police in the execution of their duty.

He faced the children's court on yesterday and was refused bail to face the same court next Monday, February 24.

Further inquiries led to the arrest of a second 14-year-old boy yesterday.

He was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with common assault and affray.

He was granted strict conditional bail to face the children's court on Monday February 24.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

 

Man Caught Driving in New Lambton on License Disqualified Until 2039

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A man is due to face court after he was allegedly caught driving in New Lambton on a license disqualified until April 2039. 

Police spotted the man driving erratically in the area at around 11.30pm on Sunday night. 

Police stopped the vehicle a short time later and submitted the driver to a breath test. 

When asked to produce a driver licence he informed police that he was disqualified. 

Police conducted further checks which showed that he was disqualified from driving until April 2039.

The driver was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station where he was charged and released on bail to appear in court later this week.

Solar Panel Fire at New Lambton Prompts Safety Warning

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

A solar panel fire at a home in New Lambton has prompted a warning for home owners to ensure panels are installed by a licensed installer. 

Just after 12.30pm on Wednesday,  Fire and Rescue NSW crews from Lambton and Newcastle Fire Stations arrived at the dwelling on Addison Road, New Lambton following reports of a house fire.

Crews arrived on scene to find a solar panel isolation switch had caught fire on the roof of a home. 

Firefighters worked quickly and were able to extinguish the fire and prevent it from spreading into the roof.

NSW Ambulance were also in attendance however no injuries have been reported.

Superintendent Graham Kingsland from the Fire Investigation and Research Unit said it was important to take steps to ensure solar panels were as safe as possible.

"Over the last five years we have seen solar panel related fires increase five-fold. It is not uncommon to see solar panels cause house and building fires," he said.

“By ensuring solar panels are installed by a licensed installer, and are well maintained by a professional, you can prevent a tragedy”.

For more information on solar panel safety, visit the Fair Trading website.