Pair Extradited to Hunter Over Alleged Child Sexual Abuse

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man and woman have been extradited from Queensland over the alleged historical sexual abuse of a child in the Hunter.

In November 2016, Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad detectives began investigating reports a young girl had been sexually abused by a man and woman known to her.

After almost three years of investigations, the 59-year-old man and 36-year-old woman were arrested at North Lakes, near Brisbane, on Thursday before being escorted to New South Wales where they briefly faced Raymond Terrace Local Court on Friday.

The pair is accused of sexually abusing a young girl, aged between 9 and 10 at the time, on several occasions.

It's also alleged the man abused the girl again fourteen months later in January 2016.

The pair are due to face court again on Tuesday.

Anyone with concerns about suspected child abuse or exploitation is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or use the online reporting page.

BREAKING! Wanted Fugitives Arrested At Muswellbrook Motel

BY IAN CROUCH

Police have arrested two wanted fugitives on the run from Queensland in Muswellbrook early this morning.

The man and woman are wanted on several outstanding warrants for serious offences including car theft.

Acting on information received from Queensland police just before midnight, officers went to Noah's Mid City Motor Inn on Bridge Street, Muswellbrook at 4.30am on Friday where they arrested the pair.

They've been taken to Muswellbook Police Station where arrangements are being made for their extradition to Queensland.

It's alleged a stolen car was also recovered during the police operation.

Police say no-one was injured during the operation.

'Fruitless' Search for Missing Newcastle Man Called Off

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Queensland Police have called the land search for a missing Newcastle man 'fruitless'.

They've been forced to suspend the search after exhausting all of their resources- having conducted a comprehensive land search which involved police and volunteers from the Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service.

Jayden Peno-Tompsett disappeared on New Year's Eve in the Charters Towers area of North Queensland while on a mate's trip to Cairns.

Jayden's last known location is a vast area spanning 85 square kilometres of rugged bushland near the Burdekin River.

No sign of the missing 22-year-old has been found.

The investigation remains open and police continue to follow several lines of inquiry.

They'll start searching again if any clues are found.

Jayden's Peno-Tompsett's mother assists Queensland Police in the search.