Pair Face Court Over Alleged Armed Robbery Of Newcastle Hotel

 BY IAN CROUCH

Police allege a wig-wearing armed robber had help from an employee of a Hamilton hotel before making off with tens of thousands of dollars.

Just after 3.30am on Friday September 12, police allege a man wearing a Tina Turner wig entered the Sydney Junction Hotel on Beaumont Street armed with a firearm before leaving on an e-bike ridden by another person.

Police executed a search warrant at a storage unit in Waratah West last Wednesday and allegedly found $30,020 in cash.

They also searched a home in James Street Hamilton, finding an e-scooter and helmet.

Inquiries led to the arrest of 46-year-old Christopher James Barsley.

He faced court on Friday September 26 charged with special aggravated break and enter, commit serious indictable offence, and acquiring a firearm while subject to a prohibition order. 

Barsley has been remanded in custody. 

Police also arrested 44-year-old Evie Grace on Friday.

She faced court on Saturday charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence. Police allege Grace, an employee of the hotel, was working at the time of the hold-up and assisted in the incident.

Grace was granted strict conditional bail 

Both have had their cases adjourned until November.  

 

A CCTV image of the alleged wig-wearing armed robber

SYDNEY JUNCTION HOTEL HOLD UP – Police Appeal to Locate Men

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Police are still on the lookout for two men who allegedly held up the Sydney Junction Hotel at around 3:40am on Friday September 12.

Officers were called to the premises and told a man allegedly threatened staff with a pistol before taking a significant amount of cash and fleeing west on Hudson Street on an e-bike with another man.

Acting Superintendent Kristen Marshall says new CCTV footage has been released, and shows two men with bizarre accessories.

“The first male is described as wearing dark clothing. He has a black face mask and has a very [distinguishable] brown and blonde long-haired wig. The second male is described as wearing dark clothing, wearing a white helmet, white shoes and riding a black e-bike.

“At this stage we’re just looking at it as an isolated incident and obviously that investigation is underway at the moment,” she said.

 

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers.

 

 

BREAKING! Popular Hamilton Pub Held Up At Gunpoint

 BY IAN CROUCH

A popular Hamilton hotel has been held up at gunpoint early today (Friday 12 September, 2025).

Police say around 3.40am an unknown person entered the Sydney Junction Hotel on Beaumont Street armed with a pistol and threatened staff.

The alleged offender took an amount of cash before leaving the business.

No-one was injured.

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

 

Liquor Authority Decides Last Drinks For "Most Violent" Hamilton Pub

BY IAN CROUCH

The Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority has decided to impose tighter trading restrictions on The Sydney Junction Hotel at Hamilton.

It follows a request from Newcastle Police amid concerns about several assaults at or near the venue.

The board of the authority has decided the hotel will stop serving drinks at 1.30am between Monday and Saturday instead of 3am.

The changes come into force from July 1 - it comes after the authority named the Junction Hotel as the most violent venue in NSW.

The owner of the hotel is appealing the authority's decision.

Sydney Junction Hotel Named Most Violent Venue In NSW