Lawsuit Seeks $2.7 Million From Bar Beach Bowling Club For Keg Explosion

BY IAN CROUCH

A man who lost his arm in a beer keg explosion at the Bar Beach Bowling almost six years ago is suing the club for damages.

Jye Parker, who was 23 at the time and worked as a barman at the Delaney Hotel, had been asked to help set up a beer keg on the night of October 10 2014.

He'd removed a gas fitting to change a hose and was testing the system when the keg exploded, leaving him with an amputated left arm.

Last year, Mr Parker received $100,000 in costs after suing Carlton and United Breweries claiming the keg was over-pressurised - the company was found to be not negligent.

He's also seeking $2.7million in damages from the club for future medical costs including the cost of fitting a prosthetic arm, claiming the club owed him a duty of care.

The club argues Mr Parker contributed to his injury by activating a gas bottle without first fitting a regulator.

A seven-day hearing is due to start on September 21.

Jye Parker is seeking $2.7 million to pay for future medical costs Picture therherald.com.au

More than 20 Break and Entries in Hunter Valley Wine Country

BY ALEX MURRAY

Over the past month, the Hunter Valley Wine country has been the victim of mass break-ins with over 20 businesses affected including restaurants, retail stores and cellars.

The spike in incidents have left the community vulnerable and are seriously damaging to their business, the safety of their employees and for owners who are left with large costs in damages.

One woman has already been arrested but it is made clear to police from CCTV footage and comments from members of the community, these investigations are still ongoing.

Businesses including Sadler's Creek Wines, Hunter Valley Smelly Cheese Shop and Buon Cibo Ristorante are among the targetted with break-ins and thefts causing major inconvenience.

Central Hunter crime manager, George Radmore says they're working hard to investigate a number of suspects but they're always looking for more information and urge the community to contact Crime Stoppers.

"It's concerning for any home or business who are victims of break-in style offences and certainly something the police and the community are working to be stopped."