Pair Charged Over Teen Sex Assault at Nelson Bay

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police have charged two men over the alleged sexual touching of a teenager at Nelson Bay.

Investigations began in May in response to reports a 14-year-old girl had been sexually touched by two men she did not know.

On Monday afternoon, Port Stephens Hunter Police officers arrested a 36-year-old Salt Ash man.

It follows the arrest of a 31-year-old man at Port Macquarie last month.

Both men have been charged with three counts of intentionally sexually touching a child between the ages of 10 and 16.

It's alleged the pair sexually touched the teenager at a public toiler near Victoria Parade, Nelson Bay, in February this year.

The Salt Ash man was refused bail and is due to face Maitland Local Court on Tuesday.

The younger man faced court after his arrest and was granted strict conditional bail to reappear at Port Macquarie Local Court next month.

Fatal Crash on Cessnock Road

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

One person has died and another is in hospital following a serious crash at Maitland during the early hours of Friday morning.

Around 2:30am, emergency services responded to reports a Kia Rio and a Ford Falcon sedan had collided head-on while travelling on Cessnock Road.

The driver of the Kia, a woman believed to be aged in her 50s, died at the scene and is yet to be formally identified.

The male driver of the Ford sustained a back injury in the crash and has been taken to hospital for treatment.

While in hospital the man, also believed to be in his 50s, will undergo mandatory testing.

Both drivers were the sole occupants of their vehicles.

Port Stephens Hunter police are working with Newcastle's Crash Investigation Unit to investigate the circumstances of the crash and a report will be prepared for the coroner.

At 5:45am,Cessnock Road remained closed in both directions between the New England Highway and Gillieston Road as officers examine the scene.

Police Search for Males After Teen Assaulted

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Detectives are appealing for information following the alleged assault and sexual touching of a teenage girl at Thornton last month.

Police have been told the 13-year-old was followed by a group of six males as she walked along Thomas Coke Drive at about 4:45pm on Thursday, July 4th.

Officers heard the males, described as being in their late teens and riding BMX pushbikes, pushed the girl to the ground and assaulted her near the intersection at John Arthur Avenue.

The victim further disclosed one of the males sexually touched her before she was able to run away.

Anyone who may have seen the incident is urged to come forward.

Police would like to hear from a man with dark hair and a long, well-kept beard, aged in his 40s or 50s, who was seen walking his dog near the Alan & Don Lawrence Oval close to the time the incident occurred.

He was walking a brown Border Collie cross German Sheppard.

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man Arrested Over Loaded Pistol, Drug Supply

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A Lemon Tree Passage man has faced court after police located drugs, cash and a number of prohibited weapons during a vehicle search.

Just before 1 o’clock yesterday morning police stopped a Hyundai sedan in Tanilba Bay and searched the car after they became suspicious.

Officers allege they located a loaded pistol, a set of knuckle dusters and a knife, as well as a  traffickable quantity of the drug ICE and $1800 cash.

A 38-year-old male passenger in the car was arrested by police and charged with Possess Unregistered Pistol; Supply Prohibited Drug; Deal in the Proceeds of Crime; Custody of a Prohibited Weapon; and Possess Knife in Public Place.

The man was refused bail to appear in court yesterday where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Raymond Terrace Local Court on May 6th.

The female driver of the car was released without charge.