Man Charged over String of Newcastle Assaults

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man is due to face court accused of robbing and assaulting a number of people, including a police officer, across Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.

The 25-year-old is accused of threatening and demanding cash from a man on Brown Road, Broadmeadow around 1pm, before forcing him to the ground and stealing a mobile phone, a pair of glasses, headphones and a powerbank.

About five minutes later, police say the same man entered a store on nearby Belford Street, where he allegedly grabbed a 44-year-old woman and forced her to the ground.

A struggle ensured and the man fled the scene.

Police allege the man approached a car on Church Street, Mayfield, an hour later and assaulted a man sitting in the passenger seat while demanding cash and the keys to the car.

Officers were called to the scene and managed to arrest the man after a short foot chase, during which a male constable was spat at.

The man has been charged with aggravated robbery, common assault, aggravated assault with intent to rob and assaulting a police officer.

Police Investigate String of Violent Hamilton Robberies

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

Police are investigating several violent robberies across Hamilton which are believed to be linked.

In the first of five similar incidents to have occurred in less than two weeks, a 21-year-old man was assaulted at 3:30 in the morning on Saturday, September 14th, by two men who proceeded to steal his wallet and mobile phone.

The robbery occurred at the corner of May Street and Maitland Road, Islington, not far from Hamilton's popular Beaumont Street entertainment precinct.

The following morning, a 55-year-old man and his 27-year-old son were walking home through Gregson Park around 1am when two unknown men threatened and assaulted them, inflicting a head wound to the younger man and knocking his father unconscious for a short period of time.

Three more attacks were reported during the early hours of Saturday and Sunday, September 21st and 22nd.

On Saturday, a 29-year-old man was assaulted by four men as he left work around 1:30 in the morning.

An hour later, two men were attacked and robbed by three unknown men as they walked through Gregson Park.

At 1:30am on Sunday, a woman was approached from behind by two men attempting to steal her handbag at the intersection of Cleary and Samdon Streets. The would-be thieves were unsuccesful and fled empty handed.

Detectives believe the incidents are linked and have released images of three men they believe can assist with investigations.

All are described as being Caucasian in appearance, aged between 18-25, and wearing dark clothing at the time of the attacks.

Newcastle City Police District Crime Manager, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Parker, said it was concerning these incidents occurred in such a short period of time.

“These crimes appear opportunistic in nature, and we intend to find those responsible in a swift manner."


Anyone who believes they have information which could help detectives track down the thieves is urged to contact Newcastle Police Station on 4929 0999 or to call Crime Stoppers.

Growing Concerns Over Hamilton Crime Rate

BY TYLER FARDELL

Hamilton shop and business owners are becoming more and more concerned over the increasing crime in the area following a number of break-ins and armed robberies.

Residents affected have called on the government to do more as they feel they have been completely ignored.

The increasing crime is largely due to the governments decision to terminate the Newcastle train line at Hamilton station.

Shadow Minister for Small Businesses Jenny Aitchison and State Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp met with local shop owners today to discuss their concerns.

Mr Crakanthorp said the situation was not acceptable and called on Minister for Justice and Police, Troy Grant to do more

"The Hamilton business owners are concerned about their business and in turn, their future. The Minister should visit with them and take their concerns on board".

Jenny Aitchison and Tim Crakanthorp meeting with Hamilton Business owners