Identity of man shot dead in Cooks Hill released

BY JARROD MELMETH

Police have released the identify of the man who was fatally shot in Cooks Hill last Thursday.

40-year-old Wesley Prentice from Rutherford was gunned down inside a unit on Darby Street.

Police are continuing their investigations and are asking for assistance from the public and anyone who may have dashcam footage from Darby Street and nearby Parkway Avenue, Tooke and Brooks Streets about 12:45pm last Thursday.

Members of the public say they saw two people - a man and a woman - running from the scene at the time of the incident.

Superintendent Wayne Humphrey says police have had a good response from the public with information about the incident and the postmortem is being undertaken on Monday. 

Pictured: Superintendent Wayne Humphrey speaking to the
 media this morning.

Man Arrested Twice in One Day over Bail, Weapon Offences

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A senior member of the Rebels outlaw bikie gang has been charged with drug and weapon offences after detectives seized items from a home at Rutherford.

Just after 5:30 Thursday morning, Strike Force Raptor North detectives stopped the 45-year-old man on Young Street and arrested him for allegedly breaching his bail.

The man appeared at Maitland Local Court later that day, where he was released on conditional bail.

Detectives conducted a Firearms Prohibition Order search at a Rutherford home shortly after, seizing several items including a push dagger, a sheath knife, a disguised electronic control device, an extendable baton and Rebels OMCG colours.

Investigators also seized a crystal substance suspected to be methylamphetamine, prescribed restricted substances and 20 drums of diesel believed to being stolen.

The man was re-arrested at the scene and taken to Maitland Police Station, where he was charged with offences relating to the possession and use of a prohibited weapon, drug possession, and possession of stolen goods.

The man was again refused bail to face court on Friday.

Rutherford Man Charged in $140 Million Drug Bust

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL AND IAN CROUCH

A Rutherford man has been charged with drug offences after border force investigators intercepted a $140 million dollar drug shipment from Spain.

Border Force officers searched a container listed as a consignment of shampoo and found 49 boxes containing bags of a brown crystalline substance and blocks of white powder.

Forensic tests confirmed positive results for MDMA and cocaine.

In all, 312 kilograms of cocaine was found with estimated potential street value of  $93.6 million and 236 kilograms of MDMA worth as much as $47.2 million on the streets.

The 33-year-old man was arrested outside a storage unit at Cromer in Sydney's Northern Beaches on Monday.

He's been charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited drug and granted conditional bail to face Manly Local Court on July 8.

Meanwhile, investigations continue into the importation of the drugs.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Boxes of "Shampoo" Contained $140 million dollars worth of drugs. Image: NSW Police Media

The Tap Water in Maitland Has Turned a bit... Brown.

BY JESSICA ROUSE

If you've turned your tap on in some parts of the Hunter after a fresh glass of water over the last few days and been left disappointed getting a dirty glass instead - you're not alone.

Hunter Water has confirmed they've been receiving calls from residents in the wider Maitland area including Rutherford, Telarah, Gillieston Heights and Greta who have discoloured tap water.

The extreme heat we've been experiencing is being blamed for the discolouration. Hunter Water says the heat has put a high demand on the utility's system in recent days and as a result of the increased water flow natural sediment from the bottom of the pipes has dislodged, changing the appearance of the water.

"Hunter Water apologises to customers who might be experiencing an issue with discoloured water in the wider Maitland area over the last couple of days. Discoloured water is usually an aesthetic, rather than a health issue but people should avoid drinking the water if it is discoloured," said Kieran Smith from Hunter Water.

While the colour may be off-putting, it isn't a huge health concern.

"It's usually only a very temporary problem but to help customers, can first try clearing the water by turning the tap on for a full few minutes to flush their plumbing but if the water remains discoloured its best to ring our 24-hour emergency line on 1300 657 000 so we can send a technician to flush the mains in the street," said Kieran Smith.

Robert Todd Beefy on Facebook "Anyone having dirty
cold water through their taps?"

Police Investigations Continue After Woman Hit by Taxi in Rutherford

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are still investigating whether or not they will lay charges against a female taxi driver after a woman was struck by the taxi she was driving.

Police say at about 7:50am yesterday morning emergency services were called to the car park of a shopping centre in Rutherford in West Mall following reports a woman had been hit by a taxi.

The woman, aged in her 60s, was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

The 42-year-old driver was taken to Maitland Hospital for mandatory tests.

Officers from Central Hunter Local Area Command established a crime scene and continue to investigate.

Anyone with information is being urged to come forward.

Man Arrested After Pursuit At Rutherford

BY IAN CROUCH

A pursuit has ended with the arrest of a man at Rutherford.

Patrolling police attempted to stop a Ford Falcon for a Random Breath Test on the New England Highway at 1.50am on Friday, but the driver sped off.

The officers gave chase, with the Falcon allegedly clocked at 120 kilometres per hour in an 80 zone.

The pursuit ended about 10 minutes later when the car pulled into a driveway.

A man in his 40's was arrested - he's expected to be charged with Skyes Law (failing to Stop) and disqualified driving.

Alleged Head of Hunter Drug Syndicate Facing Trial

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A Raymond Terrace man has been committed to face trial on 35 drug and firearm related offences.

Jason Christopher Gibson, the alleged head of a Hunter drug and firearm syndicate, has been in Cessnock Correctional Centre since he was arrested during a police raid in November last year.

Detectives say he and his associates consorted with outlaw motorcycle gangs including the Nomads and Finks.

It's also alleged the 24-year-old tried to supply drugs and firearms to an undercover officer at a fast food restaurant in Rutherford in August last year.

Detectives from Strike Force Wilwendam swooped on homes in Gillieston Heights, Rutherford, Telarah and Raymond Terrace last November, arresting five people including Jason Christopher Gibson, and allegedly seized a shotgun, ammunition and a quantity of drugs.

The 24-year-old heads back to Newcastle District Court next month to formally enter his pleas.

Image abc.net.au

Two in hospital after an accident in Rutherford

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Two people have been taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition after a three car smash near Rutherford this morning.

Emergency services were called to the New England Highway near Rutherford airport just before 8am.

Two of the drivers - aged 39 and 33 - were taken to hospital with chest pains.

The third driver was treated at the scene.

Woman collides with parked cars in Rutherford

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are investigating how a 30-year-old woman managed to collide with several parked cars in Rutherford overnight.

Police were called to Alexandra Avenue at about 11pm where they found a woman who was allegedly doing 60km/hr when she slammed into the cars.

She was taken to hospital for drug and alcohol testing.

The woman has since been released.

Residents still without the NBN

BY JESSICA ROUSE and GEORGIA LUPTON

Paterson MP Meryl Swanson is calling on the NBNCo to explain why some homes in Rutherford and Aberglassyn have been left out of the NBN rollout. 

The suburb went live on the network six months ago, but 150 homes were left out, and they want to know why.

Residents were urged to contact NBNCo directly to get accurate and individualised information, however when they did, they didn't get any of the answers they wanted.

Ms Swanson's office has been flooded with residents telling her they aren't getting the answers they need and they don't understand why.

Ms Swanson says in this technological age, it is ridiculous some residents have been left behind, while those in other areas strive ahead.

"You've got people who are trying to run small businesses from home, you've got students, kids going back to school hoping they'll get the NBN so they'll be able to download their homework and upload stuff they need to send back to school and they just can't do it. it's hopeless."

Hunter Man Allegedly Buys Illegal Drugs with Stolen Meat

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

In an unusual trade, a Hunter man has allegedly used stolen meat to purchase illegal drugs.

The 27-year-old allegedly stole 16 meat products worth $253 and 3 cooler bags from a Rutherford supermarket.

Police analysed CCTV footage which led them to an Alexandra Avenue, Rutherford address.

Police attended the residence where the man was arrested, who then allegedly admitted to trading the stolen meat for cannabis.

The cooler bags were found at the property.

The offender was taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with trespassing and theft.

He was granted conditional bail and is expected to appear at Maitland Local Court on the 16th of January.

The man has reportedly been banned from the same supermarket chain's Tamworth store due to an alleged theft.

Charges laid over raids across the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The mystery police presence in the Hunter was solved late yesterday with police charging five associates of the Nomads and Finks bikie gangs, after raids across the Hunter before 9am.

Five search warrents were carried out yesterday at properties in Gillieston Heights, Raymond Terrace, Rutherford and two homes in Telarah, which lead to the arrests of five associates of the bikie gangs.

A 23-year old Raymond Terrace man has been charged with 61 offenses including multiple offenses of firearm trafficking and drug offenses. He refused bail to appear in Maitland Local Court today.

A 26-year old Gillieston Heights man was also arrested and charged with 28 offenses to appear in Raymond Terrace Local Court today. A 27-year old Rutherford man has been charged with three offenses including two drug charges and knowingly participating in a criminal group. He was granted conditional bail to appear in Maitland Local Court in December.

Two women were also arrested and charged - a 31 and 32 year old both from Telarah, who will appear in Raymond Terrace and Maitland Local Courts, respectively, today.

The properties were searched and police seized two firearms including a loaded sawn-off shot gun found at the Gillieston Heights property, more than $150, 000 cash, ammunition and electronic stun devices as well as cannabis, methylamphetamine ('ice'), steroids and MDMA. All of which will undergo forensic examination.

The State Crime Command's Gangs Squad Strike Force Wilwendam was established earlier this year to investigate organised crime activity in the Hunter in conjunction with Port Stephens, Central Hunter and Newcastle City Local Area Commands.

Suspicious Substance Seized At Rutherford

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have uncovered what's believed to be methamphetamine in a car at Rutherford.

Officers allegedly found a bag on the back seat of the vehicle with 53 grams of a substance, which is now being tested, after spotting a driver acting suspiciously near the New England Highway yesterday afternoon.

Police say if the tests confirm that the substance is methamphetamine, it could have a street value of between $15,000 and $20,000.

A 38-year-old woman and a 53-year-old man inside the car have been questioned, but no charges have been laid at this stage.
 

Rutherford woman arrested

BY JARROD MELMETH

A 24-year-old Rutherford woman has been charged with drug supply after being found with 38.8 grams of contraband.

The woman was at Golburn Correctional Centre when a Correctives Services drug-detection dog made the discovery.

The woman was then arrested and taken to Golburn Police Station.

Man Arrested Over Roadside Bashing At Rutherford

BY IAN CROUCH

 Central Hunter police expect to lay charges over a savage roadside bashing at Rutherford.

Police say a number of female motorists noticed a man punching a woman in the head several times by the side of the New England Highway at about 2.30 this morning.

They tried to intervene but were unsuccessful, with the man allegedly dragging the woman up a nearby lane way.

A two-hour search involving the dog squad led officers to a Rutherford address where they found the man and the victim.

He was arrested, while the woman, although badly injured, refused treatment and was taken to a safe location.