Michael Diamond Cleared of Firearm Offences

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Former Olympic shooter Michael Diamond has been cleared of all three firearm offences in court this morning.

The 45-year-old was appealing a 10-year ban from holding a gun license after shotgun components and ammunition were found in his car at Shoal Bay last year during a roadside breath test.

The appeal judge had queried firearm convictions against the former Olympic shooter, noting the shotgun was stored safely in a gun case at the time it was found.

Judge Roy Ellis said in court this morning Michael Diamond's gun was in a gun case, not assembled and was incapable of firing, therefore quashing the crown's case.

Michael Diamond said he was glad to see common sense had prevailed on his case and says it would be great to resume life back in the sport he grew up with.

He was also charged with high range drink driving at the same time last year, but the court heard he wouldn't be appealing the conviction.

Michael Diamond and his partner leaving Newcastle District Court. Image Jarrod Melmeth

Shoal Bay Beach Closures

by MATT JOHNSTON

Swimmers on the Tomaree Peninsula are warned that Shoal Bay Beach is currently closed. A storm-water drain was blocked, which caused a waste-water to spill into the ocean.

NSW Health and the Environmental Protection Authority were notified, later putting up no swim signs. Environmental officers are on site monitoring the situation.

Hunter Water has since stopped the backup of waste-water, meaning conditions should start to improve before too long.

As of yet, there is no information on when the beach will re-open.

Photo - VisitNSW

Court for a man found with a pistol

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A 22-year-old man is due to face court next month after police allegedly found an unregistered pistol in his car at Shoal Bay over the weekend.

Just after 2:30am on Saturday morning, officers were patrolling Shoal Bay Road when they stopped Mazda station wagon for a random breath test.

The driver returned a negative result, however, officers say they found an air pistol when they searched him.

He was taken to Nelson Bay Police Station and charged with possession of an unregistered pistol.

He's been granted conditional bail, to face Raymond Terrace Court on July 10.

Unprovoked police attack in Shoal Bay

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A 19-year-old man will face court next month accused of savagely assaulting a police officer at Shoal Bay on Friday night.

Officers were patrolling Shoal Bay Road when they noticed a man talking to a woman.

But when the 54-year-old police sergeant approached to speak to the man about his behaviour, it's alleged he became aggressive and without provocation, punched the officer in the head.

Both fell to the ground in a violent struggle.

Another officer came to assist but it's believed an unknown male became involved and allegedly kicked the sergeant in the head while he was on the ground and then fled the area.

Assisted by nearby security officers, the 19-year-old man was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The sergeant was treated for a concussion and an arm injury in the Mater Hospital and is now on sick leave - the other officer wasn't injured.

The 19-year-old was granted conditional bail and will face court 19 June.