Nabbed While Napping: Alleged Offender Found Sleeping in Stolen Car

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A Hunter parolee is likely wishing he was dreaming after being discovered fast asleep inside a stolen car.

Shortly after 7 o'clock Monday morning, the 21-year-old was woken by police investigating reports a stolen Mazda 3 was parked on Mordue Parade at Jesmond.

He was found asleep, wearing gloves, in the front seat of the car.

Police arrested the man and seized three knives, multiple sets of gloves and a face mask from his pockets.

The Rutherford man, who was on parole and already on conditional bail for a separate offence, was refused bail to face court on Monday charged with three offences.

Police say the car was stolen during a break and enter on Kitchener Parade at The Hill on Friday night.

Investigations into the break and enter incident are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Newcastle Police 4929 0999 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Several People Rescued As Fire Engulfs Unit Block At The Hill

BY IAN CROUCH

Nine people have been rescued after fire engulfed a unit block at The Hill on Wednesday night.

Firefighters were called to the two storey public housing complex in Newcomen Street just before 8.30pm to find a ground floor unit well alight.

Several people were trapped in the units above as thick smoke and flames engulfed the building with residents heard screaming for help.

Dozens of firefighters from the across the city responded to the blaze.

A woman who suffered a cut to her hand and smoke inhalation was taken to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The ground floor unit was destroyed while several units above sustained fire damage and were heavily impacted by smoke and heat.

Police are treating the fire as suspicious, with a 30-year-old woman arrested on unrelated matters.

Fire Crews At The Scene Of The Fire Picture: theherald.com.au