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.

Former Employee Charged Over Alleged $40,000 Fraud

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

A man will face court next month accused of defrauding a Broadmeadow business of almost $40,000.

Last month, detectives began investigating a number of alleged fraudulent transactions conducted at a Lang Street business over the 12 month period from September 2018 to September 2019.

 A 48-year-old man presented to Newcastle Police Station on Wednesday following extensive inquiries.

The former employee of the business is accused of fraudulently obtaining just over $38, 620.

The man has been charged with stealing more than $15,000 as a clerk or servant and dishonestly obtaining property by deception. 

He was granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Local Court on November 28.

Footage Released in Broadmeadow Break-In Investigation

BY MADELAINE MCNEILL

CCTV footage has been released as detectives work to track down two men who broke into a Broadmeadow home and assaulted a man two months ago.

Around midday on July 11, the men forced entry into a unit in a complex on the corner of Young Road and Market Street where they attacked the 31-year-old occupant before fleeing the scene.

Later that day, the injured man presented to John Hunter Hospital with head injuries and police were notified. He has since been released from hospital.

Strike Force Raptor North detectives have now released footage and images of two men they believe can assist with inquiries.

Both men are depicted as being of solid and medium build, wearing high-visibility clothing and dark caps.

Detectives are also appealing for information about a silver Toyota Camry seen in the area at the time of the incident.

Anyone with information, including relevant photos and videos, can report it directly to the Strike Force via the online reporting page.

The footage is available on the 2nurfm Hunter News Facebook page.

Man Off to Newcastle Court after a Breaking into an Islington Home

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man has been charged after an alleged break and enter in Islington overnight.

Police say at about 1am a man broke into a home in Anderton Street and stole a handbag, wallet, car keys and Nissan Navara 4WD which was parked outside.

Officers from Newcastle City Local Area Command commenced an investigation and found the vehicle on Young Road, Broadmeadow.

The 33-year-old almost escaped the clutches of police after a short foot pursuit nearby.

He's been charged with aggravated break and enter, take and drive conveyance, goods in custody, and breach of bail. He was also refused bail.

The man faces Newcastle Local Court today.

Police on the Hunt for Trio Wanted on Outstanding Warrants

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Police are on the hunt for three people who are on the run wanted on outstanding warrants.

The first is Tiana Hewitson who is wanted in relation to an outstanding arrest warrant relating to deception offenses.

It's the second time police have appealed for public assistance to find the 22-year-old.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 150-155cm tall, with a fair complexion, dyed hair and a thin build. She's known to frequent Newcastle areas including Hamilton, Hamilton South, The Hill, Broadmeadow and Gateshead.

Tiana Hewitson Image NSW Police

The other pair are two men - 34-year-old Jacob Toleafoa who is wanted in relation to two outstanding arrest warrants relating to deception, drug and malicious damage charges. The other man, 39-year-old Solomon Siulai is wanted for an outstanding arrest warrant relating to aggravated break and enter and steal from dwelling charges.

Both men are described as being Pacific Islander/Maori in appearance. The 34-year-old is
170cm-175cm tall, with an olive complexion, black hair and a large build. He is known to frequent the Newcastle area, including Hamilton and Hamilton South.

The 39-year-old is 185cm-190cm tall, with dark/greying hair and a medium build. He is known to frequent the Newcastle area, including Waratah, Mayfield, Hamilton South and Lake Macquarie area.

Anyone who sees any of the trio is urged to contact police immediately by calling Triple Zero (000), Crime Stoppers or Newcastle Police Station on (02) 4929 0999

Jacob Toleafoa Image NSW Police

Solomon Siulai Image NSW Police

Drugs, Cash And Weapons Seized During Raid On Broadmeadow Home

BY IAN CROUCH

A woman is due to face court today after police found drugs, cash and weapons during a raid on a Broadmeadow home.

Officers searched the Young Road property yesterday afternoon and allegedly uncovered more than $15,500 in cash, a small amount of the drug Ice, a taser and tools believed to be stolen.

The 44-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Newcastle City Police Station where she was charged with supply prohibited drug (indictable quantity), possess prohibited drug, goods in custody (x 2), possess prohibited weapon and deal with property proceeds of crime.

She was refused bail and will appear in Newcastle Local Court today (Tuesday 24 October 2017).