Police Ramp up Investigations Into Sexual Assault in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Lake Macquarie Local Area Command has stepped up their investigations into sexual assault in the Hunter region.

Police have launched Strike Force Geelan to investigate the sexual and indecent assault of women.

It comes after a Gateshead photographer was arrested and charged for allegedly sexually assaulting women who modelled for him in his studio between 2012 and June this year. 

Police say they seized 300,000 images from the 54-year-old of which the majority were of an explicit nature. He is now before the courts.


Officers would like to speak with anyone who believes they may be able to assist with the investigation.

Fair Work Ombudsman takes action against Fletcher sushi operator

BY JARROD MELMETH

The Fair Work Ombudsman has commenced legal action against a number of Tokyo Sushi outlets, including the one at Fletcher, for allegedly underpaying seven workers more than $22,000 between January and September 2016.

Facing the Federal Circuit Court is Kiyoshi Hasegawa, who is involved in operating a number of Tokyo Sushi outlets in NSW and was allegedly involved in underpaying a total of 31 workers engaged across three outlets in the Newcastle and Central Coast regions. 

Inspectors allege during an audit of the Fletcher outlet as part of a routine proactive compliance activity, 15 workers were found to be underpaid a total of $22,567.

It is not the first time a Tokyo Sushi outlet in the Hunter has shortchanged staff, with one former employee telling 2NURFM they have allegedly been underpaid thousands of dollars.

Fair Work Ombudsman Natalie James alleges that many of the underpaid employees were more vulnerable to exploitation in the workplace with seven employees at the Fletcher store were allegedly aged between 16 and 20.

“Employers should be aware that we treat the underpayment of young and overseas workers particularly seriously.

“Young workers and workers from migrant backgrounds can be more vulnerable to exploitation as they are often reluctant to complain or are less aware of their rights.

“My agency is committed to sending a message to all business operators that anyone who attempts to capitalise on these vulnerabilities can expect to face serious enforcement action,” Ms James said.

Image source: Tripadvisor

House Explosion at Aberdare

A husband and wife have managed to escape unharmed after an explosion occurred in their house at Aberdare this morning.

Police and fire crews were called to the Rawson Street property at about 2.30 where the couple had managed to extinguish a fire sparked by the blast.

Acting Inspector Jerry Bowden says there is reports that a motor vehicle was heard leaving the area at that time.

"While forensic services are currently on scene, Police are certainly treating it as suspicious," he says.

The couple was called in to the local police station for questioning.

Bowden says further investigation is required to figure the extent of the damage and possible motive for the attack.