Newcastle Teen To Face Court Accused of Threatening Service Station Staff with a Gun

BY IAN CROUCH and JESSICA ROUSE

A Newcastle teenager will front a Children's Court today after threatening staff at an Adamstown service station.

At about 11:10am on Saturday (9th September) the 17-year-old went into a service station on Glebe Road and became involved in an altercation with a staff member, throwing a cup of coffee at the employee.

The situation escalated quickly when the teenager retrieved a pistol from his car and allegedly threatened staff members who retreated inside the store.

After kicking the front doors of the store the teenager, and two of his friends, left in his car.

At about 11:30 last night, the teenager attended Newcastle Police Station with the remains of the replica firearm which had been smashed.

He was arrested and later charged with multiple offences including being armed with intent to commit indictable offence, common assault, possess unauthorised firearm and traffic offences.

The teen was refused bail.

Attempted armed robbery at Greta

BY JESSICA ROUSE

While a man heads to Singleton Local Court today for an alleged armed robbery in Muswellbrook, police are investigating another alleged armed robbery in Greta.

At about 8:30pm last night an unknown man entered a service station on High Street where, armed with a knife, he approached two employees and demanded money.

One of the employees approached the man and there was an altercation.

No one was injured and the man fled empty handed in a Holden utility.

A short time later the car was found abandoned on Water Street, Greta. Police searched the car finding a knife which is allegedly the same knife used during the incident. The knife and the car was seized and is undergoing forensic investigation.

Hunter Valley officers are calling for anyone with any information to come forward and contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Hunter independent service stations should expect a visit from SafeWork

BY JARROD MELMETH

The New South Wales Government has today launched a project aimed at educating independently-owned service stations in regional NSW, including the Hunter on safety and workers compensation, as well as obtaining fuel pricing information.

The project is in response to recent SafeWork research that found small, independently-owned service stations lack understanding of work health and safety in relation to storage, handling and use of dangerous goods, as well as safety and emergency plans.

Director North Region SafeWork NSW, Laurence Ritchie says Hunter service station owners should expect a visit.

"It's quite possible that there will be visits across the Hunter Region, but that will not be in the Greater Metropolitan area.

"The Hunter Region itself is quite broad and we will be looking to go to service stations that out lie the Hunter area," Mr Ritchie said.

SafeWork NSW Group Director, Regional Operations and Sector Initiatives, Tony Williams said the project was about increasing the ability of service stations in regional NSW to work safely and more productively.

"Due to their isolation, small independently-owned service stations in regional NSW have received less frequent assistance in the past.

"By Supporting them to understand their work health and safety, workers compensation and trading obligations, workers will be safer and consumers better protected," Mr Williams said.

During visits, SafeWork inspectors will advise local operators how to comply with dangerous goods regulations and ensure they have adequate and up to date safety and emergency plans.

"We've worked with stakeholders who have supported us going out," Mr Ritchie said.

Operators that receive a visit may be eligible to claim a $500 rebate from SafeWork NSW, to put towards the purchase and installation of eligible safety items that address a safety problem.

Police Investigating Maryville Armed Robbery

BY GEORGIA LUPTON

A Maryville service station has been the target of an armed robbery overnight.

Three juveniles, described as being in their mid to late teens, reportedly entered the service station on Hannell Street.

They approached the counter where one of the teenagers threatened the employee with a knife and demanded money.

Meanwhile, the two other juveniles stole items from the store.

The three then left the store with cash and merchandise and were last seen heading in a southerly direction on foot.

Police from Newcastle City Local Area Command attended the scene and are now conducting investigations and inquiries.

One of the offenders was last seen wearing a dark coloured hooded jumper, while the other two were last seen wearing lighter hooded jumpers.

Anyone with information is being encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.