Maitland Contract Cleaner Facing Court Over Alleged $160K Art Theft

BY IAN CROUCH

A Maitland man is due to face court today accused of stealing $160,000 worth of artwork taken from the scene of a fatal fire on the Central Coast last year.

Respected artist, 69-year-old Patrick Carroll was trapped and perished in the blaze in his studio at The Entrance in October 2019.

A 13-year-old boy is before the courts charged with manslaughter for allegedly setting fire to a lounge outside the studio which ultimately caused Mr Carroll's death.

Police allege a contract cleaner hired to clean the fire-affected studio stole 87 artworks painted by Mr Carroll valued at more than $160,000.

Following extensive inquiries, police searched a unit on High Street, Maitland on Thursday 14 May.

The search allegedly uncovered an air rifle, a pen gun, an electronic stun device, ammunition and prohibited drugs. Investigators also seized 87 artworks which have since been returned to members of Mr Carroll's family.

A 50-year-old man has been charged with 10 offences including larceny, firearms offences and drug possession and will face Wyong Local Court today (Tuesday 2 June, 2020).

Artist Patrick Carroll died in a blaze at his Central Coast studio

Police Operation Targeting Patrons and Operators at Hunter Pubs Launches Today

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A month long high visibility police operation ensuring social distancing and Public Health Order compliance at licensed venues across the Hunter is beginning on Monday.

From Monday June 1st, Operation Pariac will see a high police presence across regional areas in Northern, Southern and Western NSW, following the easing of restrictions in licensed premises.

Police will also be targeting alcohol-related crime, including assaults, anti-social behaviour and public order incidents.

Operation Pariac Commander, Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM, said as restrictions continue to ease, venues and patrons need to be aware of their responsibilities to maintain a COVID-safe environment.

“From today, the movement of people across the state will start to increase dramatically, as thousands of people head to regional communities to inject much needed tourism dollars.

“Police will be conducting random checks and patrols of licensed venues throughout our regions, with the ability for resources to be shared amongst police districts where the demand is needed – particularly across the Queen’s Birthday long weekend."

“Operation Pariac, as part of a Vikings operation, will see officers working closely with industry and business owners to ensure they are able to operate safe environments for their customers, while making the public feel confident about returning to a COVID-safe venue.

“Whether you’re heading to a winery in the Hunter Valley, a bar at Byron Bay, a pub on the bushfire-hit South Coast, or an RSL in drought-impacted areas out west – licensees and patrons alike need to be aware of their surroundings and the strict rules which now apply,” Assistant Commissioner Mitchell said.

     Assistant Commissioner Max Mitchell APM 

State Government Commits to Boosting Maitland Public Transport

By Samantha Cooke

Residents of Maitland can look forward to more efficient public transport with the NSW Government agreeing to review current transport activity, with plans to make available more and better bus routes for the local community.

As part of their election promise, the Government will introduce 14,000 additional weekly services across NSW, announcing the fast-growing area of Chisholm as part of their plans.

After writing to the Minister of Regional Transport and Roads on behalf of Chisholm mother-of-three Sandy Freeman - one of many parents in the area whose family desperately needs improved services, Maitland MP, Jenny Aitchison is happy with the Government's response, saying it is a great step forward.

“I’ve been advised by the office of the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads that the NSW Government has made a four-year commitment to introduce 14,000 additional weekly services across NSW, and enhancements to route 189 are part of that commitment,” Ms Aitchison said.

“That election promise is almost a year-and-a-half old now and it’s time for the Minister to deliver.”

Contacting Ms Aitchison in May, Ms Freeman, who is a mother of twins who have special needs, raised concerns that a bus trip required her children to face a long, difficult, distressing and dangerous walk halfway across Harvest Estate after school.

“My children have started at Metford Public School,” Ms Freeman said. “We are not entitled to any drive-to-school funding because their disabilities are not severe enough, and we aren’t funded by the transport subsidy because, as the crow flies, we are too close to the school.

“And that measurement does not take into account that there is a railway line between school and home with no pedestrian access.”

With more time passing from the election, Ms Aitchison pushed forward the case saying the Government had sufficient time to make preparations and the community now demands for action.

“The Government went to the last election promising extra services across the state if they were elected, and Route 189 was one of those listed for additional funding,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Maitland’s incredible growth rate demands that the NSW Government continually monitor and assess available bus services to ensure they are meeting the community’s needs”, she said.

There is no set time period given from the Government as of yet but Ms Aitchison said it is a great step forward to have them agree to get started.

                                          Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison with Sandy Freeman, and her Children Dylan and Taylah 

Woman Facing Serious Charges Over Crash At Jewells

BY IAN CROUCH

A 60-year-old woman from Chain Valley Bay is facing a string of charges over a bad crash at Jewells earlier this year which has left an elderly woman still fighting for her life.

The two women were critically injured when their cars collided at the intersection on Ntaba Road and the Pacific Highway on March 25.

The younger woman was released from hospital and has now been charged with 5 offences including, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm, drive while using a mobile phone and driving with illicit drug present in blood.

She's been granted conditional bail to face Newcastle Local Court on July 30.

A 73-year-old woman from Jewells is being treated for spinal, head and internal injuries.

BREAKING! Driver Seriously Injured In Adamstown Heights Crash

BY IAN CROUCH

A man has suffered serious injures in a crash at Adamstown Heights early today.

Emergency services were called to the single vehicle crash on Brunker Road at 12.47am on Monday, arriving to find the man, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, with a serious leg injury.

He was taken to the John Hunter Hospital.

The police crash investigation unit is looking into the circumstances leading up to the crash.

The Police Rescue Squad is still at the scene providing lighting for crash investigators and there are traffic diversions in place.

House Destroyed In Suspicious Fire At Muswellbrook

BY IAN CROUCH

A fire which destroyed a house at Muswellbrook overnight is being treated as suspicious.

Emergency services were called to the single storey brick and tile home on Wybong Way just before 9.30pm on Sunday to find flames through the roof.

3 Fire and Rescue crews from Aberdeen and Muswellbrook and a crew from the Edinglassie RFS took about an hour and a half to extinguish and mop up the blaze.

No-one was injured.

Meanwhile crews were also called to a truck fire on Maitland Street at Muswellbrook just before 2.00am on Monday.

Newcastle Fire Command says the fire was contained to the engine bay of the prime mover.

Firefighters tackle the blaze in Wybong Road at Muswellbrook Pictures: Muswellbrook Fire & Rescue

BREAKING! Bandits Hold Up Wallsend Service Station

BY IAN CROUCH

Police are investigating an armed robbery on a service station at Wallsend.

Police say two men armed with baseball bats entered the BP outlet on Newcastle Road at about 4.15am on Monday and threatened the console operator.

It's understood the pair escaped with a small amount of cash and cigarettes.

A crime scene has been set up as investigations continue.

More to come.