Police Search For Street Gang After Random Bashing In Newcastle

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for witnesses after two men were brutally bashed by a gang of thugs in Newcastle last night.

The pair, aged 32 and 30 were walking west along Hunter Street about a hundred metres from Union Street at about a quarter to 11 when they were set upon by 5 men.

Punches were thrown and one of the victims was knocked unconscious.

Inspector Michael Gorman says the other victim had his watch stolen during the incident.

"The male who was knocked unconscious was conveyed to hospital for assessment and observation - his injuries aren't serious. The other victim didn't require hospital treatment. What we're appealing for is anyone who may have been in the vicinity of Hunter and Union Streets around 10.45pm who may have seen the incident to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," he said.

Carly McBride's Parents Find Solace in her Discovery

BY GARY-JON LYSAGHT

Carly McBride’s parents have breathed a sigh of relief, finding solace in the knowledge that their daughter has now been found, almost two years after her disappearance.

McBride went missing on September 30, 2014 in Muswellbrook, with no one hearing from or seeing her for almost two years, before her remains were found last weekend outside Scone.

Steve McBride, Carly’s father was thankful for the support his family was given, including from volunteers and the police.

Carly McBride's parents, Leanne Williams and Steve McBride [Image Source: The Herald].

However, he also called on the community to help if they can.

“Hopefully the rest of this investigation is aided by what may have been found already, but we really still need as much help that we can get.”

Strike Force Karabi has was established shortly after Carly McBride’s disappearance, with detectives treating it as suspicious.  They are now treating her death the same way.

Carly McBride’s father and mother, Lorraine Williams have said it is the best possible outcome they were hoping for and are happy to know they can their daughter can rest in peace.

“It’s everything, the rest is pretty well irrelevant to us.  It’s such an unexpected result and to be able to now put here in her final resting place is something we’d ever get the chance to do,” said Mr McBride.

“It’s overwhelming.”

Newcastle Police Hunt For Bag Snatch Thief

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are searching for a man responsible for a bag snatching incident at Newcastle West.

A 57-year-old woman was walking home along Shepherds Place just before 5.00pm yesterday when she was approached from behind by a man, who grabbed her handbag and tried to pull it away from her, causing the woman to fall to the ground.


He fled on foot and was last seen heading towards the foreshore.


The man is described as being in his 30's, with long brown curly shoulder-length hair. He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt with red stripes and dark blue or black track pants.

Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Former Anglican Bishop Of Newcastle To Give Evidence At Royal Commission

BY IAN CROUCH

 Anglican Archbishop of Perth, Roger Herft is expected to take to the witness stand at the Royal Commission in Newcastle today.

He was Bishop of the Newcastle Diocese for 12 years and is expected to face questions over what he knew about the activities of paedophile priest Peter Rushton during his time with the church.

Rushton is also said to have been at the heart of a paedophile ring of clergy and lay church workers who preyed on children at St Alban's Boys Home at Cessnock.

Former Anglican Bishop Of Newcastle Roger Herft

Baird Governemnt Accused Of Revenue Raising Over Speed Cameras

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Baird Government is being accused of revenue raising after secretly adding 113 new mobile speed camera locations across the state, including several in the Hunter.

The cameras will be deployed at several new locations including Minmi, Cormorant, Nelson Bay and Wollombi Roads as well as one on The Esplanade at Warners Bay.

It comes as the government confirmed it cut the Community Road Safety fund by $15.5 million last year amid record breaking revenue from red light and speed camera offences.


"It does seem to be a revenue grab given the fact the Community Road Safety fund is beig cut in such a substantial way," Charlestown MP, Jodie Harrison said.

Jodie Harrison

Remains Of Missing Belmont Mother Found

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police have confirmed the remains of missing Belmont mother, Carly McBride have been found.

The discovery was made on Sunday near Scone.

The 31-year-old was last seen on Calgaroo Avenue at Muswellbrook in September 2014.

Her social media account was mysteriously deleted shortly after she went missing.

Police are treating her disappearance and death as suspicious and will address the media this afternoon.

Carly McBride

Grave Concerns For Missing Newcastle Man

BY IAN CROUCH

 Police hold grave concerns for a missing Newcastle man.

50-year-old Stephen James Morris was last seen at his workplace just after 7.30am on Tuesday 9 August, 2016.

Police were called after he couldn't be located or contacted by family and friends and his disappearance is out of character.

It's believed he is driving a silver Subaru Forester with the NSW registration FDR-729.

Stephen is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm tall, with a medium build and blue eyes. He is clean shaven and has short greying hair with a distinctive grey fleck in the front of his hairline.

He was last seen wearing grey Reebok joggers, dark grey faded jeans, a navy 'V' neck jumper and a black hooded jacket.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Stephen or his vehicle is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing Man: Stephen Morris

Stephen was last seen driving a Silver Subaru Forester