Two members of the Bandidos OMCG have been charged over the alleged assault of a man at a Newcastle brothel at the weekend.

About 6am yesterday (Sunday 22 March 2015), two men entered a brothel on Hunter Street and approached staff members at the reception area.

A short time later the two men allegedly assaulted the 61-year-old male owner and threatened him with a knife.

One of the men also allegedly threatened a staff member when she tried to contact police, before assaulting a patron who attempted to intervene.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command were contacted and arrested two men, aged 25 and 28, on King Street.

The owner sustained serious swelling and bruising to his face and a broken nose. He was taken to hospital but has since been released.

A crime scene was established at the brothel and examined by specialist forensic officers.

Both men were taken to Newcastle Police Station, where they were charged with assault with intent to rob while armed with an offensive weapon.

They were refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court today (Monday 23 March 2015), where they were remanded in custody.

The 25-year-old man will reappear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 20 May 2015, while the 28-year-old man is due before Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 21 April 2015.

An elderly man has died following a house fire in Lake Macquarie.

Around 5.20pm today (Sunday 22 March 2015), emergency services were called to Bukkai Road in Wyee after a fire broke out at a house.

The fire was extinguished and the body of an 81-year-old man – the only resident of the property – was recovered from the home.

Lake Macquarie detectives, forensic officers and investigative personnel from Fire and Rescue are now working together to determine the cause of the blaze.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Police are investigating a vehicle crash on the M1 (Pacific Highway) near Lake Macquarie today (Sunday 22 March 2015.)
About 12:15am, a boat was being towed along the M1 near Mandalong when it came adrift and stopped across two lanes.

A Toyota Camray also travelling along the M1 crashed into the boat.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command were contact and commenced an investigation.

A female passenger was treated by Ambulance Paramedics at the scene for minor injuries.

Officers investigating the matter are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the incident to contact Lake Macquarie Local Area Command on 02 4922 4699.

Police are conducting investigations into a fatal pedestrian crash in Toronto last night.

About 9.10pm (Saturday 21 March 2015), emergency services were called to Kerry Street following reports a man had been hit by a car.

It is believed the 45-year-old Teralba man was crossing the road when he was hit by a Nissan Patrol. He was treated at the scene by Ambulance Paramedics and taken to the John Hunter Hospital where he died.

The driver of the Nissan, a 68-year-old Gwandalan man, was not injured in the collision but taken to Belmont Hospital for mandatory blood and urine tests.

Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the collision are continuing and police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Police are urging any witnesses to the crash that have not yet spoken to police to come forward.

Police and Roads and Maritime Services officers have inspected 10 oversize and overmass vehicles in Newcastle resulting in 12 heavy vehicle charges.

The Joint Traffic Taskforce attended the Carrington area this morning (Friday 20 March 2015), and inspected a number of trucks that were loaded ready to move large equipment and machinery.

During the operation officers inspected 10 oversize and overmass vehicles which revealed offences with 12 charges to be preferred in respect of: severe width, length and height of the loaded truck all owing to permit non-compliance.

Roads and Maritime Services officers are continuing to assess a number of weight issues involving the loads.

Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner John Hartley, said it was imperative that operators complied with permit obligations.

“Those that go outside set permits create risks for the roads that are used, and most importantly, for other motorists.

“Operators need to understand that permits must be fully complied with when loading and moving oversize and overmass loads, and the Joint Traffic Taskforce will continue this focus for the benefit of driving down the road toll across NSW,” Assistant Commissioner Hartley said.

Roads and Maritime Services Director Safety and Compliance, Peter Wells, said it is extremely important heavy vehicles which transport oversize and over mass cargo do so safely, accurately and within the limits of their permit.

“These loads are very large and/or heavy and the consent limits are set to ensure the safety of all road users and the protection of important infrastructure such as bridges and tunnels.

“It is all about culture – we want a much more professional culture in this sector.

“Everyone in the chain of responsibility from the consignor to the consignee, loaders, schedulers and operators have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the permit conditions.

“We will take action against anyone found to have allowed an oversize or over mass vehicle to move goods against the allowable limits,” Mr Wells said.

Newcastle Detectives are appealing to the public for information in relation an indecent assault in Hamilton.

Police have been told that on Friday 6 March 2015, a man on bus 222 between New Lambton and Hamilton indecently assaulted a female.

Police are wishing to speak with anyone who may have been on the bus, they are particularly keen to speak with a female passenger on the bus who spoke with the victim after the incident.

In your can provide information concerning this incident please contact the Detectives at Newcastle Police Station on 49290731 or Crime Stoppers.

Police are investigating a serious motorcycle collision which occurred in the Hunter Valley today.

About 11am (Wednesday 18 March 2015), a car and a motorcycle collided at the intersection of Putty Road and The Golden Highway, Mount Thorley, near Singleton.

Officers from the Newcastle Crash Investigation Unit and Hunter Valley Local Area Command attended and commenced an investigation.

The rider, a 37-year-old man, died at the scene.

The driver of the car – a 65-year-old man – was conveyed to Singleton Base Hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

Traffic along the Golden Highway is currently diverted through Singleton, but Putty Road is open.

Police have charged three men following the alleged assault of a man whose car was stolen from a hospital car park at New Lambton earlier this month.

About 2pm (Friday 6 March 2015), a 17-year-old male parked his car at John Hunter Hospital. Police have been told he was approached by a man who demand the victim’s car keys to which he refused.

The victim was allegedly assaulted by the man who stole various items and fled the location in the victim’s vehicle along with two alleged co-offenders waiting nearby.

Officers attached to Newcastle City Local Area Command attended and commenced investigations into the matter.

Following investigations, three men have now been arrested and charged.

About 7.30pm on Thursday 12 March 2015, a 33-year old man was arrested on the Pacific Highway, near Marks Point. He was taken to Charlestown Police Station and charged with aggravated robbery.

He was remanded into custody to face Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 25 March 2015.

About 9.30am on Tuesday 17 March 2015, a 34-year-old man was arrested at premises on Wallsend Road, Sandgate and conveyed to Waratah Police Station.

He was charged with three offences – drive conveyance taken without consent of owner, be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, and drive motor vehicle during disqualification period.

The man was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 9 April 2015.

About 8.15am today (Wednesday 18 March 2015), a 20-year-old man was arrested at a house in Gateshead and taken to Charlestown Police Station. He was charged with being carried in conveyance without consent of owner.

He was granted conditional bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 16 April 2015.

Police urge owners to take precautions to ensure the safety of property when their car is unattended.

Sergeant Darren Waters, Crime Coordinator, Central Hunter Local Area Command believes that by taking simple preventative measures, the chances of becoming a victim are greatly diminished.

“Police are currently targeting theft from motor vehicle in the Central Hunter police area, so when you leave your car it is a good idea to do a quick checklist.

“Ensure the surrounding area is well-lit, personal belongings are stored out of sight or taken from the vehicle and doors and windows are locked – it is as simple as that,” said Sergeant Waters.

Sergeant Waters advises car owners not to leave valuable items in their vehicle, especially those parked in carparks, driveways or on the road overnight.

“Thieves usually steal electronic items and money, so leave them out of sight.

“Tradesmen are reminded not leave expensive tools in the rear of their cars,” he said.

“It may sound obvious, but always remember to lock your car, and ensure all the windows are fully closed, no matter how short a time period you intend to park. In public areas, try to park where people are moving about and can see your car.”

A report is being prepared for the Coroner after a single vehicle crash at Belmont yesterday.
About 7.30pm (Monday 16 March 2015), a man was driving a Toyota Corolla south on the Pacific Highway at Belmont South.

Near the intersection of Alick Street the Toyota appears to have mounted a gutter and struck a concrete fence.

Police from Lake Macquarie Local Area Command and other emergency services attended but the driver, a 52-year-old man could not be revived.

The Toyota has been seized by police and will be examined as part of the investigation.
A report outlining the full circumstances surrounding the male’s death will be prepared for the Coroner.