A 23-year-old man has been arrested and charged in relation to an aggravated break and enter and indecent assault near Newcastle earlier this year.

Around 11.30pm on Friday 15 January 2016, three males forced their way into a home in Carandotta Street, Mayfield, where they held the property’s 36-year-old resident against her will.

The trio, one of whom was armed with a knife, ransacked the home and stole a number of items before fleeing the scene. During the break in, one of the males allegedly indecently assaulted the woman.

Police were called and attended the location, before an investigation into the matter commenced.

Shortly before 1am the following Sunday (17 January 2016), police arrested two 17-year-old males who were standing near an abandoned vehicle in a laneway off Maitland Road, Mayfield.

The duo were taken to Waratah Police Station and each charged with numerous offences, including:

– Aggravated break and enter while armed;

– Take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage;

– Aggravated break and enter – deprive liberty; and;

– Aggravated break and enter in company.

Both teens are currently before the courts.

Following the arrests of the juveniles, detectives continued their inquiries and yesterday (Wednesday 9 March 2016) a 23-year-old man was extradited from Hervey Bay, Queensland, to Newcastle where he was formally arrested and charged with:

– Aggravated break and enter in company;

– Take/detain person in company with intent to obtain advantage; and,

– Aggravated indecent assault.

He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court today (Thursday 10 March 2016).