A man will face court today charged over the alleged sexual abuse of a young girl in the state’s Hunter region.
In January 2020, detectives from the State Crime Command’s Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced an investigation following reports a young girl was sexually abused by a man known to her.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives arrested a 60-year-old man at a home in the Hunter region about 4pm yesterday (Monday 13 January 2020).
The man was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station and charged with three counts of sexual intercourse with child under the age of 10 years, intentionally sexually touch child under 10 years, and intentionally incite child under 10 years to sexually touch them.
Police will allege in court that the man sexually abused the girl – aged eight – numerous times at a home in Raymond Terrace between 2019 and 2020.
He was refused bail and will appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court today (Tuesday 14 January 2020).
Category: Newcastle News
All the news happening in the Newcastle and Hunter Region
Reward announced for information into disappearance and suspected murder of Steven Fenwick – Strike Force Kummari
Police will address the media to announce a NSW Government reward for information regarding the disappearance and suspected homicide of a man who went missing near Newcastle early last year.
Steven ‘Feno’ Fenwick, aged 33, was last confirmed seen exiting a bus on Nelson Bay Road, Fern Bay, about 1pm on Wednesday 30 January 2019; he hasn’t been heard from since.
Numerous searches and public appeals have been conducted since then, with detectives from Newcastle City Police District establishing Strike Force Kummari to investigate the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
As their inquiries continue, a NSW Government reward will be announced for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Steven’s disappearance and suspected murder.
Development heralds revival of Hunter St Mall
City of Newcastle has welcomed another milestone in the City’s revitalisation, with work beginning today on a major residential and retail development in Hunter Street Mall as part of Iris Capital’s $700 million East End project.
Bounded by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Thorn streets, the multi-storey stage two development will feature 116 residential apartments atop retail and commercial space in buildings standing between three and seven storeys tall.
Under the Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will add to the character of the Mall.
Similar to preservation work on the former David Jones building, which marked stage one of the East End development, Iris will retain the facades of the former Lyrique Theatre, Masonic Hall, Royal Exchange Hotel and Soul Pattinson Chemist buildings.
“The redevelopment of the Hunter Street Mall is now well and truly underway,” Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said.
“The decision to start work on the second stage of the development before stage one is complete shows the confidence Iris has in the Newcastle market and will minimise overall disruption to Hunter Street Mall traders.
“Stages one and two of the East End development are game changers as they account for more than half of the Hunter Street Mall.
“I recall the disappointment in the city in 2010 when GPT walked away from its redevelopment.
“What was then a devastating blow to the city and its traders is now a distant memory, with Iris attracting blue chip retailers and a five-star hotel to the Mall.
“Woolworths’ fit out of a boutique grocery store will start in July, marking the first return of a major retailer since David Jones closed in 2011.
“The momentum of this development is unstoppable and provides hope for the mall traders that have done it so very tough for several decades since the rise of Westfield Kotara and Charlestown Square.
“A DA for a five-star hotel in the old David Jones building is likely to go to the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for determination in March, which will be the icing on the cake of the $700 million development.”
Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout said he was excited about restoring iconic Newcastle buildings as part of stage two.
“The East End has so many incredible buildings that have formed the fabric of the city and we are very proud to restore these and return them to their former glory,” he said.
“What once was the Lyrique Theatre will once again be a feature in the city’s architecture.
“A laneway linking Wolfe and Thorn streets will unveil the theatre like never before and will see it become a landmark in the East End.”
The project will also trigger capital works that are part of The Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan.
Under the Council-approved blueprint, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will help re-invigorate two blocks bound by Perkins, Newcomen, King and Scott streets.
Including a separated two-way cycleway, new furnishings, street plantings and street art, the plan will revive the former commercial centre as a tourism, residential and hospitality hub.
“The streetscape plan is a very exciting plan for Newcastle, and has been brought forward to occur at the same time as the Iris development,” City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure & Property Ken Liddell said.
“It supports the much-needed growth of residential development, boutique retail, hospitality and tourism in Newcastle.
“It will see Hunter Street revert to a traditional high street with kerb and guttering that better define usages and help attract more residents, students and visitors to the precinct.
“Avenue tree-planting, increased public seating and footpaths with distinctive finishes and historical interpretation will encourage more outdoor dining and create a whole new welcoming feel with vastly improved connections between the harbour foreshore and Cathedral Park.”
The plan will see the 40km/h speed limit for westbound motorists replace the current 10km/h limit, with parking retained along Hunter Street’s northern side, and a new accessible ramp in Market Street replace the Morgan Street laneway ramp.
Bounded by Hunter, Wolfe, King and Thorn streets, the multi-storey stage two development will feature 116 residential apartments atop retail and commercial space in buildings standing between three and seven storeys tall.
Under the Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will add to the character of the Mall.Similar to preservation work on the former David Jones building, which marked stage one of the East End development, Iris will retain the facades of the former Lyrique Theatre, Masonic Hall, Royal Exchange Hotel and Soul Pattinson Chemist buildings.
“The redevelopment of the Hunter Street Mall is now well and truly underway,” Newcastle Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said.
“The decision to start work on the second stage of the development before stage one is complete shows the confidence Iris has in the Newcastle market and will minimise overall disruption to Hunter Street Mall traders.
“Stages one and two of the East End development are game changers as they account for more than half of the Hunter Street Mall.
“I recall the disappointment in the city in 2010 when GPT walked away from its redevelopment.
“What was then a devastating blow to the city and its traders is now a distant memory, with Iris attracting blue chip retailers and a five-star hotel to the Mall.
“Woolworths’ fit out of a boutique grocery store will start in July, marking the first return of a major retailer since David Jones closed in 2011.
“The momentum of this development is unstoppable and provides hope for the mall traders that have done it so very tough for several decades since the rise of Westfield Kotara and Charlestown Square.
“A DA for a five-star hotel in the old David Jones building is likely to go to the Hunter & Central Coast Regional Planning Panel for determination in March, which will be the icing on the cake of the $700 million development.”
Iris Capital CEO Sam Arnaout said he was excited about restoring iconic Newcastle buildings as part of stage two.
“The East End has so many incredible buildings that have formed the fabric of the city and we are very proud to restore these and return them to their former glory,” he said.
“What once was the Lyrique Theatre will once again be a feature in the city’s architecture.
“A laneway linking Wolfe and Thorn streets will unveil the theatre like never before and will see it become a landmark in the East End.”
The project will also trigger capital works that are part of The Hunter Street Newcastle East End Stage One Streetscape Plan.
Under the Council-approved blueprint, bluestone footpaths, cobblestone laneways and new outdoor eating and retail opportunities will help re-invigorate two blocks bound by Perkins, Newcomen, King and Scott streets.
Including a separated two-way cycleway, new furnishings, street plantings and street art, the plan will revive the former commercial centre as a tourism, residential and hospitality hub.
“The streetscape plan is a very exciting plan for Newcastle, and has been brought forward to occur at the same time as the Iris development,” City of Newcastle Director of Infrastructure & Property Ken Liddell said.
“It supports the much-needed growth of residential development, boutique retail, hospitality and tourism in Newcastle.
“It will see Hunter Street revert to a traditional high street with kerb and guttering that better define usages and help attract more residents, students and visitors to the precinct.
“Avenue tree-planting, increased public seating and footpaths with distinctive finishes and historical interpretation will encourage more outdoor dining and create a whole new welcoming feel with vastly improved connections between the harbour foreshore and Cathedral Park.”
The plan will see the 40km/h speed limit for westbound motorists replace the current 10km/h limit, with parking retained along Hunter Street’s northern side, and a new accessible ramp in Market Street replace the Morgan Street laneway ramp.
Man charged with recording intimate images without consent – Raymond Terrace
Police have charged a man after he allegedly filmed women showering and getting dressed without their consent in the state’s Hunter Region.
About 10pm (Friday 10 January 2020), police were called to an address in Raymond Terrace, after the intimate videos of three women, aged 22, 22 and 24, were allegedly found on the phone of the 23-year-old man.
The man was arrested and taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with three counts of intentionally record intimate image without consent, allegedly between April 2018 and January 2020.
The man was also issued with an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order in relation to one of the women.
He was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court on Tuesday 4 February 2020.
Charges after man allegedly steals from stroke victim – Lake Macquarie
A man has been charged after allegedly stealing from a person who had just suffered a medical episode in the Lake Macquarie region this week.
About 4.40pm on Tuesday 7 January 2020, a 58-year-old man suffered a stroke while seated in his car in the car park of a hotel on Wilsons Road at Mount Hutton, south of Newcastle.
Shortly after, a 29-year-old man discovered the older man on the ground beside his vehicle and called Triple Zero (000) for help.
Police will allege the younger man then entered car and stole cash and credit cards before leaving the scene.
NSW Ambulance paramedics attended and took the older man to hospital.
Officers from Lake Macquarie Police District initiated inquiries after the older man’s wife reported the theft the next day (Wednesday 9 January 2020).
After reviewing CCTV footage, officers attached to the Lake Macquarie Target Action Group attended a home on South Street, Windale, at 3pm yesterday (Thursday 9 January 2020), and arrested a 29-year-old man after a short foot pursuit.
He was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with larceny, escape police custody, and resist or hinder police officer in the execution of duty.
He was refused bail to appear in Belmont Local Court today (Friday 10 January 2020).
The 58-year-old man remains in a stable condition in John Hunter Hospital.
Woman injured in unprovoked assault; man charged – Maitland
A man has been charged following an alleged unprovoked assault at Maitland yesterday.
About 4.35pm (Monday 6 January 2020), a 62-year-old woman was walking south along Church Street when she stopped behind a 40-year-old male.
Police will allege in court the man turned around without any provocation and stuck the woman to the face.
Bystanders came to assist the woman while the man fled the scene.
Emergency services were called and officers from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District arrived shortly after.
The woman was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital for further treatment; she has since been discharged.
Following inquiries, police attended Maitland Railway Station where they arrested a 40-year-old man.
He was taken to Maitland Police Station and charged with reckless wounding.
He was refused bail to appear at Maitland Local Court today (Tuesday 7 January 2020).
Investigations are continuing.
Body pulled from water off Caves Beach – Lake Macquarie
A body has been recovered from waters off Caves Beach at Lake Macquarie yesterday.
Just after 3.30pm (Tuesday 7 January 2020), police were notified after Lake Macquarie Council lifeguards located the body of a man in the water, about 100m off the southern end of Caves Beach.
The body was retrieved by officers from the Marine Area Command and taken to a nearby boat ramp, where it was examined by specialist forensic officers.
Detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District attended, and the man’s personal belongings and vehicle were later found at the beach.
Initial inquiries suggest the man attended the unpatrolled northern end of the beach for a swim earlier that day. He is yet to be formally identified.
A brief will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Critical incident investigation underway following fatal crash – Newcastle
A critical incident investigation has been launched after a man died in a motorcycle crash at Newcastle overnight.
Just before 3am (Wednesday 8 January 2020), officers from Newcastle City Police District were patrolling the CBD when they attempted to stop a motorcycle on Hunter Street, near Steele Street.
A pursuit was initiated after the motorcycle allegedly failed to stop, before being terminated shortly after due to safety concerns.
The motorcycle continued to travel along Hunter Street before being found crashed on Scott Street, after hitting a pole.
Officers rendered first aid; however, the male rider died at the scene. He is yet to be formally identified.
A crime scene has been established, which will be examined by specialist forensic officers.
Scott Street remains closed between Wolf and Watt Streets with the light rail affected. Local traffic diversions are in place.
A critical incident team from Port Stephens-Hunter Police District will now investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
That investigation will be subject to an independent review.
All information will be provided for the information of the Coroner.
No further details are available at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.
Man extradited to NSW over alleged historic assault offences – SF Arapaima
A man has been remanded in custody after being extradited from Queensland over alleged historic sexual and serious assault offences in the state’s Lake Macquarie region.
In April 2019, detectives from Lake Macquarie Police District established Strike Force Arapaima to re-examine the investigation into the unsolved disappearances and suspected murders of Robyn Hickie, Amanda Robinson and Gordana Kotevski.
As a result of extensive inquiries through this investigation, strike force detectives uncovered allegations of alleged historic sexual and serious assault offences against three other women dating back to the early 1980s.
Following extensive inquiries, strike force detectives applied for an arrest warrant and travelled to Queensland yesterday (Wednesday 8 January 2020), where they arrested a 58-year-old man.
Detectives applied for and were granted his extradition to NSW today (Thursday 9 January 2020).
The man charged with 22 offences, including common assault, sexual assault without consent, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
He later faced Tweed Heads Local Court, where he was formally refused bail to re-appear at Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 4 March 2020.
Investigations under Strike Force Arapaima are ongoing.
Anyone with information which may assist strike force detectives is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information is treated in strict confidence.
Bushfire Recovery Assistance
NSW Bushfires 2019-2020
A range of assistance measures are available to support people affected by bushfires. These are aimed at providing for immediate and short term needs, to support recovery from the bushfires across NSW.
Please note, a number of these measures have eligibility requirements.
For information on how to help bushfire affected communities view our how to donate to the bushfire appeals page.
Immediate emergency assistance – can be accessed through Evacuation Centres and Disaster Welfare Assistance Points.
Call 1800 018 444 or visit www.emergency.nsw.gov.au.
Emergency Temporary Accommodation – short term housing support.
Contact the Housing Contact Centre on 1800 422 322.
Clean-up assistance – for the removal and disposal of residential bush fire debris including asbestos, concrete slabs and dangerous trees.
- Insured home owners – contact your insurance company or the Insurance Council of Australia on 1800 734 621.
- Uninsured home owners – contact Public Works Advisory on 1800 88 55 39.
Animal Welfare – provision of emergency fodder, stock water and stock assessment.
Contact Local Land Services on 1800 814 647.
Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Payment – $1,000 per adult and $400 per child for people severely affected by bushfires.
Contact Human Services on 180 22 66.
Commonwealth Government Disaster Recovery Allowance – short term income assistance for people severely affected by bushfires.
Contact Human Services on 180 22 66.
NSW Government Disaster Relief Grants – financial assistance for eligible individuals who have low income and limited assets.
Contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
Primary producer assistance – up to $15,000 recovery grants (33 LGAs only), concessional loans and transport subsidies for eligible primary producers.
Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 2800 678 593.
Small business assistance – up to $15,000 recovery grants (33 LGAs only), and concessional loans for eligible small businesses.
Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.
Legal assistance – Legal Aid can provide free assistance on issues such as insurance policies, employment, tenancy, credit and debt.
Contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.
Potable Water Assistance – replacement of potable water for residents not on town water supply where RFS has taken water or contaminated roofs with fire retardant.
Contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.
Mental health and wellbeing assistance – 24/7 assistance for individuals.
- Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
- Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
- Lifeline – 13 11 14
- Mensline – 1300 789 978
- Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000.
Farm Gate counsellors – farmers and business owners in bushfire affected areas can access Farm Gate counsellors and peer support workers.
Contact the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511.
Volunteer Firefighters’ Financial Support – payments for eligible volunteer firefighters who are self-employed or employed by a small or medium business and have lost income.
Contact Service NSW at www.service.nsw.gov.au.
Sporting club assistance – concessional loans for eligible sporting clubs.
Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.
Church and non-profit organisation assistance – up to $15,000 recovery grants (33 LGAs only) concessional loans for eligible churches and non-profit organisations.
Contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593.
Motor vehicle stamp duty relief – financial assistance for eligible motorists whose cars have been written off as a result of bushfires.
Contact the Office of State Revenue on 1300 139 814.
Replacement of documents – free replacement of licences, permits and certificates, including birth, marriage and change of name certificates and NSW Fair Trading permits and licences.
Contact Service NSW on 13 77 88.
Waste disposal – the levy for waste disposal has been waived in bushfire affected LGAs.
Contact your local council for more information.