Category: NSW News

In the past 24 hours, seven people have been dealt with under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19, with a man charged and six others issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
Yesterday’s charges:
• Yesterday (Saturday 9 May 2020), officers from Leichhardt Traffic and Highway patrol spoke to a man on three separate occasions after being seen standing on the roadway of City Road, Darlington, and washing windows. About 3.15pm, the 41-year-old man was arrested and taken to Newtown Police Station where he was charged with pedestrian stand on road to wash/offer to wash windscreen, not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19, and breach of bail. The Redfern man was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court today (Sunday 10 May 2020).
Yesterday’s PINs:
• Just after midnight, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command were patrolling Woolloomooloo when three people were seen walking along McElhone Street. The trio walked away and ignored officers’ directions before being stopped on Dowling Street. They were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and had each previously been warned. The two men, aged 35 and 36, and a 26-year-old woman were issued $1000 PINS. The younger man and woman were also issued criminal infringement notices for offensive language.
• About 3.30am, officers from Northern Beaches Police Area Command were patrolling Brookvale, when they saw two men, walking along Clearview Place, consuming alcohol. The men did not have a reasonable excuse for being away, telling officers they were going for a stroll. A 21-year-old man was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned last weekend.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command with the assistance of the Public Order and Riot Squad (PORS) attended Nagle Park at Maroubra just before 10.30am, when a group of people returned after previously being moved on. The four men, consuming alcohol, were again moved on after initially refusing to leave. A 30-year-old man – who had previously been warned – was issued a $1000 PIN and was also infringed for offensive language. A second man, aged 31, was infringed for littering after throwing a beer bottle and offensive language.
• About 2pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command attended Macquarie Street and spoke with a group of people who were conducting an unauthorised protest. A 36-year-old women was arrested after refusing to provide her details. She was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being there and was later issued a $1000 PIN.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A man has been infringed after allegedly spitting on a bus driver in Sydney’s CBD last month.
About 2pm on Friday 24 April 2020, a man, carrying a dog, boarded a NSW State Transit bus stopped on Carrington Street, Sydney.
When the bus driver, a 60-year-old man, told him that dogs were not permitted onboard, he verbally abused the driver and spat on him.
The man then left the bus and police were notified.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, a 19-year-old Baulkham Hills man was issued an infringement for not comply noticed direction re spitting/coughing – COVID-19 today (Sunday 10 May 2020.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has echoed community praise ahead of the upcoming easing of restrictions and urged the NSW community to keep it up.
As NSW citizens, residents and businesses prepare for easing of restrictions under the Public Health Act this Friday (15 May 2020), Commissioner Fuller is reminding everyone that their actions and behaviour may impact the timings for the next stages.
“When Premier Berejiklian outlined the upcoming changes to COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, she included a very important message – our way forward depends on you,” the Commissioner said.
“The NSW Police Force was given special powers for the pandemic in the interest of public health and safety – powers that I delegated carefully and am overseeing personally.
“I’ve been overwhelming pleased with community compliance. With 187 charges laid and 1212 PINs issued out of eight million residents, I feel that the community understands the risks of this virus and the role we all must play in protecting each other.”
The average number of PINs issued per day throughout the month of April was 39, with a peak over the Easter long weekend. So far in May, the average number of PINs issued is nine.
In the last three days, police have issued a total of 14 PINs – three on Friday, seven on Saturday, and four on Sunday.
“Based on the 17,000 calls we have had to Crime Stoppers since 17 March, it is also clear that people want everyone to do their bit to stop the spread and soon see some form of normalcy return to life.
“Health experts have said that without a vaccine life can’t go back to normal, but if we continue to show high levels of adherence to the Ministerial Directions, we can continue to edge closer to normal life – and hopefully, sooner,” the Commissioner said.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction 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.

Police across the state have focussed on the plight of domestic violence victims during COVID-19 with a sharp increase in proactive policing strategies.
Their efforts are being reflected in first quarter 2020 statistics which highlight a substantial increase in compliance checks alongside a decrease in certain domestic violence (DV) offences.
Since commencement of the COVID-19 restrictions, NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has been closely monitoring rates of domestic violence across the state.
“There is no doubt that the COVID-19 social distancing and self-isolation restrictions have presented inherent and very real risks to domestic violence victims and their families,” Commissioner Fuller said.
“As an organisation committed to protecting the most vulnerable in the community, we have ramped up police proactivity across the state, with ADVO compliance checks and ongoing monitoring of high risk and repeat DV offenders.”
Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) compliance checks have greatly increased in each month between January to April 2020 compared to last year, with an additional 3,684 checks completed in April 2020 compared to April 2019.
With a strong personal commitment to the protection of victims and children, when appointed Corporate Sponsor for Domestic and Family Violence in 2014, Commissioner Fuller led an increased focus of policing proactivity in response to DV offences.
This included the establishment of the Domestic Violence High Risk Offender Teams (DV HROT) across the state and an increased emphasis on the arrest and prosecution of offenders.
“The data we see today is heartening, but this is in no way the end of our efforts. We will continue to keep a close eye on the plight of those experiencing domestic violence and their loved ones,” he said.
DV-related assault incidents in NSW were comparably similar to that recorded in the same period last year, however incidents decreased from 2,408 in April 2019 to 2,194 in April this year.
As at Monday (4 May 2020), there were four domestic-related homicide incidents in NSW this year. This contrasts to the same time last year, in which 11 DV homicide incidents were recorded.
“Make no mistake, the fact that we have a single DV homicide incident indicates we have a long way to go, but I am relieved to see the figure has not increased during COVID-19 and has in fact dropped,” Commissioner Fuller said.
Legal action rates for Assault (DV), Assault (DV) involving Actual Bodily Harm and/or Grievous Bodily Harm, and Breach DV AVO were overall slightly higher compared to the same period previous year.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott, was pleased to see police activities to protect victims and their families appears to have been working over the first quarter of this year.
“A few weeks ago, we put any potential perpetrators of domestic violence offences on notice. The message to offenders was and remains loud and clear: if you abuse those you claim to love, police will be at your door ready to take action,” Mr Elliott said.
“I’m pleased to see police working closely together with other government agencies and the community in the best interests of victims and their families, and I thank the community for looking out for family, neighbours and friends.”
The Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research recently published ‘Monitoring changes in domestic violence in the wake of COVID-19 social isolation measures’ which highlights that preliminary data shows there is no upward trend in DV offences.
“COVID-19 restrictions remain in place and I continue to encourage people to come forward if you have any concerns that someone you know may be experiencing domestic violence.” Minister Elliott said.
The public are reminded that if you witness domestic or family violence, call the police – the information you provide might just save someone’s life. If your life of someone else’s life is in danger contact Triple Zero (000).
Further, there are multiple support services available if you, or someone you know, is experiencing domestic or family violence. These services include:
• 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) is a confidential information, counselling and support service;
• NSW Domestic Violence Line (1800 65 64 63) is a state-wide telephone crisis counselling and referral service for women;
• Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491) provide telephone counselling, information and referrals for men;
• Link2Home (1800 152 152) can help refer women experiencing domestic violence to crisis accommodation; and
• Lifeline (13 11 14) is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

In the past 24 hours, seven people have been issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) after breaching the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19.
Yesterday’s PINs:
• About 1.30pm yesterday (Friday 8 May 2020), officers from Brisbane Water Police District attended Burns Park, Gosford, where a group of five people were consuming alcohol, contrary to the alcohol-free zone. After speaking with the group, three women, aged 28, 40 and 44, were issued a $1000 PIN after they had each been previously warned.
• About 6.45pm, Traffic and Highway Patrol officers stopped a Subaru on Carrington Road, Castle Hill, after it was alleged to have committed a number of traffic offences. The driver, an 18-year-old man was spoken to and was unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being away from home. He was issued traffic infringements for exceed speed limit more than 10 km/h, not give sufficient right change of direction signal, not display P-plates, and use mobile phone while driving. The Castle Hill man was also issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.
• About 8pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling George Street, when they spoke to a man regarding some unrelated outstanding matters. The 33-year-old was arrested and told officers he was out to ‘breath’. He was taken to Day Street Police Station and charged with larceny and trespass. He will appear at Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday 19 July 2020. The Surry Hills man was also issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.
• Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command were called to the intersection of Maroubra Road and Anzac Parade, Maroubra just after 8pm, after reports a woman had verbally abused a 27-year-old man and damaged his home. The 42-year-old woman was arrested and taken to Maroubra Police Station. She was charged with common assault and malicious damage and will appear at Waverley Local Court on Monday 27 July 2020. The Maroubra woman was also issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned.
• About 9pm, officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling Pirrama Park, Pyrmont when they stopped and spoke to four teenagers. The group were unable to provide police with a reasonable excuse for being out. A 17-year-old boy was issued a $1000 PIN after previously being warned. All were given a move on direction to return home.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

An extension of George Street’s car-free zone in Sydney’s CBD, a new pedestrian-only boulevard in Liverpool’s Railway Street and a ‘people’s loop’ in Parramatta Park have been given the green light today as part of a plan to transform streets into shared spaces in response to COVID-19.
Planning and Public Spaces Minister Rob Stokes today announced three trial pedestrianisation programs alongside a new $15 million Streets as Shared Spaces program that will fund council projects to provide more space for communities to safely walk, cycle and exercise.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly increased the demand for more public spaces – and easy, safe access to it,” Mr Stokes said.
“Whether it’s new cycle lanes, pedestrian-only streets or wider footpaths, we’re committed to working with councils and communities to fund projects that can make life better for everyone – both now and once the pandemic is over.”
Councils will be able to apply for Streets as Shared Spaces program grants of up to $100,000 for immediate temporary projects, such as widening footpaths and cycle lanes and up to $1 million for medium-term pilot projects, such as extra crossing points, wider kerbs and trialling lower speed limits.
The community can also submit their ideas for local projects through an new online social pinpoint map that allows users to click on an area and leave their comments and ideas.
The three trial programs announced today include:

• Eastern Harbour City: The NSW Government is partnering with the City of Sydney to extend George Street’s car-free zone in both directions between Bathurst and Campbell Streets and extended in the southbound direction to Rawson Place. The existing temporary closure in the southbound direction from Bathurst to Campbell Street will be made permanent.
• Central River City: World Heritage-listed Parramatta Park’s People Loop Trial will see temporary changes made to vehicle access, parking and circulation for two-months from 19 May 2020, to improve the experience of walking and cycling in the Park.
• Western Parkland City: The NSW Government is partnering with Liverpool City Council to install temporary street furniture and trees to slow vehicle traffic and pedestrianise the laneway behind Railway Street in the Liverpool City Centre.

Transport for NSW has worked with the City of Sydney to continue to deliver on the benefits of the Light Rail to transform George Street into the civic spine of the CBD.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said: “The George Street light rail has changed not just how people get around the city, but how they experience the city.
“With new street trees, planter boxes, outdoor dining, seating and pedestrianisation, people were already taking back and enjoying George Street before COVID-19 hit. When the crisis passes, it will once again be a place to linger and gather rather than just hurrying through,” Ms Moore said.
The Streets as Shared Spaces program will also help the NSW Government reach its ambitious target to increase the proportion of homes in urban areas within 10 minutes’ walk of quality green, open and public space by 10 per cent by 2023.
Councils can apply for Streets as Shared Spaces grants until 10 June 2020.
For more information visit: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/streets

Incredible firsthand video accounts from veterans who served in the Second World War have recalled the moment victory in Europe was declared 75 years ago.
Acting Minister for Veterans Geoff Lee said the remarkable stories take us back in time to commemorate VE Day, an important event in Australia’s war time history.
“We are privileged to have these recordings of our veterans’ eyewitness accounts of VE Day so their stories can be told again and again to future generations,” said Mr Lee.
“Our soldiers escaped dangerous situations, risking their lives to support the Allied Forces’ fight against German occupation in Europe.”
95 year old Max Barry was a Royal Australian Air Force rear gunner and tells his story of great escapes and survival, after parachuting from a Lancaster bomber in 1944.
“We caught on fire and one engine after another packed up. The pilot said we had to bail out… so we did,” said Mr Barry.
Mr Barry spent 11 months as a prisoner of war before VE Day led to his freedom but he always had a deep sense he would make it back home.
“I was always confident I was going to survive. I’m still doing it!”
100 year old Bill Geoghegan who served with the Royal Australian Air Force and Bomber Command said he is lucky to have survived.
“One night there were two crews and they tossed up to see who would go on the operation. The other crew went and they never came back. It wasn’t my time,” said Mr Geoghegan.
Mr Lee encourages everyone to watch and read the veterans’ incredible accounts on the new NSW Stories section of the War Memorial Register website, which has been launched especially for the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Nearly one million Australians served in the Second World War with 39,000 Australians losing their lives and another 30,000 taken prisoner.
For more information: www.warmemorialsregister.nsw.gov.au/nsw-stories

In the past 24 hours, five people have been dealt with under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19, with two charged and three others issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
Yesterday’s charges:

• About 1.30am yesterday (Thursday 7 May 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command stopped and spoke to a cyclist on Thomas Street, Haymarket, with the 44-year-old Artarmon man saying he doesn’t like being at home. When checks revealed the man may be riding a stolen bike, police were told he had bought it cheap a few days ago, but he couldn’t recall from whom or where. Further checks revealed the man had received multiple warnings and fines, so he was arrested and charged with breach of bail, goods in custody and fail to comply with noticed direction – COVID 19. He appeared at Central Local Court yesterday.

• About 9.45am, officers from Police Transport Command stopped a 29-year-old man at Cabramatta Railway Station for travelling without a valid ticket/Opal card. When asked why he had travelled to the area, the Wiley Park man advised he was bored and wanted to look at the pretty women. After checks revealed the man was not to attend Cabramatta, he was arrested and taken to Fairfield Police Station. It’s alleged the man became irate on arrest and began swearing continuously. He was charged with not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19 and use offensive language in/near public place. He was refused bail and appeared at court yesterday, where he was granted conditional bail to re-appear on Thursday 21 May 2020.

Yesterday’s PINs:

• About 9.45am (Thursday 7 May 2020), officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command spoke to a 40-year-old man, who was drinking beer in the alcohol exclusion zone at Dawson Mall. Police directed him to dispose the drink and he was moved-on. When police responded to reports of an altercation at Dawson Mall about 2.40pm, they again spoke with the man. Officers were told he had entered a nearby shopping centre in contravention of a banning notice and purchased alcohol. The man was arrested and taken to Mt Druitt Police Station, where he was charged with trespass and issued a $1000 PIN.

• Officers from Oxley Police District were patrolling at Quirindi, when they stopped and spoke to a 27-year-old man on George Street about 5pm. The man did not have any purpose for being out and during a subsequent search, police located cannabis and drug paraphernalia. He was advised he would be issued a Court Attendance Notice in relation to the seized items and after checks revealed he had received numerous previous COVID-related warnings, he was issued with a $1000 PIN and given a move-on direction. The man was again located hanging around the same area about 90 minutes later and given another warning and move-on direction.

• About 10pm, officers from Mt Druitt Police Area Command were called to home on De Witt Place, Willmot in relation to a noise complaint. On arrival, police observed a group of at least 15 people inside the home celebrating a birthday. All non-residents were given warnings in relation to breaching Ministerial Directions and told to leave the home. Police were called back to the property about 11.35pm as the noise was continuing and a 27-year-old woman, who was not a resident and previously given a warning, was still at the property. She was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN.

Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.

A woman will appear in court today charged over allegedly spitting on a bus driver in Sydney’s CBD.
About 5pm on Wednesday (6 May 2020), a woman, carrying a dog, boarded a bus stopped on Eddy Avenue in Haymarket.
Police will allege in court that when the bus driver, a 44-year-old man, told her that dogs were not permitted onboard, she refused to leave and spat on him.
The woman then ran from the bus through the front doors.
Officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were notified and commenced an investigation.
Following inquiries, including a public appeal, police arrested a 52-year-old woman in Dacey Gardens about 10.30am today (Friday 8 May 2020).
She was taken to Maroubra Police Station, where she was charged with common assault.
The Matraville woman was refused bail to appear before Central Local Court today.

In the past 24 hours, three men have been dealt with under the Public Health Act 2010 (NSW) COVID-19, with one charged and two others issued with Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs).
Yesterday’s charge:
• About 3am yesterday (Wednesday 6 May 2020), officers from Sutherland Shire Police Area Command responded to reports three people were arguing on The Kingsway, Gymea. As police arrived, two men – aged 18 and 21 – ran from the location and were located nearby hiding behind a parked car. The men and a woman were unable to provide a reasonable excuse for being out. When an officer identified one of the men as being wanted for a recent stealing offence, he allegedly ran from the area, pursued on foot by police, who arrested him after a short struggle near Gymea Railway Station. The 21-year-old man was taken to Sutherland Police Station and charged with resist officer in the execution of duty and larceny. He has been refused bail to appear at Central Local Court today (Thursday 7 May 2020). Checks revealed the 18-year-old man had previously received numerous warnings and was issued with a Court Attendance Notice for not comply with noticed direction re s 7/8/9 – COVID-19. He is due to appear at Sutherland Local Court on Wednesday 29 July 2020. The 22-year-old woman was given a warning for the breach of the Ministerial Directions.
Yesterday’s PINs:
• Just before 3pm (Wednesday 6 May 2020), officers from Sydney City Police Area Command were patrolling George Street, when they observed three men sitting on the footpath near Railway Square. When police approached, one man became aggressive, stating the laws did not apply to him and allegedly continued to shout and swear. He was arrested and moved away from the other two men while checks were conducted, which revealed he had previously received a warning. The 48-year-old man was subsequently issued a $1000 PIN, while the other two men were issued warnings.
• About 6.40pm, officers from Blacktown Police Area Command were patrolling when they stopped to speak with a 43-year-old man who was sitting on a bench outside Blacktown Library. Checks revealed the man had previously been warned by police on three separate occasions for breaching Ministerial Directions. After the man could not provide a reasonable excuse for being at the location, he was issued a $1000 PIN.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report crime via NSW Police social media pages.