EIGHT CHARGED AFTER HOTEL BRAWL – NEWCASTLE (NSW)
Source: NSW Police News
Eight men have been charged over a violent incident at a Newcastle hotel which left several police officers injured.
About 12.30am, (Sunday 20 October, 2013), police attended a hotel on Hunter Street after receiving information there were several intoxicated males at the hotel.
Police arrived and allegedly spoke to a man who was aggressive and intoxicated. Police asked him to leave and it is further alleged he became abusive towards police.
Two other males approached the police also becoming abusive.
The three men were moved out of the hotel by police and security when a number of other men, believed to be friends of the trio, approached police.
Police attempted to disperse the group when a melee broke out.
A number of other police vehicles arrived at the scene and the manager of the hotel agreed to close the hotel.
The crowd eventually moved on and no other incidents were reported.
Eight men were arrested and taken to Newcastle and Waratah police stations where they were charged with:
– 19-year-old from Georgetown charged with assault police;
– 30-year-old from Maryland charged with affray and resist police;
– 26-year-old from Waratah West charged with affray and offensive behaviour;
– 18-year-old from Belmont South charged with affray and offensive behaviour;
– 27-year-old from Cardiff charged with affray and offensive behaviour;
– 48-year-old from Hamilton charged with assault police, resist arrest, affray and offensive behaviour;
– 44-year-old from Cardiff charged with affray and offensive behaviour; and
– 22-year-old from Jesmond charged with assault police, resist arrest, affray and offensive behaviour.
All men have been granted conditional bail to appear at Newcastle local Court on 5 November, 2013.
As a result of the incident a senior constable was hit to the face and was taken to John Hunter Hospital with an injury to his eye. Another officer suffered a twisted knee and several others had to be treated for the effects of OC spray.
Superintendent Gralton said the Newcastle City Licensing Unit is considering further action in relation to licensing breaches by the hotel involved.
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LICENSED PREMISES – NEWCASTLE (NSW)
Source: NSW Police News
NSW Police Force has welcomed the temporary closure of a hotel in Newcastle.
Police successfully sought a 72-hour closure order on the Hunter Street licensed premises after eight men were charged over a violent incident that left several police officers injured last weekend.
During this incident, the hotel’s manager agreed to close the premises for the remainder of trade.
The owner of the licensed premises challenged the short-term closure order, obtained by police under Section 82 of the Liquor Act. However, today (Friday 25 October 2013), the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority (ILGA) acted quickly, and supported the application by police in deciding to invoke the 72-hour closure of the hotel.
Newcastle City Local Area Commander, Superintendent John Gralton, has welcomed the result.
“We will not tolerate this sort of behaviour in our city,” said Superintendent Gralton.
“This city’s culture is changing for the better and this type of behaviour is totally unacceptable. The vast majority of hotels and clubs are working positively with police against alcohol-related violence in Newcastle, with excellent results.
“The alleged incident that occurred at the hotel early on Sunday morning was unsavoury and completely unacceptable, and remains under investigation.”
“This is just one of a number of incidents that have occurred at the hotel over some time now, requiring police to respond each time, which leant weight to the application for short-term closure.”
“Today’s decision reinforces the strong stance taken by police, and we acknowledge the prompt response and decision made by the Independent Liquor and Gaming Authority,” he said.
THREE ARRESTED AFTER HOTEL FIGHT – NORTH ADELAIDE (SA)
Source: SA Police News
Police have arrested three men following a disturbance at a North Adelaide Hotel.
At about midnight, (Saturday 26 October 2013), Eastern Adelaide patrols were called to the Old Lion Hotel after a group of men began fighting inside the hotel.
Police arrived and requested several men to leave – three men were subsequently arrested for disorderly behaviour, hindering police and fail to leave licensed premises.
GRIEVOUS BODILY HARM – FORTITUDE VALLEY (QLD)
Source: QLD Police News
Police have charged a 19-year-old man from Inala with grievous bodily harm following an incident this morning in Fortitude Valley.
About 4.20am a group of people were refused entry to a licensed venue when a verbal altercation then took place.
The 19-year-old man then allegedly punched a 31-year-old bystander in the face, knocking him to the ground before punching him again.
The 31-year-old man remains in the Royal Brisbane Hospital with serious head injuries.
ARMED ROBBER OF BOWLING CLUB – BERESFIELD (NSW)
Source: NSW Police News
Police from the Central Hunter Local Area Command are investigating the circumstances surrounding an armed robbery of a bowling club at Beresfield.
About 9am today (Sunday 27 October 2013), a man entered a bowling club on Anderson Drive, armed with a firearm.
He threatened the 23-year-old male employee, who was working behind the cash counter, and demanded money.
The employee handed the man cash and he fled the club. Police attended and established a crime scene, which was examined by investigators.
No-one was injured during the incident.
ASSAULT AT LICENSED PREMISES – FORTITUDE VALLEY (QLD)
Source: QLD Police News
Police investigating an assault that occurred in Fortitude Valley on October 27 have released images of a man who may be able to assist with their inquiries.
About 2.00am, a 36-year-old man was attempting to pay for drinks in a licensed premises on Ann Street when he was elbowed and punched.
He was taken to the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and treated for facial fractures.
Investigations are continuing.