Two men, including a member of the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG), have been charged following an investigation into a serious assault on the state’s South Coast earlier this year.
Police were called to a home on Basin View Parade, Basin View, about 28km south of Nowra, about 3.20am on Sunday 3 May 2020, following reports a man had been assaulted.
On arrival, police found a 28-year-old man lying in the garage suffering serious head injuries and bruising.
A crime scene was established and inquiries commenced into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The man was taken to Shoalhaven Hospital in a critical condition, before being airlifted to a hospital in Sydney with serious head injuries. He remains in hospital and is currently undergoing rehabilitation for his injuries.
Strike Force Ardnaree was established by detectives from South Coast Police District to investigate the incident, which police believe was targeted.
As part of their inquiries, detectives launched a public appeal for information.
Following extensive inquiries, detectives attended a motel on Kinghorne Street, Nowra, about 1.50pm yesterday (Wednesday 22 July 2020), and attempted to speak with a 24-year-old man.
The man allegedly attempted to flee, before retreating into a motel room occupied by two other men.
The 24-year-old man was arrested and taken to Nowra Police Station, where he was charged with aggravated detain for advantage in company inflict grievous bodily harm, threat/cause injury/harm to prevent information to police, sexual intercourse without consent and traffic offences.
A subsequent search of the room revealed methylamphetamine and ecstasy, which was seized for forensic examination. Inquiries are continuing into the seized items.
About 7.20pm, a second man – aged 31 – was arrested at Nowra Police Station.
The man, who police allege is a member of the Hells Angels OMCG, was charged with aggravated detain for advantage in company inflict grievous bodily harm.
It’s alleged the pair assaulted the man with the intention of forcing him to transfer money to them.
Police will further allege the 24-year-old man sexually assaulted a woman that was known to him at a home in Sanctuary Point shortly after the initial assault.
The two men were refused bail and are due to face Nowra Local Court today (Thursday 23 July 2020).
South Coast Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Scott Nelson, said police will continue to crack down on organised crime on the South Coast.
“We have made it clear that we will not tolerate violent, senseless activity in our community,” Det Insp Nelson said.
“In recent months we have arrested a number of people that we allege have been involved in violent assaults and other criminal activities.
“I would like to extend my thanks to those members of the community that provided information and assisted with the investigation.”
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information that may assist strike force investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
