Four teenagers have been charged over an alleged aggravated robbery and assault in Newcastle.
About 11.15pm on Tuesday (4 January 2022), a 23-year-old man was walking along Hunter Street when he was approached by a group of young males, three of whom were allegedly armed with knives.
A verbal argument ensued before it’s alleged one of the teenagers punched the older man, who attempted to run towards a nearby light rail station.
The group chased the man, demanding his wallet and mobile phone before he was struck several times, causing him to fall to the ground where he was further assaulted, including being stomped on and kicked.
The teens fled onto Hunter Street and emergency services were notified.
The injured man was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment to facial injuries.
Detectives from Newcastle City Police District commenced an investigation into the incident.
Following inquiries, officers attached to the Police Transport Command were patrolling the Newcastle area about 7.25pm yesterday (Wednesday 5 January 2022), when they spoke to four young persons.
The four teens – aged 13, 14 and 15 – were arrested and taken to Newcastle Police Station, where they were charged with aggravated robbery whilst armed with an offensive weapon. One of the boys, aged 14, was also charged with a breach of bail offence.
They were refused bail to appear at a children’s court today (Thursday 6 January 2022).
Inquiries continue to identify a fifth person involved in the incident, and are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have dashcam or mobile phone footage to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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 information via NSW Police social media pages.
