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An incident of an sexual assault on the Fernleigh Track has sparked widespread concern about safety on this popular recreational path. The victim, a 22-year-old woman, was running along the track in Whitebridge on Sunday when two teenage boys, possibly aged 13yo, on a petrol dirt bike rode past her dangerously close, with the boy on the back of the bike slapping her on the buttocks during the second pass. Despite promptly reporting the incident to the police, she was informed that no action could be taken due to a lack of CCTV coverage in the area.
The victim reported the incident to the Police a second time, who promised officers would visit to take a statement, but they never turned up. She said she is concerned the Police did not take her report seriously.
The community has rallied in support of the victim, expressing their outrage and sharing similar experiences on social media. A user commented, “This is horrid. I run/cycle down there often and it always pisses me off when petrol bikes come speeding by. People need to be teaching their kids better.” Another added, “The Fernleigh Track is a great asset but unfortunately it is isolated and pretty accessible to some pretty rough parts of town. It’s just somewhere I avoid, which is a shame.”
The incident has brought to light other safety concerns on the Fernleigh Track. Many users recounted their experiences with reckless dirt bikers and other dangerous behaviors. One commenter mentioned, “I had my 3-month-old son in a pram walking through the tunnel and one of these riders full throttled it at me, almost killing my son.” Another shared, “A friend was harassed by unregistered bikes while with his kids. When the riders came back, he swung his bag at them, knocking them off.”
The community has been vocal in calling for enhanced safety measures on the track. Suggestions include installing CCTV cameras, increasing police patrols, and stricter enforcement of laws against unregistered bikes. “If you’re caught riding an unregistered bike, it should be impounded,” one user proposed. Others emphasized the need for community-driven safety initiatives, like carrying personal safety devices or running in groups.
About 3.20pm on Sunday 21 July 2024, a woman was running along the Fernleigh Track at Whitebridge which she was allegedly approached by two people on a motorbike.
Police from Newcastle City Police District have been told that the pillion passenger of the motorbike inappropriately touched the woman while riding past her before fleeing the scene.
The passenger has been described as being of Caucasian appearance, male, approximately 11-years-old, wearing a black shirt and black hat.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Local police continue to work alongside Newcastle/Hunter Highway Patrol to identify and prosecute those who are riding illegally.
Police routinely act on information received from the community and take legal action when appropriate.
Anyone with information about the illegal use of motorbikes is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Written by: Newy Staff
Newy 87.8 FM is an FM radio station established in 2014 targeting Classic Hits music enthusiasts across Newcastle and The Central Coast, Australia. The station plays 60s 70s and 80s music. The station can be streamed online via this website or smart phone apps such as Tunein. In 2024 we opened a local newsroom dedicated to publishing Newcastle News.
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