Four Men Charged Following Alleged Rutherford Kidnapping Investigation

Four men have been charged after an extensive investigation into the alleged kidnapping of a man at Rutherford earlier this year.

On Wednesday, 28 February 2024, officers from the Hunter Valley Police District found a 38-year-old man near Greta suffering from serious injuries. He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and transported to Maitland Hospital for treatment of facial injuries, bruising, lacerations, and a stab wound to his leg.

Police allege that the man was forcibly taken into a vehicle in the Rutherford area on Tuesday, 27 February 2024. He was then allegedly taken to a premises in Metford where he was drugged and assaulted before eventually being released.

Following ongoing investigations by Port Stephens-Hunter Police District under Strike Force HALULE, four men have now been charged in connection with the incident.

On Tuesday, 2 July 2024, a 53-year-old man was arrested in Metford and taken to Maitland Police Station. He was charged with detaining a person with intent to obtain an advantage causing actual bodily harm and using an intoxicating substance to commit an indictable offence. The man was refused bail and appeared before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, 3 July 2024, where he was formally refused bail again. His next court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, 28 August 2024.

On Monday, 8 July 2024, a 35-year-old man was arrested in Cameron Park and taken to Toronto Police Station. He was charged with kidnapping in company with intent to cause serious harm and using an intoxicating substance to commit an indictable offence. He was also refused bail and appeared in Toronto Local Court on Tuesday, 9 July 2024. He is set to reappear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday, 4 September 2024.

On Monday, 22 July 2024, a 32-year-old man was arrested in Maryland and taken to Waratah Police Station. He was charged with kidnapping in company with intent to cause serious harm. He was refused bail and appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday, 23 July 2024, with his next appearance scheduled for Wednesday, 11 September 2024.

On Thursday, 15 August 2024, a 26-year-old man was arrested at a correctional centre and was charged with kidnapping in company with intent to cause serious harm. He also faces seven additional charges related to other alleged matters, including police pursuit, driving during disqualification, possessing a defaced firearm, and firearm-related offences. He was refused bail and appeared in Port Macquarie Local Court on Friday, 16 August 2024. His next court date is set for Thursday, 24 October 2024, in Newcastle Local Court.

The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not ruled out further charges.