Man charged after alleged armed robbery at Edgeworth Bowlo

newy.com.au – A 36-year-old man has been charged after an alleged armed robbery at a licensed premises on Park Street in Edgeworth, in Lake Macquarie, on Friday 9 January 2026. Newy.com.au understands the venue is Edgeworth Sport & Recreation Club (Edgeworth Bowlo).

Police allege the man attended the venue about 9.30pm with a firearm, threatened staff and demanded cash, before staff and patrons wrestled him to the ground and removed the weapon. No injuries were reported among staff or patrons.

NSW Police said officers from Lake Macquarie Police District were called to the venue and arrested the man at the scene. He was taken to Toronto Police Station, then transported to John Hunter Hospital for treatment of a laceration to his arm.

After his release from hospital on Saturday 10 January 2026, the man was taken to Belmont Police Station and charged with five offences, including robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon and possessing an unauthorised firearm.

He was also charged with possessing a loaded firearm in a public place, being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence, and having his face blackened or disguised with intent to commit an indictable offence.

The man was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Sunday 11 January 2026, where bail was formally refused. He is due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 18 March 2026.