Man refused bail after alleged police impersonation assault on Darby Street in Newcastle

newy.com.au – A 43-year-old man has been charged and refused bail after police allege he impersonated an officer and assaulted a 62-year-old man on Darby Street in Newcastle on Wednesday night.

In a statement, NSW Police said officers were called to Darby Street about 10.30pm on Wednesday 28 January 2026 following reports of an assault, with the accused arrested at the scene and listed to face court on Thursday.

Police were told the 62-year-old was trying to get into his vehicle when he was approached by a younger man not known to him, who allegedly claimed he was a police officer. After a verbal exchange, the younger man allegedly assaulted the older man.

The statement said the 62-year-old then entered the driver’s seat of his vehicle while the other man allegedly got into the passenger seat and assaulted him again. Police allege both men then exited the vehicle and the younger man claimed the older man was under arrest during a further confrontation.

Passersby separated the men before officers attached to Newcastle City Police District arrived and arrested the 43-year-old. He was taken to Newcastle Police Station.

Police said the 62-year-old sustained lacerations to his face, legs and hand.

The 43-year-old was charged with impersonate police officer, impersonate police officer and exercise powers/functions, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Thursday 29 January 2026.