Three charged after alleged Hamilton South home invasion and Beaumont Street robbery investigation

newy.com.au – Three men have been charged after police investigated an alleged armed home invasion in Hamilton South and a separate alleged robbery of the same man in Hamilton late last month.

NSW Police said a 44-year-old man was allegedly assaulted and robbed in the first incident before being targeted again about two weeks later, prompting detectives in the Newcastle City Police District to form Strike Force Arnstone.

Emergency services were called to a unit on Fowler Street, Hamilton South, about 8pm on Friday 30 January following reports of a home invasion. Police were told three men allegedly assaulted the 44-year-old and robbed him while armed with a machete, an axe and a mallet, before stealing a large amount of cash and property.

The man fled the unit and was assessed by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for treatment.

A 28-year-old man was arrested at Newcastle Police Station about 9.45am on Monday 9 February and charged with robbery armed with offensive weapon. He was refused bail and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 8 April.

A second 28-year-old man was arrested at a home in Wingham, near Taree, about 3.30pm on Thursday 19 February following a brief foot pursuit, police said. He was taken to Taree Police Station and charged with robbery in company, refused bail, and is due to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Monday 16 March.

Police alleged the same 44-year-old man was riding an e-bike along Beaumont Street, Hamilton, about 6pm on Sunday 15 February when he was struck by a vehicle and knocked from the bike before being assaulted by a man who demanded his backpack. NSW Ambulance paramedics took him to hospital for treatment.

As part of the investigation into both incidents, detectives attended a unit complex on Hanbury Street, Mayfield, about 12.30pm on Monday 23 February, where police said a 32-year-old man climbed onto the roof armed with syringes. Tactical Operations Unit operatives and negotiators assisted before a Taser was deployed about 6.45pm and the man was arrested and taken to hospital for assessment.

Police said the man was taken to Newcastle Police Station about 3pm on Tuesday 24 February and charged with aggravated robbery with offensive weapon, stalk/intimidate intend fear physical etc harm, and assault with intent to rob in company, with an outstanding warrant also executed for alleged breach of bail, knife and possession of housebreaking implement offences. He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 2 on Wednesday 25 February.