newy.com.au – A ninth man has been charged and a motorbike seized as police continue investigating a large gathering at Mayfield last month.
Officers executed a search warrant at a home on Wollombi Road, Cessnock, on Wednesday, 22 July, where they allegedly found items of interest, including a motorbike. A 24-year-old man was arrested and taken to Cessnock Police Station.
He was charged with five offences, including riot, three or more people using violence to cause fear, damaging property valued between $2000 and $5000, driving recklessly or in a dangerous manner, and driving while disqualified.
The charges stem from an incident at a park on Ingall Street, Mayfield, on Sunday, 14 June. Police were called about 1pm following reports of a large gathering and found between 150 and 200 people in the park.
A further 30 to 40 people were allegedly riding unregistered trail bikes through parkland and surrounding streets. Nearby streets were closed and traffic was redirected because of safety concerns.
Newcastle City Police District established Operation Horizon to investigate the gathering. Eight other men have been arrested and charged over the incident and remain before the courts, while a total of 26 unregistered motorbikes have been seized during the operation.
The 24-year-old man was granted strict conditional bail to appear before Cessnock Local Court on Thursday, 3 September. Police inquiries are continuing.
