A fifth man has been charged over his alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a man at Rutherford earlier this year.
On Wednesday 28 February 2024, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District located a 38-year-old man near Greta suffering serious injuries.
He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to Maitland Hospital for the treatment of facial injuries, bruising, lacerations, and a stab wound to his leg.
Police will allege in court that the man was allegedly forced into a vehicle in the Rutherford area early on Tuesday 27 February 2024, before he was taken to a premises in Metford where he was allegedly drugged and assaulted, before later being released.
Following extensive inquiries under Strike Force HALULE, three men – aged 26, 35 and 53 – were charged over their alleged involvement and remain before the courts.
A fourth man, aged 32, was also charged; however, no longer remains before the courts.
Following further inquiries by police, a fifth man was arrested on Main Road, Cardiff, about 3.40pm yesterday (Thursday 31 October 2024).
The 29-year-old was taken to Belmont Police Station where he was charged with kidnap in company with intent serious indictable occasion actual bodily harm.
He was refused bail to appear before Belmont Local Court today (Friday 1 November 2024).
