Further charges have been laid following an investigation into an alleged armed robbery and pursuit in the Hunter overnight.
Police were called to the New England Highway, Blandford, about 1am yesterday (Wednesday 27 September 2023), following reports a 73-year-old man had his ute allegedly stolen by three people who flagged him down.
A short time later, police were patrolling Singleton when they attempted to stop the ute on the New England Highway.
When the vehicle allegedly failed to stop as directed, a pursuit was initiated, continuing towards Newcastle.
The pursuit ended in North Lambton when road spikes were deployed.
Three teenagers – two boys and a girl – were arrested at the scene before being taken to Newcastle Police Station.
The alleged driver, a 17-year-old boy, has been charged with robbery in company, and police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly. The passengers, both aged 16, were charged with robbery in company, and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
All three were refused bail and appeared in a children’s court yesterday (Wednesday 27 September 2023).
Following inquiries, the following additional charges were laid,
- The 17-year-old boy was issued a Court Attendance Notice aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in/on it-in company, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously and assault with intent to rob armed with offensive weapon.
- The 16-year-old boy was issued a Court Attendance Notice for aggravated take/drive motor vehicle with person in/on it-in company, assault with intent to rob armed with offensive weapon and be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
- The 16-year-old girl was issued a Court Attendance Notice for carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner.
Police will allege in court these charges relate to two other incidents alleged to have occurred overnight, including an alleged armed robbery and pursuit at South Tamworth, and an alleged attempted armed robbery at Willow Tree.
All matters remain before the children’s court.
