A second man will face court today after allegedly stealing an Aboriginal flag from Maitland Police Station earlier this month.
On Wednesday 24 August 2022, a representative from the Mindaribba Aboriginal Land Council laid a floral arrangement and an Aboriginal flag at Maitland Police Station as a tribute to Chief Inspector Tony Townsend – who passed away that week – and his dedication to serving the community.
The flag was displayed at the front of the station along with the floral tribute until it was stolen on Thursday 1 September 2022.
A review of CCTV revealed two men attended the station about 6.45pm and one of the men went inside while the other removed the flag from display and allegedly concealed it in his jacket before they both left the area.
Following extensive inquiries, a 60-year-old man was arrested by officers attached to Port Stephens/Hunter Police District just before 3pm on Thursday (8 September 2022) at Victoria Street Train Station.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace Police Station, where he was charged with larceny.
The East Maitland man was refused bail to appear at Raymond Terrace Local Court yesterday (Friday 9 September 2022) where he was granted conditional bail to re-appear at Maitland Local Court on Wednesday 26 October 2022.
About 7.50pm yesterday (Friday 9 September 2022) – as a result of further investigations – a 36-year-old man from East Maitland, was arrested at Maitland Police Station.
He was charged with larceny and breach of bail. The man was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court later today (Saturday 10 October 2022).
The Aboriginal flag has since been recovered and will be returned to display in due course.
