Four men have been charged following an extensive investigation into the alleged 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 by Port Stephens-Hunter Police District under Strike Force HALULE, four men have now been charged over their alleged involvement in the incident:
- On Tuesday 2 July 2024, a 53-year-old man was arrested in Metford and taken to Maitland Police Station where he was charged with take/detain person with intent to obtain advantage occasion actual bodily harm, and use intoxicating substance to commit indictable offence. He was refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 3 July 2024, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday 28 August 2024.
- On Monday 8 July 2024, a 35-year-old man was arrested in Cameron Park and taken to Toronto Police Station where he was charged with kidnap in company with intent serious indictable occasion actual bodily harm, and use intoxicating substance to commit indictable offence. He was refused bail to appear before Toronto Local Court on Tuesday 9 July 2024, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Wednesday 4 September 2024.
- On Monday 22 July 2024, a 32-year-old man was arrested in Maryland and taken to Waratah 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 Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday 23 July 2024, where he was formally refused bail to appear before the same court on Wednesday 11 September 2024.
- On Thursday 15 August 2024, a 26-year-old man was arrested at a correctional centre and was charged with kidnap in company with intent serious indictable occasion actual bodily harm. He was also charged with a further seven charges in relation to other alleged matters; two counts of police pursuit - not stop - drive recklessly, two counts of drive motor vehicle during disqualification period, use supply acquire or possess defaced firearm, acquire etc firearm - subject to prohibition order, and possess unauthorised firearm. He was refused bail to appear before Port Macquarie Local Court on Friday 16 August 2024, where he was formally refused bail to appear before Newcastle Local Court on Thursday 24 October 2024.
