Rogue Scholar attacker pleads guilty to headbutting woman in shocking assault
Douglas William Kelvin Wood, 43, of Ipswich, was represented by solicitor Chris Watsford and excused from attending Newcastle Local Court during a mention of his matter on Thursday afternoon.
Wood pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the attack on Britt Mitchell at the Rogue Scholar on March 15 after prosecutors agreed to withdraw a charge of affray.
He will be sentenced in September.
The Newcastle Herald reported last month that Wood was out with workmates celebrating the completion of a major project and was dancing wildly on the dance floor of the Newcastle West bar about 11.15pm when he suddenly slapped Ms Mitchell across the face.
Wood turned to walk away and continue dancing when Ms Mitchell grabbed him and said: "What the f--- did you do that for? "You just hit me, you knocked my glasses off my face", according to court documents.
But after being confronted, 43-year-old Wood laughed and said, "what are you going to do about it?"
The pair exchanged further words before Wood removed the sunglasses from the top of his head and headbutted Ms Mitchell in the face.
Bleeding profusely from her nose, Ms Mitchell threw a drink in her attacker's face and then left the dance floor.
She sat at the bar and asked staff for a cloth for her nose, but police said Wood had followed her.
He grabbed her by the shirt and punched her in the back of the head.
When people rushed in to intervene and pull Wood away, he kept hold of Ms Mitchell's shirt and almost completely ripped it from her body in the melee.
Eventually, to get away from her attacker, Ms Mitchell managed to get out of the shirt, leaving her in the venue in only her bra.
The attack left Ms Mitchell with a broken nose.
She went to Newcastle police station to make a statement, and police later obtained CCTV footage from inside the venue that they say captures the entire incident from multiple angles.
Police say they identified the attacker as Wood, but by then, he had returned to Queensland.
He was charged a few weeks later and appeared in court for the first time last month.
The assault triggered public outrage and prompted Ms Mitchell and her partner, Hayley Goldie, to organise a rally labelled "Enough is Enough", to raise awareness of and support for victims of gendered violence.
A QUEENSLAND builder, who headbutted, punched and slapped a woman in a Newcastle bar in a shocking attack that triggered widespread outrage and led to the formation of a rally against gendered violence, has pleaded guilty.
Douglas William Kelvin Wood, 43, of Ipswich, was represented by solicitor Chris Watsford and excused from attending Newcastle Local Court during a mention of his matter on Thursday afternoon.
Wood pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the attack on Britt Mitchell at the Rogue Scholar on March 15 after prosecutors agreed to withdraw a charge of affray.
He will be sentenced in September.
The Newcastle Herald reported last month that Wood was out with workmates celebrating the completion of a major project and was dancing wildly on the dance floor of the Newcastle West bar about 11.15pm when he suddenly slapped Ms Mitchell across the face.
Wood turned to walk away and continue dancing when Ms Mitchell grabbed him and said: "What the f--- did you do that for? "You just hit me, you knocked my glasses off my face", according to court documents.
But after being confronted, 43-year-old Wood laughed and said, "what are you going to do about it?"
The pair exchanged further words before Wood removed the sunglasses from the top of his head and headbutted Ms Mitchell in the face.
Bleeding profusely from her nose, Ms Mitchell threw a drink in her attacker's face and then left the dance floor.
She sat at the bar and asked staff for a cloth for her nose, but police said Wood had followed her.
He grabbed her by the shirt and punched her in the back of the head.
When people rushed in to intervene and pull Wood away, he kept hold of Ms Mitchell's shirt and almost completely ripped it from her body in the melee.
Eventually, to get away from her attacker, Ms Mitchell managed to get out of the shirt, leaving her in the venue in only her bra.
The attack left Ms Mitchell with a broken nose.
She went to Newcastle police station to make a statement, and police later obtained CCTV footage from inside the venue that they say captures the entire incident from multiple angles.
Police say they identified the attacker as Wood, but by then, he had returned to Queensland.
He was charged a few weeks later and appeared in court for the first time last month.
The assault triggered public outrage and prompted Ms Mitchell and her partner, Hayley Goldie, to organise a rally labelled "Enough is Enough", to raise awareness of and support for victims of gendered violence.
A QUEENSLAND builder, who headbutted, punched and slapped a woman in a Newcastle bar in a shocking attack that triggered widespread outrage and led to the formation of a rally against gendered violence, has pleaded guilty.
Douglas William Kelvin Wood, 43, of Ipswich, was represented by solicitor Chris Watsford and excused from attending Newcastle Local Court during a mention of his matter on Thursday afternoon.
Wood pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the attack on Britt Mitchell at the Rogue Scholar on March 15 after prosecutors agreed to withdraw a charge of affray.
He will be sentenced in September.
The Newcastle Herald reported last month that Wood was out with workmates celebrating the completion of a major project and was dancing wildly on the dance floor of the Newcastle West bar about 11.15pm when he suddenly slapped Ms Mitchell across the face.
Wood turned to walk away and continue dancing when Ms Mitchell grabbed him and said: "What the f--- did you do that for? "You just hit me, you knocked my glasses off my face", according to court documents.
But after being confronted, 43-year-old Wood laughed and said, "what are you going to do about it?"
The pair exchanged further words before Wood removed the sunglasses from the top of his head and headbutted Ms Mitchell in the face.
Bleeding profusely from her nose, Ms Mitchell threw a drink in her attacker's face and then left the dance floor.
She sat at the bar and asked staff for a cloth for her nose, but police said Wood had followed her.
He grabbed her by the shirt and punched her in the back of the head.
When people rushed in to intervene and pull Wood away, he kept hold of Ms Mitchell's shirt and almost completely ripped it from her body in the melee.
Eventually, to get away from her attacker, Ms Mitchell managed to get out of the shirt, leaving her in the venue in only her bra.
The attack left Ms Mitchell with a broken nose.
She went to Newcastle police station to make a statement, and police later obtained CCTV footage from inside the venue that they say captures the entire incident from multiple angles.
Police say they identified the attacker as Wood, but by then, he had returned to Queensland.
He was charged a few weeks later and appeared in court for the first time last month.
The assault triggered public outrage and prompted Ms Mitchell and her partner, Hayley Goldie, to organise a rally labelled "Enough is Enough", to raise awareness of and support for victims of gendered violence.
A QUEENSLAND builder, who headbutted, punched and slapped a woman in a Newcastle bar in a shocking attack that triggered widespread outrage and led to the formation of a rally against gendered violence, has pleaded guilty.
Douglas William Kelvin Wood, 43, of Ipswich, was represented by solicitor Chris Watsford and excused from attending Newcastle Local Court during a mention of his matter on Thursday afternoon.
Wood pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm over the attack on Britt Mitchell at the Rogue Scholar on March 15 after prosecutors agreed to withdraw a charge of affray.
He will be sentenced in September.
The Newcastle Herald reported last month that Wood was out with workmates celebrating the completion of a major project and was dancing wildly on the dance floor of the Newcastle West bar about 11.15pm when he suddenly slapped Ms Mitchell across the face.
Wood turned to walk away and continue dancing when Ms Mitchell grabbed him and said: "What the f--- did you do that for? "You just hit me, you knocked my glasses off my face", according to court documents.
But after being confronted, 43-year-old Wood laughed and said, "what are you going to do about it?"
The pair exchanged further words before Wood removed the sunglasses from the top of his head and headbutted Ms Mitchell in the face.
Bleeding profusely from her nose, Ms Mitchell threw a drink in her attacker's face and then left the dance floor.
She sat at the bar and asked staff for a cloth for her nose, but police said Wood had followed her.
He grabbed her by the shirt and punched her in the back of the head.
When people rushed in to intervene and pull Wood away, he kept hold of Ms Mitchell's shirt and almost completely ripped it from her body in the melee.
Eventually, to get away from her attacker, Ms Mitchell managed to get out of the shirt, leaving her in the venue in only her bra.
The attack left Ms Mitchell with a broken nose.
She went to Newcastle police station to make a statement, and police later obtained CCTV footage from inside the venue that they say captures the entire incident from multiple angles.
Police say they identified the attacker as Wood, but by then, he had returned to Queensland.
He was charged a few weeks later and appeared in court for the first time last month.
The assault triggered public outrage and prompted Ms Mitchell and her partner, Hayley Goldie, to organise a rally labelled "Enough is Enough", to raise awareness of and support for victims of gendered violence.
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The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Sister's tribute to woman with a 'heart of gold' after alleged murder
THE GRIEVING sister of a woman allegedly murdered at the hands of her boyfriend at Rutherford has remembered her as having a heart of gold. Police found Summer Fleming, 20, with serious facial injuries at a home on Unicomb Close at about 4.45am on Monday after a triple zero call for help. Her partner of a little more than a year, 31-year-old Jethro Gamueda, was arrested at the scene and remains behind bars accused of domestic violence murder. Ash Heggie-Martin told the Newcastle Herald that her little sister Summer was one of a kind. "She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone," she said. "Her smile lit up a room as soon as she walked in, she is the best sister anyone could ever ask for." Ms Heggie-Martin said her family was grieving Summer's tragic death and they adored her. "She was very loved and will be deeply missed," she said. Summer was remembered as a young woman who enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, going to nice restaurants and "getting a good feed", and loved her music, among so many more things. Meanwhile, her alleged killer did not appear in bail court on Tuesday when his single charge was mentioned for the first time. Gamueda's defence solicitor Mohamed Bejjaoui made no application for bail and magistrate Elizabeth Bushby formally refused his release from custody. The case was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in October. Detectives investigating the alleged murder under Strike Force Clarbeni will compile a brief of evidence in the meantime. Gamueda was arrested on Monday morning and spent the day at Maitland Police Station before he was charged with one count of domestic violence murder that night. Emergency services had rushed to a home on Unicomb Close at Rutherford, in the Hunter, before dawn on August 18 after a triple zero call. Police officers found the 20-year-old woman unresponsive and suffering serious facial injuries. They commenced CPR and NSW Ambulance paramedics also arrived to treat the woman, but she could not be revived. Police arrested Gamueda at the scene. Early investigations revealed he had been in a domestic relationship with Summer for just over 12 months, police said at the time. Police set up a crime scene on the otherwise quiet cul-de-sac, which was analysed by specialist forensic officers. A senior police officer on Monday described the young woman's death as "tragic". Residents of Unicomb Close also described their shock and sadness at the news she had died allegedly at the hands of her partner. THE GRIEVING sister of a woman allegedly murdered at the hands of her boyfriend at Rutherford has remembered her as having a heart of gold. Police found Summer Fleming, 20, with serious facial injuries at a home on Unicomb Close at about 4.45am on Monday after a triple zero call for help. Her partner of a little more than a year, 31-year-old Jethro Gamueda, was arrested at the scene and remains behind bars accused of domestic violence murder. Ash Heggie-Martin told the Newcastle Herald that her little sister Summer was one of a kind. "She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone," she said. "Her smile lit up a room as soon as she walked in, she is the best sister anyone could ever ask for." Ms Heggie-Martin said her family was grieving Summer's tragic death and they adored her. "She was very loved and will be deeply missed," she said. Summer was remembered as a young woman who enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, going to nice restaurants and "getting a good feed", and loved her music, among so many more things. Meanwhile, her alleged killer did not appear in bail court on Tuesday when his single charge was mentioned for the first time. Gamueda's defence solicitor Mohamed Bejjaoui made no application for bail and magistrate Elizabeth Bushby formally refused his release from custody. The case was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in October. Detectives investigating the alleged murder under Strike Force Clarbeni will compile a brief of evidence in the meantime. Gamueda was arrested on Monday morning and spent the day at Maitland Police Station before he was charged with one count of domestic violence murder that night. Emergency services had rushed to a home on Unicomb Close at Rutherford, in the Hunter, before dawn on August 18 after a triple zero call. Police officers found the 20-year-old woman unresponsive and suffering serious facial injuries. They commenced CPR and NSW Ambulance paramedics also arrived to treat the woman, but she could not be revived. Police arrested Gamueda at the scene. Early investigations revealed he had been in a domestic relationship with Summer for just over 12 months, police said at the time. Police set up a crime scene on the otherwise quiet cul-de-sac, which was analysed by specialist forensic officers. A senior police officer on Monday described the young woman's death as "tragic". Residents of Unicomb Close also described their shock and sadness at the news she had died allegedly at the hands of her partner. THE GRIEVING sister of a woman allegedly murdered at the hands of her boyfriend at Rutherford has remembered her as having a heart of gold. Police found Summer Fleming, 20, with serious facial injuries at a home on Unicomb Close at about 4.45am on Monday after a triple zero call for help. Her partner of a little more than a year, 31-year-old Jethro Gamueda, was arrested at the scene and remains behind bars accused of domestic violence murder. Ash Heggie-Martin told the Newcastle Herald that her little sister Summer was one of a kind. "She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone," she said. "Her smile lit up a room as soon as she walked in, she is the best sister anyone could ever ask for." Ms Heggie-Martin said her family was grieving Summer's tragic death and they adored her. "She was very loved and will be deeply missed," she said. Summer was remembered as a young woman who enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, going to nice restaurants and "getting a good feed", and loved her music, among so many more things. Meanwhile, her alleged killer did not appear in bail court on Tuesday when his single charge was mentioned for the first time. Gamueda's defence solicitor Mohamed Bejjaoui made no application for bail and magistrate Elizabeth Bushby formally refused his release from custody. The case was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in October. Detectives investigating the alleged murder under Strike Force Clarbeni will compile a brief of evidence in the meantime. Gamueda was arrested on Monday morning and spent the day at Maitland Police Station before he was charged with one count of domestic violence murder that night. Emergency services had rushed to a home on Unicomb Close at Rutherford, in the Hunter, before dawn on August 18 after a triple zero call. Police officers found the 20-year-old woman unresponsive and suffering serious facial injuries. They commenced CPR and NSW Ambulance paramedics also arrived to treat the woman, but she could not be revived. Police arrested Gamueda at the scene. Early investigations revealed he had been in a domestic relationship with Summer for just over 12 months, police said at the time. Police set up a crime scene on the otherwise quiet cul-de-sac, which was analysed by specialist forensic officers. A senior police officer on Monday described the young woman's death as "tragic". Residents of Unicomb Close also described their shock and sadness at the news she had died allegedly at the hands of her partner. THE GRIEVING sister of a woman allegedly murdered at the hands of her boyfriend at Rutherford has remembered her as having a heart of gold. Police found Summer Fleming, 20, with serious facial injuries at a home on Unicomb Close at about 4.45am on Monday after a triple zero call for help. Her partner of a little more than a year, 31-year-old Jethro Gamueda, was arrested at the scene and remains behind bars accused of domestic violence murder. Ash Heggie-Martin told the Newcastle Herald that her little sister Summer was one of a kind. "She had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone," she said. "Her smile lit up a room as soon as she walked in, she is the best sister anyone could ever ask for." Ms Heggie-Martin said her family was grieving Summer's tragic death and they adored her. "She was very loved and will be deeply missed," she said. Summer was remembered as a young woman who enjoyed spending time with her friends and family, going to nice restaurants and "getting a good feed", and loved her music, among so many more things. Meanwhile, her alleged killer did not appear in bail court on Tuesday when his single charge was mentioned for the first time. Gamueda's defence solicitor Mohamed Bejjaoui made no application for bail and magistrate Elizabeth Bushby formally refused his release from custody. The case was adjourned to Newcastle Local Court in October. Detectives investigating the alleged murder under Strike Force Clarbeni will compile a brief of evidence in the meantime. Gamueda was arrested on Monday morning and spent the day at Maitland Police Station before he was charged with one count of domestic violence murder that night. Emergency services had rushed to a home on Unicomb Close at Rutherford, in the Hunter, before dawn on August 18 after a triple zero call. Police officers found the 20-year-old woman unresponsive and suffering serious facial injuries. They commenced CPR and NSW Ambulance paramedics also arrived to treat the woman, but she could not be revived. Police arrested Gamueda at the scene. Early investigations revealed he had been in a domestic relationship with Summer for just over 12 months, police said at the time. Police set up a crime scene on the otherwise quiet cul-de-sac, which was analysed by specialist forensic officers. A senior police officer on Monday described the young woman's death as "tragic". Residents of Unicomb Close also described their shock and sadness at the news she had died allegedly at the hands of her partner.
The Advertiser
5 days ago
- The Advertiser
Suburb 'torn apart': drone footage shows homes metres from ocean collapse
New drone footage shows more than a dozen homes just metres from toppling into the ocean, as locals say the beachside suburb's community "has been torn apart" by inaction from government and the council. The footage obtained by the Newcastle Herald shows the coastal erosion metres away from the back doors of several houses, while fences, gardens, alfresco areas and staircases have all collapsed into the ocean. Tensions have reached boiling point, with police investigating an alleged altercation involving Central Coast councillor Corinne Lamont and her husband Mark, and land owner Warren Hughes on Tuesday afternoon. Both parties have different versions of events regarding the confrontation understood to have begun when the Lamonts filmed unauthorised works involving a crane placing large bags of rocks at Mr Hughes' beachfront home. The Lamonts were both arrested and charged with assault actual bodily harm in company and affray, but maintain their innocence. A Central Coast Council spokesperson says the council has issued Mr Hughes a stop-work order. In July, the NSW government declared Wamberal a Reconstruction Area, which allows the Central Coast Council to undertake temporary emergency coastal erosion protection works, bypassing the lengthy approval process. However, Premier Chris Minns has already rejected the idea of a seawall, the option favoured by homeowners. Wamberal Protection Association chair Chris Rogers said residents were tired of the buck passing and finger pointing, and called for the council and state government to "give us something, give us anything". "The community has been torn apart," Mr Rogers said. "People's mental health is being seriously affected because their homes and their families have been at risk for months and months." A council spokesperson said following consultations with NSW Public Works, it was clear sand nourishment was "now the only appropriate response that could be supported in the interim", while approval for a "terminal protective structure" - such as a seawall - was sought. "Council is currently preparing a Sand Nourishment-Dune Vegetation project proposal for owners to consider," the spokesperson said. Homes on The Entrance North have also been battered by beachside erosion, however residents there have been granted a ministerial authorisation to complete temporary coastal protection works. "At this time council is continuing to assist owners in their due diligence process, and understand consideration is being given to the needs of the collective, as well as individual property owner interests," the spokesperson said. A draft Coastal Management Plan (CMP) released by Central Coast Council confirmed 72 buildings and vital infrastructure are in immediate danger. Beyond that, a significantly wider area at risk of future erosion and inundation than previously estimated. New drone footage shows more than a dozen homes just metres from toppling into the ocean, as locals say the beachside suburb's community "has been torn apart" by inaction from government and the council. The footage obtained by the Newcastle Herald shows the coastal erosion metres away from the back doors of several houses, while fences, gardens, alfresco areas and staircases have all collapsed into the ocean. Tensions have reached boiling point, with police investigating an alleged altercation involving Central Coast councillor Corinne Lamont and her husband Mark, and land owner Warren Hughes on Tuesday afternoon. Both parties have different versions of events regarding the confrontation understood to have begun when the Lamonts filmed unauthorised works involving a crane placing large bags of rocks at Mr Hughes' beachfront home. The Lamonts were both arrested and charged with assault actual bodily harm in company and affray, but maintain their innocence. A Central Coast Council spokesperson says the council has issued Mr Hughes a stop-work order. In July, the NSW government declared Wamberal a Reconstruction Area, which allows the Central Coast Council to undertake temporary emergency coastal erosion protection works, bypassing the lengthy approval process. However, Premier Chris Minns has already rejected the idea of a seawall, the option favoured by homeowners. Wamberal Protection Association chair Chris Rogers said residents were tired of the buck passing and finger pointing, and called for the council and state government to "give us something, give us anything". "The community has been torn apart," Mr Rogers said. "People's mental health is being seriously affected because their homes and their families have been at risk for months and months." A council spokesperson said following consultations with NSW Public Works, it was clear sand nourishment was "now the only appropriate response that could be supported in the interim", while approval for a "terminal protective structure" - such as a seawall - was sought. "Council is currently preparing a Sand Nourishment-Dune Vegetation project proposal for owners to consider," the spokesperson said. Homes on The Entrance North have also been battered by beachside erosion, however residents there have been granted a ministerial authorisation to complete temporary coastal protection works. "At this time council is continuing to assist owners in their due diligence process, and understand consideration is being given to the needs of the collective, as well as individual property owner interests," the spokesperson said. A draft Coastal Management Plan (CMP) released by Central Coast Council confirmed 72 buildings and vital infrastructure are in immediate danger. Beyond that, a significantly wider area at risk of future erosion and inundation than previously estimated. New drone footage shows more than a dozen homes just metres from toppling into the ocean, as locals say the beachside suburb's community "has been torn apart" by inaction from government and the council. The footage obtained by the Newcastle Herald shows the coastal erosion metres away from the back doors of several houses, while fences, gardens, alfresco areas and staircases have all collapsed into the ocean. Tensions have reached boiling point, with police investigating an alleged altercation involving Central Coast councillor Corinne Lamont and her husband Mark, and land owner Warren Hughes on Tuesday afternoon. Both parties have different versions of events regarding the confrontation understood to have begun when the Lamonts filmed unauthorised works involving a crane placing large bags of rocks at Mr Hughes' beachfront home. The Lamonts were both arrested and charged with assault actual bodily harm in company and affray, but maintain their innocence. A Central Coast Council spokesperson says the council has issued Mr Hughes a stop-work order. In July, the NSW government declared Wamberal a Reconstruction Area, which allows the Central Coast Council to undertake temporary emergency coastal erosion protection works, bypassing the lengthy approval process. However, Premier Chris Minns has already rejected the idea of a seawall, the option favoured by homeowners. Wamberal Protection Association chair Chris Rogers said residents were tired of the buck passing and finger pointing, and called for the council and state government to "give us something, give us anything". "The community has been torn apart," Mr Rogers said. "People's mental health is being seriously affected because their homes and their families have been at risk for months and months." A council spokesperson said following consultations with NSW Public Works, it was clear sand nourishment was "now the only appropriate response that could be supported in the interim", while approval for a "terminal protective structure" - such as a seawall - was sought. "Council is currently preparing a Sand Nourishment-Dune Vegetation project proposal for owners to consider," the spokesperson said. Homes on The Entrance North have also been battered by beachside erosion, however residents there have been granted a ministerial authorisation to complete temporary coastal protection works. "At this time council is continuing to assist owners in their due diligence process, and understand consideration is being given to the needs of the collective, as well as individual property owner interests," the spokesperson said. A draft Coastal Management Plan (CMP) released by Central Coast Council confirmed 72 buildings and vital infrastructure are in immediate danger. Beyond that, a significantly wider area at risk of future erosion and inundation than previously estimated. New drone footage shows more than a dozen homes just metres from toppling into the ocean, as locals say the beachside suburb's community "has been torn apart" by inaction from government and the council. The footage obtained by the Newcastle Herald shows the coastal erosion metres away from the back doors of several houses, while fences, gardens, alfresco areas and staircases have all collapsed into the ocean. Tensions have reached boiling point, with police investigating an alleged altercation involving Central Coast councillor Corinne Lamont and her husband Mark, and land owner Warren Hughes on Tuesday afternoon. Both parties have different versions of events regarding the confrontation understood to have begun when the Lamonts filmed unauthorised works involving a crane placing large bags of rocks at Mr Hughes' beachfront home. The Lamonts were both arrested and charged with assault actual bodily harm in company and affray, but maintain their innocence. A Central Coast Council spokesperson says the council has issued Mr Hughes a stop-work order. In July, the NSW government declared Wamberal a Reconstruction Area, which allows the Central Coast Council to undertake temporary emergency coastal erosion protection works, bypassing the lengthy approval process. However, Premier Chris Minns has already rejected the idea of a seawall, the option favoured by homeowners. Wamberal Protection Association chair Chris Rogers said residents were tired of the buck passing and finger pointing, and called for the council and state government to "give us something, give us anything". "The community has been torn apart," Mr Rogers said. "People's mental health is being seriously affected because their homes and their families have been at risk for months and months." A council spokesperson said following consultations with NSW Public Works, it was clear sand nourishment was "now the only appropriate response that could be supported in the interim", while approval for a "terminal protective structure" - such as a seawall - was sought. "Council is currently preparing a Sand Nourishment-Dune Vegetation project proposal for owners to consider," the spokesperson said. Homes on The Entrance North have also been battered by beachside erosion, however residents there have been granted a ministerial authorisation to complete temporary coastal protection works. "At this time council is continuing to assist owners in their due diligence process, and understand consideration is being given to the needs of the collective, as well as individual property owner interests," the spokesperson said. A draft Coastal Management Plan (CMP) released by Central Coast Council confirmed 72 buildings and vital infrastructure are in immediate danger. Beyond that, a significantly wider area at risk of future erosion and inundation than previously estimated.
The Advertiser
08-08-2025
- The Advertiser
Renewed appeal in missing person case: where is Andrew Dumbrell?
POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives. POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives. POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives. POLICE have renewed their appeal for public help locating Andrew Dumbrell as part of this year's 'Forever Loved' Missing Persons Week campaign. Mr Dumbrell, aged 35, was last seen on Lorna and Edith Street in Waratah about 9.10am on January 14, 2025. Lake Macquarie police were notified of his disappearance on January 15, 2025. They commenced a missing persons investigation. According to his family, Mr Dumbrell, who has schizophrenia, had never gone missing before. Numerous inquiries into his whereabouts have been undertaken since he went missing, including three public appeals for information. In March, his mum, Angela Jackson, publicly joined the appeal, pleading with the community for help. "It's terrible. I don't know what else to do," said Ms Jackson, of Belmont told Newcastle Herald at the time. "His brothers, sisters, nan and pop are so worried about him." It is understood Mr Dumbrell, of Windale, suffered an epileptic seizure and was taken to the Calvary Mater emergency department by ambulance on January 13. He stayed there overnight and was discharged the next morning, but had not been heard from since. CCTV footage showed him near McDonalds at Warners Bay at 4.30pm on the day he left the hospital. Police conducted an extensive search of bushland at Warners Bay on February 21, 2025 with the assistance of specialist police searchers and the NSW SES. In April, family and friends conducted their own searches for him at Gateshead and Mount Hutton. Inquiries into his whereabouts continue, and police said they remain in contact with his family. He is known to use public transport and to frequent the suburbs of Windale, Warners Bay, Hillsborough, Charlestown and Belmont. Police said Mr Dumbrell was caucasian, about 165 to 170 centimetres tall, of medium build, with grey hair and brown eyes. "He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with a white logo, dark coloured shorts and no shoes," a police statement said. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or Missing Persons Week is an annual national campaign to raise awareness of the issues and impacts surrounding missing persons and runs between Sunday, August 3, and Saturday, August 9, 2025. This year's 'Forever Loved' campaign focuses on acknowledging the experiences of families of missing persons and the impact it can have on their lives.
