A MAN accused of threatening one driver with an axe, another with a sharp instrument and using a steel bar to try to stop police before pepper spray put an end to his violent crime spree remains behind bars.
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Mathew James Frederick Kelly, 21, is accused of approaching a 30-year-old man armed with a small axe after he got in his car in Wentworth Street, Wallsend about 8.40am on Saturday.
Police allege Kelly demanded money from the man, who was forced to drive around the block before the 21-year-old ran off.
The alleged victim then reported the terrifying encounter to officers at Waratah police station.
Less than 24 hours later, police were called to a home in Bull Street at Cooks Hill about 6am on Sunday after reports of a break and enter.
Newcastle City police arrived and were told an unknown man had broken into the home and left the scene.
No one was injured but several items were allegedly stolen from the home.
Officers established a crime scene and launched an investigation.
About 12.15pm on Sunday, a 66-year-old man was getting in his parked car at Parry Street, Cooks Hill when Kelly allegedly entered the car through the passenger side door and demanded property while armed with a "sharp instrument".
Two other men allegedly assaulted the driver as he fought off the armed man.
Newcastle police were called and began an investigation into the incident.
Following inquiries, police found Kelly walking along Darby Street, Cooks Hill about 8.30pm on Sunday.
As officers tried to speak to him, he took off on foot, allegedly using a steel bar to try to avoid arrest.
Officers used OC spray, or pepper spray, to undertake the arrest before decontaminating Kelly and taking him to Newcastle police station.
Kelly was charged with nine offences, including two counts of armed robbery, aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence while armed, common assault, using an offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention, two counts of assaulting police and two counts of hindering police.
The 21-year-old was refused bail by police and will appear in Newcastle Local Court on Tuesday.
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a born and bred Novocastrian who started her career as a journalist in the New England North West in 2016. She is an experienced council and court reporter, former deputy editor of the Northern Daily Leader and two-time Kennedy Award finalist. In unrelated incidents, she previously reported on country music in Australia's country music capital and was once flung across Lake Macquarie in a power boat at more than 100 kilometres per hour. Maddie now works at the Newcastle Herald with a focus on Newcastle council. To keep up with my stories, follow my X @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
