Kempsey is an area that has been known for having a high crime rate for many years.
Figures from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research show that the rate of crime in Kempsey is extremely high in comparison with the state average in a number of offence categories, especially in break and enter, robbery with a weapon, and motor vehicle theft.
Although there have been attempts to combat this from local government and other organisations, there is still no shortage of recent court cases in Kempsey. National Party member for the area Andrew Stoner believes the high crime rate in Kempsey is due to a combination of factors, including social disadvantage, drug and alcohol abuse, and domestic violence. These issues were widespread in 1999 when Mr Stoner first became the Member for Oxley, and are still a problem today.
In 2011, Kempsey was identified as a mid north coast crime hotspot, especially for break and enters and car theft. A recent increase in the use of the drug ice in the area has also been blamed for the high crime rate, especially for stealing, break and enter, car theft and armed robberies.
Here are three recent examples of court cases that have been before the Kempsey local court in the past month.
Assault
A man has been charged after allegedly assaulting another man with a club during an altercation at an 18th birthday party in Frederickton earlier this month. During the alternation, it was alleged that a 19-year-old man hit a 26-year-old man in the head with the club, leaving him in a critical condition in hospital. The 19-year-old was charged with committing grievous bodily harm with intent, and was refused bail pending a court appearance.
Home invasion
Charges have been laid against a man and a woman after it was alleged they committed a home invasion at Hat Head at around 9pm on a Sunday night. The couple that lived at the home reported that a man had broken into their home and left with a wallet, purse and other personal items, and police who were already in the vicinity responded immediately.
Police were able to spot the man and chased him on foot until he got into a car, which was allegedly driven by a 25-year-old woman. Police initiated a low-speed pursuit and eventually the car stopped and the man ran out. There was a two-year-old child strapped into the back seat of the car. The man allegedly ran off and was eventually caught.
The woman was charged with driving recklessly, failing to stop during a police pursuit, and committing a serious indictable offence in a dwelling while people are there.
The man was charged with aggravated committing a serious indictable offence in a dwelling while people are there. The woman was granted conditional bail while the man was refused bail and both are due to appear before Kempsey Local Court.
Teenagers charged over high school fire
A fire at Melville High School that destroyed a number of demountable classrooms has led to four teenagers being charged. The teenagers, four 14-year-olds and one 15-year-old, have been accused of deliberately lighting the fire, which destroyed the learning support unit at the school and caused damage estimated at more than $2.5 million.
The teenagers face a number of charges including entering enclosed land without a lawful excuse, aggravated break and enter with intent, having their faces disguised with the intent to commit an indictable offence, and destroying property in company by the use of fire.
The three 14-year-olds were granted bail before their appearance at children’s court, while the 15-year-old was issued with a court attendance notice to appear at Kempsey Local Court in April.
If you are required to attend Kempsey Local Court, it is a good idea to speak with an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. There are several specialist criminal law firms in Sydney that attend regional courts like Kempsey on a regular basis, and can provide the highest quality legal representation to ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
Make sure that the firm you choose offers a free first conference and fixed fees for your criminal or traffic case.
