Crime News

from The Beast - May 2023

Bits and Pieces

Royal Randwick

Shopping Centre Thefts

Seen this bloke? Eastern Beaches Police want to talk to him about a crime spree at Royal Randwick Shopping Centre on the evening of Saturday, March 11.

Within the space of minutes, a man stole a tip jar and keys from Sushi Hero, then moved on to Soul Origin where he tried to take the cash till. That didn’t work out, so he went to nearby Chatime and used a knife to cut the leads from the cash register. He left the centre with the register under his arm.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Maroubra Police on 9349 9299.

Woman Charged With Stabbing

A 37-year-old South Coogee woman has been accused of stabbing a male acquaintance in the back with a pair of scissors. Raquel Ohata appeared in Waverley Court charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. She was refused bail after the court heard the assault was so serious that the victim suffered a collapsed lung.

Historic Dover Heights Murder

An inquest into the 1980s death of a small-time crook has found he was murdered in Dover Heights by a notorious figure much higher up the criminal food chain.

Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan said model-turned-cocaine dealer Mark Johnston was killed by Arthur ‘Neddy’ Smith, a gangster who died from natural causes in Long Bay Jail two years ago. The murder took place inside the Dover Heights home of bent solicitor Val Bellamy, who has also since passed away after serving a stint behind bars for fraud.

Johnston, 36, of Rose Bay, was last seen with friends at a pub in Paddington on the night of September 1, 1986. He then went to Bellamy’s house to collect $60,000 the lawyer was holding for him. His remains were uncovered in recent times at Kurnell, one of the dumping grounds used by Neddy Smith to dispose of murder victims.

Man Tried to Sexually Assault Woman in Street - Police

A 35-year-old Randwick man is accused of approaching a young woman in a Bondi street and trying to sexually assault her.

The attack is said to have taken place in the early hours of the morning as the victim was walking down Mitchell Street. Police say Archie Anastasopoulos was cruising the area in a rental car when he got out of the vehicle and grabbed the woman. She managed to break free and Anastasopoulos got back in the car and drove off. He was arrested the next day in a traffic stop at Kensington. He has been charged with several offences including stalking, attempted sexual assault and indecent exposure.

Victim Wins Compo for Bar Attack

A man who was viciously assaulted in a Bondi Beach bar-restaurant has won a compensation claim against the owners of the business and its security firm.

Bodybuilder and influencer Clinton Chadwick was hit over the head with a bar stool by another drinker in The Bucket List, which used to operate out of Bondi Pavilion before closing down during COVID. He was knocked unconscious and needed 15 stitches to his head. His statement of claim before the Supreme Court said he was left with lingering health issues.

Justice Michael Elkaim said there had been a breach of duty by The Bucket List’s owners, Bondi Beach Foods, and its security firm, Crossguard Group. He ordered them to pay Mr Chadwick $200,700 for his injuries and lost earnings.

Tradie Acted Like a Real Tool in Pub

Maroubra tradie Matteo Grassi turned violent during a drinking session at the Robin Hood Hotel in Charing Cross, a court was told.

A pub employee saw him getting aggro with other drinkers and suggested he leave the premises. Grassi responded by pushing the employee, then kicking a table. The pub staffer, a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) officer, tackled him and the pair wrestled on the floor before Grassi took the hint and went outside. There he further vented his aggression by kicking the pub’s exterior walls and a sign.

The 25-year-old was arrested by Eastern Suburbs Police and faced justice in Downing Centre Court, where he admitted charges of assault and refusing to leave licensed premises. He will be sentenced in October after another assault charge against him is heard.

Bin Chicken Man Felt Threatened Maroubra man Tom Quach

felt threatened by the ibis he encountered while out and about in north-west Sydney. So he grabbed the bird, tied a rope around its feet and neck, then started shoving it into a shopping trolley. Members of the public intervened and Quach ended up in court charged with animal cruelty. The court heard the animal was bleeding before flying to safety. The case was adjourned pending mental health reports.

“Grandma

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