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JANUARY 10 2014 ISSUE 1123
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THE HEARTBEAT OF PENRITH
Summer of violence Frightening series of incidents over Christmas holidays
P
KATHERINE TWEED
enrith is facing a summer of escalating violence after a series of frightening incidents over the Christmas holiday period. In less than two weeks Nepean Hospital’s Emergency Department has dealt with injuries including two broken jaws, a fractured skull and a stab wound to the abdomen – all a result of street violence, and these are only the “serious” cases. Amongst the incidents, 19-year-old Alexander McEwen was conveyed to hospital with a fractured skull and his brother left with facial injuries after being allegedly punched whilst standing out the front of McDonald’s on Peachtree Road last Saturday. Alleged attacker, Corey Beard, was charged with a number of offences including recklessly inflic ting grievous bodily harm and the possession of steroids. In another incident in the early hours of Christmas Day, following a celebratory night out at a licensed venue on Station Street, a 26-year-old man was beside the road near Jane Street when he was approached from behind. In a “cowardly attack” the man was punched to the right side of his face and knocked to the ground where he was kicked and assaulted by two offenders. He spent Christmas in hospital with a broken jaw. In another violent incident, St Marys Police were called to the scene of a brawl at a Colyton oval on Monday night. Upon arrival, they found a 17-year-old boy with a stab wound to his abdomen. “The issue of alcohol-fuelled violence is not new and Emergency Department staff continue to see people presenting each week as a result of senseless violence,” said Nepean Hospital Emergency Department Director, Dr Rod Bishop. “Violent and alcohol-fuelled incidents come at a great personal expense to the victim and their family and there are significant health costs associated.” State Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres said that there is no excuse for violence, particularly alcohol related and assured the community that the Government is taking “strong action”. “We are targeting problem locations and venues by implementing measures that will be the most effective in those areas,” he said. Despite the number of serious incidents, the ‘silly season’ was relatively positive for local police. “They were very busy and were given some challenging experiences, which they dealt with well,” Detective Inspector Grant Healey said.
SHOP UPGRADE Cranebrook Shops may soon be set for a $14 million redevelopment. The site of the current shops, along Laycock Street and Borrowdale Way is owned by Penrith City Council and following a detailed tender and design review process, Cranebrook Village Pty Ltd was selected to undertake the redevelopment project, with big changes planned.
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ON THE RUN
Police plea: Have you seen this face? PAGE 6
OZ DAY STAR
Havana Brown to highlight big event
Dr Rod Bishop from Nepean Hospital says alcohol-fuelled violence is nothing new. Photo: Amanda Yoxall.
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