Two Blue Mountains brothers appeared in Katoomba Local Court last week charged with intent to murder after a shooting at the Gardners Inn in Blackheath.
Nathanael Joseph Kieren Hayes, 26, of Little Hartley, and Aaron James Kirk Hayes, 24, of Blackheath, did not apply for bail when they appeared in court on October 14. They remain in custody. The shooting occurred in the pokies room in Blackheath at 11pm on September 5. It's alleged the men, armed with handguns, entered the Inn and shot at a man, narrowly missing him.
On October 2, Blue Mountains detectives with the help of Chifley police and officers from the Public Order and Riot Squad and Dog Squad, executed search warrants at residences in Blackheath, Little Hartley, and Cronulla in connection with the shooting. Two home-made firearms were allegedly seized. Both men have been charged with multiple firearms offences including unlawfully manufacturing and selling a shotgun, pistol and semi-automatic rifle. The matter was relisted for December 9 at Katoomba.
Teen break and enters
Police claim two teenagers broke into a home in Springwood's Spring Street in recent weeks, stealing a large safe and the cash contents, as well as two swords, two firearms and ammunition. The incident occurred between September 29 and October 12 and the offenders were allegedly known to the homeowners. Blue Mountains crime manager, Det Insp Scott McAlpine, said the investigation revealed a 14-year-old female and a 16-year-old male were involved. They were arrested. On October 14, a 16-year-old from Wentworth Falls "took police to a fire trail off Tarella Road, Wentworth Falls, and the stolen property was recovered", Insp McAlpine said. The three young persons have been charged with aggravated break, enter, and steal, with their bail and court appearance yet to be determined.
Katoomba robbery
A 31-year-old was left with an eye socket, cheek and nose fracture when he was assaulted and robbed while sitting in his car at the Katoomba Railway Station carpark on Goldsmith Place on March 10 this year. Two Lithgow men have been charged and will appear in court on October 24. A 19-year-old female has also been charged for allegedly driving the getaway car. She will appear in court on October 28.
Train fatality
A 34-year-old man died after being hit by a train at Glenbrook about 4.25pm on October 16. Police said the death was not suspicious. Lengthy delays followed on the train line with buses between Penrith and Springwood. Services resumed at 9pm. Contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 if this has raised issues.