Jack Drayton, a man previously charged with lighting bushfires in the Hunter Region, is now behind bars after being accused of committing a string of more serious offenses. The 2024 bushfire suspect appeared in Cessnock Local Court today, 12 September 2024, where Magistrate I. Rodgers presided over the case. Drayton is currently facing 17 separate charges, and the court refused his bail, citing the severity of the offenses and ongoing concerns about his mental health.

Drayton’s charges include multiple counts of driving a stolen vehicle without the owner’s consent, breaking and entering, property damage, and theft of a trailer. He also faces charges related to entering enclosed premises without lawful excuse and aggravated break-and-enter offenses, which allegedly involved the theft of items valued at up to $60,000. Additionally, he has been charged with being in possession of stolen goods and possessing or using prohibited weapons without a permit. The range of charges indicates an escalation in the nature and seriousness of Drayton’s alleged criminal activities.

The court noted that Drayton has a history of mental health issues, which were raised as part of his defense, but the severity of the charges and the risk of reoffending led to the magistrate refusing bail. Drayton will remain in custody until his next court appearance, which is scheduled for 18 September 2024. He is set to attend the hearing via audio-visual link, and the matter is expected to be mentioned briefly before further legal proceedings commence.

Police Prosecutor Harris represented the NSW Police during today’s hearing, while Drayton was represented by a solicitor. His case has attracted significant local attention due to his previous involvement with bushfire charges, and now, the additional crimes related to theft, property damage, and illegal possession of weapons have compounded public concern.

As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the extent of Drayton’s criminal activities. The court has indicated that the proceedings will be expedited, given the seriousness of the charges and the potential risk Drayton poses to the community if released.

Drayton’s legal future will be determined in the coming weeks as the charges continue to be heard in court. The community remains on edge as more details of the case emerge, especially in light of the increasing frequency of criminal charges being brought against him.