A man accused of firing a shotgun at a home during a violent Mayfield home invasion is back on the streets after being granted bail in a move that’s left the local community stunned.
Just before 4am on Friday, 30 May 2025, terrified residents in Bull Street were jolted awake by the sound of gunfire. Newcastle City Police rushed to the scene, where they found the front door of a home bearing the marks of a shotgun blast. A crime scene was established and examined, with investigators recovering a knife, a set of knuckledusters, and an unspent bullet near the property.
Following an extensive investigation under Strike Force Barkov, two men were arrested over the incident.
A 36-year-old man was taken into custody on Monday, 16 June and charged with special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence. He was refused bail and remains behind bars, with a court appearance set for Wednesday, 13 August 2025.
But in a shock twist, a second man – a 32-year-old – was arrested nearly a month later on Tuesday, 15 July and charged with fire firearm at dwelling-house with disregard for safety and special aggravated break and enter and commit serious indictable offence.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the 32-year-old was granted conditional bail and is now free in the community while awaiting his court appearance on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The decision has sparked concern among locals, with some questioning how someone accused of firing a weapon at a home could be released on bail.
Police investigations are ongoing, and further arrests or charges have not been ruled out.