Alleged attack on disability advocate outside Newcastle hotel
A disturbing incident outside a Newcastle West hotel has led to criminal charges after a wheelchair user was allegedly targeted in what police describe as an unprovoked attack. The alleged assault occurred in the early hours of November 1 outside a King Street establishment, leaving the victim with minor injuries.
Blake Frazer, a 23-year-old from New Lambton, appeared in Newcastle Local Court on Thursday to face a charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The court heard that the entire incident was captured on CCTV footage, which police used to identify the alleged perpetrator.
Court proceedings and police investigation
According to police statements, officers were called to the King Street hotel around 2:20am on November 1 following reports of an assault. They discovered that an unknown man had allegedly approached a woman in a wheelchair and pulled one of the wheels from her mobility device.
The victim, a 23-year-old woman who also lives with hearing and sight impairments, fell to the ground as a result of the alleged attack. The man then reportedly fled the scene before police arrival.
Following their investigation, police arrested Frazer at a Turton Road unit in New Lambton on November 2 around 6:50pm. He was taken to Waratah police station and formally charged before being granted strict conditional bail.
Community impact and victim's response
The victim, who identifies as a disability advocate, took to social media on the day of the alleged incident to express her distress and educate the public about the significance of such actions. "A wheelchair is an extension of somebody's body," she wrote in her post.
She further explained, "Not only is it property damage, it is also assault if you purposefully do something to it - like ripping a wheel off while the user is still in the chair." Her message concluded with what she described as a "not so friendly reminder to never do that."
In Newcastle Local Court, Frazer was represented by solicitor James Wallace but did not enter a plea to the charge. Magistrate Caleb Franklin indicated that Frazer would need to enter a plea at his next court appearance, scheduled for next month.
The matter was adjourned to allow Frazer's legal representative to make representations to police regarding the statement of facts. When leaving the courthouse, Frazer covered his head with a hooded jumper and cap, avoiding media attention.
The case continues to develop as the legal process moves forward, with the next court date expected to provide more clarity about how the matter will proceed.
