Man Admits to Kidnapping Woman in Newcastle Incident That Triggered Major Police Response
A man has pleaded guilty to detaining a 66-year-old woman without her consent in an incident that unfolded in Newcastle last year, sparking a significant police operation that required specialist resources and caused street closures.
Court Appearance and Charges
Michael Scott Redman appeared before Newcastle Local Court via video link from custody on Wednesday, where he admitted to one charge of detaining a woman without consent with the intent to intimidate her and causing her actual bodily harm.
Two additional offences were listed as related matters: hindering or resisting law enforcement officers and contravening an apprehended violence order. Redman is scheduled to face Newcastle District Court next month, where a date for his sentencing will be set.
Details of the Mayfield Incident
Police were called to a unit on Woodbine Street in Mayfield just before 11am on March 23, 2025, following reports of a domestic violence incident. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the 66-year-old woman had managed to flee the property.
At the time, authorities reported that the woman had suffered bruising as a result of the ordeal. Redman, who was 30 years old at the time, remained inside the home but was eventually escorted out without incident by three police officers just after 5pm.
Major Police Operation Unfolds
The hours-long operation prompted the evacuation of residents from the area and required the deployment of specialist police resources, including negotiators and heavily-armed officers. The dead-end street was blocked off for several hours as the situation developed.
Paramedics and firefighters were also dispatched to the scene as part of the coordinated response to ensure public safety and provide necessary support services.
Newcastle City police Inspector Craig Clark addressed the media following the conclusion of the operation at Mayfield, providing details about the police response and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
