A violent early morning brawl in a Newcastle car park has left an 18-year-old man with serious injuries, as two of the accused teenagers were granted bail just a day after their arrest.
Alleged pre-arranged fight turns violent
The incident unfolded at the Marketown car park in Newcastle at approximately 3:20am on Sunday, January 11, 2026. Police allege the violent altercation involved at least six people and was the result of a pre-arranged meeting between parties involved in an ongoing dispute.
According to police facts presented to Newcastle Local Court, moments after the victim was dealt a blow to the neck with a knife, 18-year-old Tyler Curran allegedly approached from behind and punched him in the back of the head. The injured 18-year-old was hospitalised in a serious but stable condition.
Accused pair released on strict bail conditions
Curran and his co-accused cousin, 18-year-old Riley Chapman, both from Woodbury, were arrested at Rutherford less than 24 hours after the alleged attack. Despite police objections, Magistrate James Viney granted both men bail on Wednesday, January 14.
Police Prosecutor Sergeant Findlay argued strongly against bail for Curran, citing the seriousness of the offences and the significant injuries. Curran faces charges including wound person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, which carries a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment, as well as assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and affray.
Sergeant Findlay told the court the entire ordeal was captured on CCTV footage, and clothing worn by the accused matched items seen in footage from the King Street Hotel earlier that night and items found during a search warrant.
Defence argues for self-defence, court hears personal circumstances
Curran's defence solicitor, Isabel Reed, argued that the specifics of the incident needed close analysis and suggested her client may have been "acting in self-defence" or defending a relative who remains at large. Two men, one a known family member of the accused, are still being sought by police.
Ms Reed described Curran as a "very anxious and withdrawn person" who spent most of his time at home, having recently finished his Higher School Certificate and applied for a painting job with the City of Newcastle.
Magistrate Viney responded wryly, noting, "Well at 3am on the 11th of January he seemed to have gotten on top of his anxiety, if one accepts the police facts."
Chapman, charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company and affray, was described by the magistrate as not the "main perpetrator", with his alleged involvement limited to a short period about 30 seconds after the main altercation.
Stringent bail conditions imposed
Both men were released under strict conditions, including:
- Reporting daily to police
- Adhering to a strict curfew
- Not leaving home unless accompanied by their mothers
- A ban from entering any licensed venue
- Prohibitions on drinking alcohol or taking non-prescribed drugs
- No contact with any co-accused, witnesses, or complainants
A $5000 surety was also imposed as a condition of Curran's release.
Chapman is scheduled to face Newcastle Local Court later in January 2026, while Curran's matter has been adjourned to March. Police investigations into the brawl are ongoing.
