Teenager Denied Bail Over Alleged Marketown Car Park Stabbing Incident
A 19-year-old man, who spent more than two weeks evading authorities, has been arrested and charged in connection with a violent alleged stabbing in Newcastle West. Brady Chapman faced Newcastle Bail Court on Wednesday, where his application for release was refused by the magistrate.
Violent Early Morning Confrontation
Emergency services were called to the Marketown car park at approximately 3:20am on Sunday, January 11, following reports of a violent brawl. Police allege that during this altercation, Chapman armed himself with a knife and struck an 18-year-old man in the head and neck on multiple occasions.
The victim was transported to hospital with serious stab wounds and was reported to be in a serious but stable condition following the incident. The offence with which Chapman is charged carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment if a conviction is secured.
Court Rejects Bail Application
During the bail hearing, Legal Aid solicitor Adam Ryan argued for Chapman's release under what he described as "very strict" conditions. Ryan highlighted that Chapman, a young Aboriginal man, would likely face significant delays as his case progressed through the justice system.
The solicitor told the court that while CCTV footage appeared to show Chapman walking toward the Marketown car park, it remained unclear whether the actual incident had been captured. He also noted that the police case documents did not currently mention any forensic evidence linking Chapman to the alleged crime.
Prosecution Arguments Against Release
The police prosecutor strongly opposed bail, emphasising that Chapman had been arrested on a warrant and faced extremely serious charges. She informed the court that multiple witnesses were involved in the matter, strengthening the prosecution's case.
In delivering his decision, the magistrate found that Chapman posed an unacceptable risk on several grounds. These included the likelihood that he might fail to appear at future court dates, the potential danger he could pose to community safety, and the risk that he might commit further offences if released.
Ongoing Police Investigation
Following the alleged stabbing, New South Wales Police released an image of Chapman and made a public appeal for information as part of their search efforts. The investigation remains active, with police continuing to gather evidence related to the incident.
Two other 18-year-old men, Tyler Curren and Riley Chapman, have also been charged in relation to the alleged altercation. Both have been granted bail and are proceeding through the court system. Additionally, a third man, aged 19, was arrested at Newcastle Police Station on January 14 in connection with the incident and is scheduled to face court later this month.
Chapman has been ordered to remain in custody until his next scheduled appearance in Newcastle Local Court in March, where the legal proceedings will continue.
