Major Court Developments Across the Illawarra Region
This week has seen significant legal proceedings unfold across Illawarra courtrooms, with cases ranging from violent domestic incidents to large-scale drug operations and a controversial murder acquittal. The Wollongong Courthouse has been the centre of numerous high-profile matters that have captured local attention.
Firearm Offences in Domestic Dispute
Mathew Stewart Strachan, a Port Kembla resident, has pleaded guilty to seven separate firearm and drug offences stemming from a dramatic incident that occurred in January this year. Court documents reveal the situation began when Strachan's former partner hosted a man and another couple at her Kiama home for a sexual encounter.
During the evening, the male visitor allegedly assaulted the woman and refused to leave the premises. The distressed woman subsequently contacted Strachan for assistance. The situation escalated when Strachan arrived and fired shots over the head of his ex-partner's new romantic interest. Police later discovered four shortened rifles in Strachan's possession during their investigation.
Drug Syndicate Member Admits Role
Another significant case involved Jack Williams, who admitted his participation in a large-scale drug production and supply operation active throughout Illawarra and other regions of New South Wales. Williams entered guilty pleas at Wollongong Local Court to manufacturing a large commercial quantity of prohibited drugs and participating in a criminal group.
Investigators arrested Williams in connection with the sophisticated drug operation and conducted raids on a Springrange property he had rented specifically for the syndicate's activities. This case represents another successful dismantling of organised criminal activity in the region.
Chef Convicted of Horrific Domestic Violence
An Illawarra chef faces potentially a decade behind bars after being found guilty of repeatedly raping his partner, with most offences occurring while she was pregnant with their child. Following a trial at Wollongong District Court in June, a jury convicted the man on five counts of sexual intercourse without consent.
The court also found him guilty of additional serious charges including choking to render a person unconscious, being armed with a weapon with intent to commit an indictable offence, and intimidation. The court later added seven related offences to his conviction, comprising five counts of common assault and two further counts of intimidation.
Mental Health Defence in Murder Case
In a controversial ruling, Aaron Michael Lord, 38, has been found not criminally responsible for the death of homeless man Raymond McCormack due to mental health impairment. McCormack's body was discovered in the stairwell of Wollongong railway station's multistorey car park on the morning of May 12, 2024.
Lord was charged with murder the following day but pleaded not guilty in August 2025. This month, he faced a special hearing in the Supreme Court of NSW where the court determined he could not be held criminally accountable for his actions due to his mental state at the time of the incident.
Mount Ousley Road Crash Case Proceeds
Dusko Stefanovski, a 52-year-old truck driver, will defend allegations that he caused a dramatic crash on Mount Ousley Road that resulted in a car flipping after colliding with another truck. Police allege the incident occurred around 11:40am on Friday, August 15, when Stefanovski's southbound truck crashed into the rear of a Mercedes sedan.
The impact forced the car into another truck, causing it to flip and spin out of control. Stefanovski has pleaded not guilty to the charges and will contest the allegations in court.
These cases highlight the diverse nature of matters being heard in Illawarra courts, reflecting both the regional crime trends and the complex legal considerations involved in delivering justice across different types of offences.
