As the Illawarra's courtrooms fell silent for the Christmas break, a series of significant cases from the past week have come to light, painting a picture of crime and consequence in the region. From a high-profile drink driving incident to a frightening shooting and a guilty plea in a major theft, the Wollongong and Bega courts have been busy.
Guilty Pleas for Major Theft and Street Shooting
Clayton John Hobbs, a self-employed handyman from Shell Cove, has entered a guilty plea to a serious charge of aggravated break, enter and commit an indictable offence. The Wollongong Court heard that in October 2024, Hobbs and an accomplice borrowed a van and travelled to northwestern NSW with the intent to steal $100,000 from an elderly man.
In a separate and alarming case, Corrimal man John Clayton Ward, 58, has also pleaded guilty to multiple offences. The court was told that in April 2025, Ward, who was drunk and enraged, grabbed a rifle from his bedroom and stormed over to his neighbour's home. The incident resulted in a shooting that forced the shutdown of a quiet residential street.
Inquest Findings and Emotional Courtroom Dismissal
This month, Deputy State Coroner Carmel Forbes handed down findings into the death of Warrawong man Wayne Bruce Campbell. Mr Campbell, the former drummer for the heavy metal band Mortal Sin, disappeared in August 2022 and was found to have died shortly after. The Sydney-born musician's band released five albums and toured internationally during the mid-1980s.
There was a highly emotional scene in another Wollongong courtroom as physical education teacher Phil Saunders had all charges against him dismissed. Mr Saunders had pleaded not guilty to a series of charges including aggravated indecent assault and intimidation. Upon hearing the verdict, he was seen hugging supporters with tears in his eyes as he left the court.
Minister's Driver Pleads Guilty to High-Range Drink Driving
In a case that attracted significant attention, the professional driver for NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley has pleaded guilty to high-range drink driving. Trevor Robert Daley, 55, entered his plea at Bega Local Court on Tuesday, December 23, through his lawyer.
Police alleged that on December 2 at 2.50pm, officers received reports of a Toyota Prado being driven dangerously about 35 kilometres west of Bega on the Snowy Mountains Highway. Daley was subsequently found on the side of the highway.
These cases conclude a notable week for the region's judiciary as it adjourns for the holiday period.
