Police Respond to Reports of Public Brawl at Hunter Shopping Precinct
Police were called to a shopping centre in East Maitland on Tuesday evening following reports of a public brawl. The incident, which occurred at the Mitchell Drive shopping precinct, involved allegations of assault between two teenage girls and a woman.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Port Stephens Hunter officers responded to the scene at approximately 5:30pm on Tuesday, February 10. Upon arrival, police were informed that a physical altercation had broken out at the shopping centre. According to official statements, a 25-year-old woman was allegedly assaulted by a 14-year-old girl and an 18-year-old woman during the incident.
Police Action and Charges
The 14-year-old girl was arrested at the scene and taken to Maitland Police Station. She was dealt with under the provisions of the Young Offenders Act before being released. The 18-year-old woman was also taken to Maitland Police Station, where she was formally charged with one count of affray.
The older woman has been granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Maitland Local Court for the first time in March 2026 to face the charge. Police investigations into the circumstances surrounding the brawl are continuing as they work to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the altercation.
Community Impact and Response
Public disturbances at shopping centres raise concerns about community safety and appropriate responses to youth-related incidents. The use of the Young Offenders Act in this case reflects the legal framework available for dealing with juvenile offenders in New South Wales. This legislation aims to provide alternatives to court proceedings for young people who commit less serious offences.
Shopping centres serve as important community hubs, and incidents of this nature can disrupt the sense of security that patrons expect when visiting these establishments. Local authorities continue to monitor public spaces to ensure safety for all community members.
