Charmhaven: `Ice’ addict severed victim’s finger in aggravated break and enter

A drug addict who allegedly held a man against his will and severed his finger so badly it had to be amputated told police he was on ‘ice’ at the time of the offence, a court has heard.

A man’s finger had to be amputated after it was badly severed in a vicious assault.

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A drug addict who allegedly held a man against his will and severed his finger so badly it had to be amputated told police he was on ‘ice’ at the time of the offence, a court has heard.

It comes as police hunt a second man who was also allegedly involved in the vicious assault.

Shortly after 9am last Wednesday, June 26, a 32-year-old man made his way to Charmhaven Rural Fire Service Station with a badly severed finger, other cuts and bruising.

Emergency services were contacted and the man was taken to John Hunter Hospital where his finger was surgically removed.

The man made it to Charmhaven RFS Station where the alarm was raised.

Tuggerah Lakes Police commenced an investigation resulting in the arrest of Nathan Marc Steel at a home at Blue Haven yesterday.

He was taken to Wyong Police Station where he was interviewed and later charged with special aggravated break and enter to commit an indictable offence and committing grievous bodily harm.

The 40-year-old, of Lake Munmorah, was refused bail to appear at Wyong Local Court today where his Legal Aid solicitor did not require him to come into the dock.

Charge sheets allege he broke into the victim’s shed on Arizona Rd some time between 3am and when he was found at 9am.

Police allege he broke into a shed on Arizona Rd near Charmhaven RFS.

A police bail determination, also tendered in court, said Mr Steele was working part time doing general maintenance but had a “terrible criminal history”.

“The accused stated that at the time of committing this offence he was using the drug `ice’ and has been using constantly for the past two years,” the police bail decision read.

The bail decision said Mr Steele had a history of violent offences including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, reckless grievous bodily harm and the victim was known to him.

Mr Steele appeared at Wyong Local Court.

“The accused has held the victim against his liberty,” the bail decision read.

“The accused has admitted to being involved in the offence.”

Mr Steele’s solicitor did not apply for bail and it was formerly refused.

He will face court again on September 9.

Meanwhile investigations continue as police search for a second man believed to be involved in the assault.