Criterion Hotel, Weston: Patron slashed by machete during armed robbery
Hunter Valley detectives are hunting two masked bandits who stormed a popular Hunter pub and threatened about a dozen patrons and staff with machetes.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
A punter has needed hospital treatment for a deep gash to his arm after being slashed with a machete during a violent armed robbery of the popular Criterion Hotel at Weston.
Two masked bandits stormed the Cessnock Rd establishment just after midnight on Friday, possibly surprised to see about a dozen patrons still inside the pub.
Both robbers were armed with machetes, which they used to threaten the patrons and several hotel staff.
Police said at least one of the bandits jumped the bar and helped themself to a several thousand dollars in cash from a till.
And it was as one of the robbers jumped back over the counter that one of the male patrons stuck his hand up.
He was struck firmly in the arm, just below the wrist, with a machete, causing a deep gash which needed hospital treatment.
Both bandits ran from the pub.
Hunter Valley detectives are investigating and have asked anyone in the vicinity of the Criterion Hotel around midnight to contact police.
More Coverage
Gunman gets eight years over Australia Day shooting
He may have been the victim of a bullet once himself, but Darcy Morgan still decided to shoot a man in the arm over a small drug debt. The decision has cost him a significant stint without his liberty.
Killer driver remains behind bars after admitting to new charge
A woman who was caught driving while disqualified just months after being released from jail for killing a pedestrian has escaped a jail term. But she remains behind bars after her parole was revoked.