Ian Pullen: Nicole Mason charged with murder of New Zealand firefighter pilot in Singleton
New Zealand helicopter pilot Ian Pullen, who was in the Hunter Valley to help fight raging bushfires in 2018, was allegedly murdered on the roadside after he had been hit by a ute. Police will allege he was beaten to death by the driver and a passenger who returned to the scene shortly after the collision.
Newcastle
Don't miss out on the headlines from Newcastle. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Man allegedly busted with 1kg of cocaine down his pants
- Mercedes driver six times the limit after crash
New Zealand pilot and firefighter Ian Pullen lay prone on a lonely Singleton road with critical injuries after being struck by a car when the ute’s driver and passenger returned to the scene to bash him to death, police allege.
Singleton woman Nicole Mason became the second person charged with the 43-year-old father’s murder after being arrested five days after the alleged driver, Joshua Knight, was taken into police custody.
The arrests prompted Strike Force Awabakil investigators to reveal the horrific details regarding Mr Pullen’s alleged murder, which occurred less than 24 hours after he had arrived in Australia to help fight bushfires.
Hunter Valley crime manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said Mr Pullen had been struck by the white Toyota HiLux four-wheel drive as he walked along a Singleton road in the early hours of September 29, 2018.
“It will be further alleged that that vehicle returned to the scene a short time later after striking Mr Pullen and at that time the male and female exited the car, approached Mr Pullen whilst he was still alive and struck him to the head with an object,” Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer told a press conference on Tuesday.
“We have information from witnesses as well as expert medical evidence to support this scenario.
“I can also advise that there is no evidence to suggest that there was any interaction between the parties prior to Mr Pullen being struck by the vehicle.”
Detectives will allege that Mr Pullen was struck several times to the head by the unknown object, which has not been found.
He was found dead by passers-by about 5.30am.
Mason was arrested at a Singleton home on Monday, five days after Knight was arrested at another residence.
Police allege the pair were associates “who had known each other for some time” and believe at least one other person was in the vehicle.
The investigations continue as further arrests could be made, police said.
Mr Pullen had arrived in Australia to help fight bushfires with his expert helicopter piloting skills.
“I would like to pass on the extreme gratitude that has been extended by Mr Pullen’s family in New Zealand and also thank those members of the community who have provided information which has led up to where we are today,’’ Detective Inspector Zimmer said.
Mason briefly faced Muswellbrook Local Court on Tuesday where the court heard she would apply for bail on October 26.
Knight remains behind bars on remand.