Owen Buckley: Alleged Nowra Halloween slasher hit with fresh charge

A teen accused of slashing a man during a Halloween night dispute in front of terrified trick or treating children has had a fresh charge handed down after the “serious altercation”.

Owen Buckley’s case was mentioned in the Nowra Local Court on Wednesday. Picture: John Appleyard

A teen accused of slashing a man during a Halloween night dispute in front of terrified trick or treating children has had a fresh charge handed down after the “serious altercation”.

Owen Buckley, 18, appeared at Nowra Local Court on Wednesday after appearing in the same court on November 1 last year – one day after the alleged attack.

It will be alleged in court Buckley slashed a man’s leg on River Oak Rd, Worrigee during Halloween night celebrations.

The Nowra teen – who was 18-years-old at the time of alleged offending – was refused bail during his first appearance after it was heard in court he was already on bail for allegedly starting a fire in a Shoalhaven shopping mall.

Buckley returned to the same court late last year via video link from custody, pleading guilty to reckless wounding for the alleged stabbing and destroy property by fire and enter enclosed property for the mall offences.

On Wednesday, Buckley’s lawyer Hannah Fowler revealed her client had since been hit with an additional charge of wounding with intent in relation to the alleged attack on Halloween.

This means Buckley’s sentencing, which was set to go ahead on Wednesday, will be delayed.

The offence allegedly occurred on River Oak Road, Worrigee. Picture: Tom McGann

As a result, she withdrew his earlier guilty plea to reckless wounding.

Buckley’s guilty pleas in relation to the shopping mall damage, which include setting a painted metal railing and plastic packaging on fire, remain in place.

Police allege while on bail for the mall offence, Buckley stabbed a man in his 30s on River Oak Rd, Worrigee, which was teeming with trick-or-treating children.

Court documents state the alleged attack occurred following a verbal altercation with the man.

The court heard the alleged altercation between the pair became so hostile that Buckley allegedly attempted to slash at the man’s stomach, before slashing his leg.

Buckley was later arrested by police, charged and placed into custody.

The alleged victim was treated for injuries at Wollongong Hospital.

River Oak Rd residents told this publication several children were ushered away from the scene after the alleged attack.

Buckley’s case, including the shopping mall offences, is adjourned to March 11.

He remains in the South Coast Corrections Centre.

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