THE Minister for Defence, Brendan Nelson, will be in Lithgow on Thursday for an inspection at the Thales plant (the Small Arms Factory). The Minister will be accompanied by Member for Macquarie Kerry Bartlett who has been lobbying for expanded defence contracts for the local factory.

Unhappy homecoming

A Dargan family returned home from two weeks holiday on Sunday night to find their home burgled. Electronic games including an iPod and XBox were stolen as well as a jewellery box and alcohol. The thieves had also made an unsuccessful attempt to steal a family car by tampering with the ignition switch.

Ecstasy charge

A 19 year old Lithgow male was allegedly found in possession of ecstasy tablets after being stopped by police for questioning in Ordnance Avenue, Lithgow, about 9.30 am Saturday. He told police he was on his way to a party when stopped. He is to face Lithgow Court charged with possession of a prohibited drug.

Street assault

A man is to face Court charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm following an incident in Main Street early on Sunday. Police allege the 24 year old Lithgow man alighted from a taxi outside Queen Elizabeth Park about 1.15 am and ‘king hit’ a male person walking nearby. The offender was held by security staff from a nearby entertainment venue until the arrival of police. The victim was treated at the scene by ambulance officers.

Hotel assault

IN another incident a 26 year old Lithgow man has been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm after an incident involving a 37 year old man at a local hotel. The alleged assault occurred about 7.30 Friday night. The victim was taken to Lithgow Hospital for attention to his injuries.

Vandals torched bin

VANDALS set fire to the contents of a large industrial garbage bin in the car park behind the Theatre Royal about 2.30 am on Sunday. Members of the Lithgow West Fire Brigade were called from their beds to extinguish the fire.

At the movies

THIS week’s feature at the Lithgow Valley Community Cinema will be an adventure from the fabled days of King Arthur. ‘First Knight’ (M) is the legendary tale of the conflict between King Arthur (Sean Connery) and Sir Lancelot (Richard Gere) for the favours of Queen Guinevere (Julia Ormond). The performances are highlighted by a majestic music score. Screenings are the Thursday matinee at 10.30 and the Friday evening session at 7.30.