Monday, May 24, 2021: Top stories from the Newcastle Herald, your trusted voice in the Hunter

David Layzell has just 18 months to prove to Upper Hunter voters that he was worth taking a chance on. THE Hunter's worst serial rapist Andrew James Benn has exhausted all avenues of appeal and will serve a maximum 40-year jail term. A MAN who led police on a high-speed pursuit from Nelson Bay to Medowie and crashed into two police cars on Saturday night has been refused bail. In sport and the rugby league community is in mourning after one of the game's greatest ever players Bob Fulton died, at age 73. He made his debut with Manly in 1966, and was part of the club's first three premiership wins.The former Kangaroos captain, coach and selector will be remembered as “a great man ... and a most loyal friend”. And a Kotara man who survived a fire that destroyed his family home earlier this month has taken the time to thank the community and emergency services for their help during this tough time. Ray Jolliffe has penned a touching tribute in today’s Newcastle Herald saying he was humbled by the help he received from others and wanted to say thanks.