Boy injured in 'extremely vicious' attack

LINK

September 26, 2010 - 3:23PM

A 13-year-old boy was stabbed and whacked unconscious with a baseball bat in Melbourne’s west - then his young attackers returned for a second round, as as two witnesses watched in horror.

The attack happened about 11pmlast night in a walkway between Kings Road and Beverley Street in Kings Park.

The boy, who is in the Royal Children’s Hospital with possible skull fractures, told police was on his way to a party in the area, to which he was not invited, when he was bashed.

Detective Senior Constable Simon Pengelly described the attack as one of the worst assaults he had seen.

‘‘It’s extremely vicious,’’ he said on Sunday.

"He was hit at least five times with a baseball bat while he was unconscious.’’

Det Snr Const Pengelly said after stabbing the boy in the lower back and bashing him unconscious, the three offenders left. Two witnesses came to the victim’s aid and called emergency services.

‘‘The offenders came back and then they’ve assaulted him again with a baseball bat while the witnesses were there,’’ he said.

The three perpetrators are believed to be of Asian and Maori descent and aged between 16 and 20.

Police believe the victim may have been known to the offenders.The victim, of Fitzroy, is in a serious but stable condition.

Police urge anyone who saw the attack to call Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.


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Yeah - Call Crimestoppers that'll make everything alright. Calling Emergency Services didn't do fuck all to stop the second attack and the two witnesses did fuck all to stop the first.


Honestly - I reckon only about 5 people in Australia would think that law abiding private citizens should be allowed to carry a concealed weapon for the defence of self and others. If this kid dies it's on gun control australia's head - and the moral cowards that would have someone else do the heavy lifting. Guess what? You're a someone. Maybe you think only Police should have guns?

Cops have guns. Politicians have armed Police as body guards.

Man stabbed to death at Camp Hill, another injured

link

September 26, 2010

POLICE are investigating the stabbing death of a man in Camp Hill on Brisbane's southside this morning.

Police were called to a disturbance at 3am which resulted in a 51-year-old man receiving a single fatal stab wound to the chest.

A 49-year-old man, who is currently in hospital with serious injuries, will be assisting police with inquiries.

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6pm Channel 7 News 26/09/10 said that

* the attacker was the former partner of the lady inside the place

* the attacker took a few minutes to break in

* the male inside the house was murdered and the attacker stabbed himself

**************************************************
Can you think of an appropriate response to someone armed with a knife is trying to break down your door with the clear intention to attack you?

I can - Shame it's illegal to purchase a firearm for self-defence or the defence of others. It's also illegal to have a firearm ready for self defence. If this attack were to happen in my house I'd probably suffer the same fate as my firearms are secured safely in one location, the bolts in another locked safe and the ammo in a third location with the keys secured in a fourth spot. If I were under enormous amounts of stress it's just not going to happen.

Residents seek refuge from violence in Northern Territory community of Yuendumu

link

September 22, 2010

ABOUT 100 people from the embattled Northern Territory community of Yuendumu have sought refuge in South Australia, against the advice of NT police.

The SA Government released a statement saying it had initiated an emergency response following the arrival by bus of more than 100 Yuendumu residents in Adelaide.

Premier Mike Rann said that due to the short notice given to the SA Government, agencies had worked tirelessly through the night to prepare for their arrival.

"The SA Government was given hardly any notice even though accommodation, schooling and urgent medical care has to be arranged," he said in a statement.

"South Australia will do all we can for people who have been forced to flee their community.

"The safety of families must and will be our greatest priority."

The exodus was prompted after tensions between family groups in the remote NT Aboriginal community escalated early last week following the fatal stabbing of a Yuendumu man in Warlpiri town camp in Alice Springs.

Yuendumu, about 300km northwest of Alice Springs, was in lockdown for several days after rioting broke out about 4pm (CST) on Tuesday, September 14.

Up to 50 culprits, armed with sticks, iron bars, spears and nulla nullas, were involved in a series of brawls.

Four people were injured in the riots, and a house and six cars were set on fire, police said.

Additional Northern Territory police, as well as members of the Territory Response Section, travelled to the community to maintain order.

Police issued travel warnings and urged motorists to avoid travelling to Yuendumu until order was fully restored.

However, it was revealed yesterday that up to 100 of the community's 800 residents acted against NT police advice by relocating to a secret location in Alice Springs before moving on to Adelaide.

Mr Rann said the media knew of the relocation before the SA government.

"By the time our agencies were officially informed, the buses were already on their way from the Northern Territory."

He said he was "puzzled by the hands-off approach" of the NT and Federal governments.

"More than 100 homeless people have been bused in with no notice, no preparation and no planning."

A spokesman for the NT Government said the bus to Adelaide was not arranged or funded by the NT Government.

NT Police had hoped to organise mediation between the family groups involved in the riots, to avoid any further "pay-back style" unrest.

More than 15 people have been arrested over the fighting in Yuendumu and eight have been charged.

Riverland children 'sexually abused'

LINK

September 22, 2010

POLICE are trying to reassure the public in the Riverland after a man was charged over dozens of sexual assaults on children over the past year.

Police spokeswoman Senior Constable Rebecca Stokes said the Riverland man, 50, appeared in the Berri Magistrates Court yesterday charged with 41 sex offences against children.

"The charges include seven counts of having sex with someone under 14 years-of-age and 19 counts of indecent assault," she said.

"The alleged offences were committed over a period of 10 months, between November 2009 and September 2010."

He was remanded in custody and will face court again in January next year.

"Police are confident there is no on-going risk to public safety, investigations are continuing and police are asking anyone with information to come forward by contacting BankSA Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."

Refugee sexually assaulted girl one month after getting visa

LINK

September 21, 2010

A REFUGEE sexually assaulted a teenage girl on a city-bound train just one month after earning a visa on "humanitarian grounds", a court has heard.

Sayed Mohammad Sidaqat, 34, appeared in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today and pleaded guilty to one count of indecent assault.

Prosecutors told the court that, on July 17, Sidaqat boarded an Outer Harbour line train at Ethelton and sat down next to a girl, 16.

He "squashed her" up against the side of the train before caressing her hand and placing it on his erect penis.

Prosecutors said the girl felt "extremely scared and powerless" as Sidaqat kissed her neck, fondled her breasts and tried to touch her pubic region.

Francis Elekwachi, for Sidaqat, said his client was an Afghani national who fled the country to escape the Taliban.

He said Sidaqat's wife, four children, mother and sister-in-law were in a refugee camp in Pakistan.

"My client was arrested during the Taliban regime, imprisoned and tortured," Mr Elekwachi said.

"About five years ago he managed to escape ... he emigrated to Australia in search of safety and a better life for himself and his family.

"He was granted a visa on humanitarian grounds in June of this year, and came to Adelaide on June 15."

He said Sidaqat suffered from mental health issues including post-traumatic stress, but was remorseful and unlikely to reoffend.

Magistrate Joseph Baldino said he could not be sure of that without further psychological reports.

"He came to Adelaide on the 15th and committed this offence on the 17th, just a month later," Mr Baldino said.

"I don't think I can deal with this without further exploration."

He ordered psychological and psychiatric reports, and remanded Sidaqat on continuing bail for sentencing in November.

Outside court, the victim's father said his daughter was "coping" after her ordeal.

"She feels like she can't let things get her down, and she's travelling on the train again," he said.

He said it was "very distressing" for Sidaqat to be on bail.

"I don't want this sort of thing to happen again, to someone else," he said.

"Our laws really have to be looked at, here in Australia, when people commit offences and get bail."

'Bronx' crime wave scares Port Lincoln shopkeepers

LINK

September 22, 2010

LAWLESSNESS and anti-social behaviour is rising in Port Lincoln's version of "The Bronx" and shopkeepers are scared to be in the stores alone, one claims.

Single mother of one, Cobi Smith, 23, who runs a takeaway store at Lincoln South, says she feared she and her mother would be seriously hurt when an irate female customer allegedly assaulted several people and smashed up equipment in the shop earlier this month.

She says the woman unleashed an unprovoked attack, allegedly smashing glass doors on two fridges and pushing over a bain-marie, which hit the hand of her mum, Liz Kalling, causing two fractures.

Police have charged a woman, 28, with aggravated assault and property damage.

Ms Smith said violence and drunkenness in what locals have dubbed "The Bronx" - a reference to the tough New York city neighbourhood - was commonplace.

In July, thugs robbed a deli opposite Ms Smith's takeaway shop on Mortlock Tce and last month men allegedly armed with knives hit the Marina Hotel. Police arrested and charged two men over the incident.

In February, Port Lincoln Hotel barred a man for 10 years after a "glassing" incident in the pub.

Port Lincoln police Superintendent Brad Flaherty said recorded crime had fallen almost 3 per cent in the past 12 months.

"There hasn't been a spike in crime but I can understand Ms Smith's concerns because all she sees is what's happening to her," Supt Flaherty said. "We'll talk with her and see if there's anything we can do to ease her concerns."

Ms Smith said she's "scared" and alarmed at the level of alcohol abuse.

"It's getting pretty bad with robberies and people coming in (the shop) drunk all the time," she said.

"It's been getting bad over the last two or three months and there's always alcohol involved. People just can't handle it.

"I would never open or close the shop by myself again."

Cops attacked with machete at Quinns siege

LINK

September 22, 2010

A 36-year-old man is in custody this morning after police surrounded his Quinns Rocks home during a siege last night.

Police, including officers from the Tactical Response Group, were called to the house in Mokutu Court about 7.30pm after the man barricaded himself inside during a domestic dispute.

Negotiators tried to get the man to give himself up but officers eventually stormed the property after the man set fire to one of the bedrooms.

A police spokesman said when they entered the house the man allegedly attacked them with a machete.

An accelerant had been spread throughout the home.

The man was taken to Joondalup Hospital.

About $15,000 damage was caused to the house.

Man to face Toowoomba court over milk crate attack on woman

September 23, 2010

LINK

A WOMAN has been horribly assaulted with a milk crate in a shocking attack in Toowoomba.

Police said the 36-year-old received serious facial injuries in the assault about 8.45pm yesterday.

Officers were also attacked when they arrived at the scene.

A 40-year-old man who is known to the victim has been charged with torture, assault causing grievous bodily harm, assault police and obstruct police.

He was held in custody overnight ahead of his appearance in Toowoomba Magistrates Court today.

High-speed hoons in police pursuits get off scot free

LINK

September 23, 2010

MORE than a third of drivers who fail to stop for police are never caught and the problem is getting worse.

Statistics obtained by The Courier-Mail under Right to Information laws show more than 1000 drivers fled police in the nine months to March 2010, and almost 40 per cent (351) escaped detection.

The figure represents a 24 per cent increase in the number of drivers evading police since 2007-08. In the same period the rate of detection fell 5 per cent.

Those drivers who did not escape police were either arrested, cautioned or given a notice to appear in court where they were generally fined about $220 despite the offence carrying a maximum $20,000 fine or three years jail.

Police told The Courier-Mail the main reason offenders escaped detection was because they were driving a stolen car or a vehicle with false plates.

''If you've got the registration number you should be able to track down the driver,'' said an officer.

The Beattie Government made evading police an offence in 2006 in an effort to deter offenders from fleeing officers and reduce the number of high-speed police pursuits.

The laws coincided with a tightening of the police pursuit policy, which resulted in chases falling from 630 in 2006 to 284 in 2009.

Logan, south of Brisbane, reported the highest number of evading police offences in the nine months to March with 120, followed by Townsville, 96, and Ipswich with 69.

Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the lenient treatment of those who evaded police ''defied belief''.

''It's effectively a green light for drunk and drug-affected drivers to attempt to out-run police at every opportunity,'' Mr Leavers said.

''Drunk and drug-affected drivers now know that police won't pursue them, and nor will these offenders receive a penalty if caught.''

In March, State Coroner Michael Barnes recommended tougher penalties for evading police as part of his review of the pursuit policy.

But Police Minister Neil Roberts said those penalties already existed. ''Evading police is a serious criminal offence which poses a real risk to community safety,'' he said.

''Courts have the power to issue offenders with a $20,000 fine or up to three years imprisonment. In addition, an application can be made for the forfeiture or impoundment of the offender's vehicle.''

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said any driver who failed to stop for police in a police vehicle could be charged.

Accused gunslingers bailed

link

September 20th, 2010

A MAN and a woman charged with firing guns and threatening to kill an Acacia Hills couple have been banned from going near their alleged victims' home.

Road train driver Kenneth John Smith, 43, has been granted bail in Darwin Magistrate's Court on the condition he not approach the alleged victim's property on the corner of Manton Valley Road and Byers Road, Acacia Hills.

His partner, Josephine Attard, 48, was granted police bail and agreed to the same conditions.

Smith and Attard, both of Tumbling Waters, are facing 13 and 12 charges each, including discharging a firearm to frighten, danger and annoy, making a threat to kill someone and aggravated assault.

On Sunday police reported an Acacia Hills couple - a man aged 47, and a woman, 54 - were asleep in their bed at 4.30 am when they were woken by gunfire outside their house.

When they went outside they found their two cars had been shot up, with extensive damage to the paneling and windscreens of both vehicles.

Smith and Attard's case will be heard again in Darwin Magistrate's Court in two weeks.

Daylesford assault victim fights for life

LINK

September 20, 2010

A 50-year-old man is in a critical condition following an assault in Daylesford last night.

An ambulance crew was called to a property in Daylesford about 10pm and treated the man for head injuries.

He later went into cardiac arrest and was transported to Ballarat Base Hospital where he is fighting for his life.

Police questioned a 43-year-old man over the incident. He has been released pending further inquiries.

Ambushed shopper, 78, left with serious head injury

September 21, 2010

LINK

An elderly man suffered a suspected fractured skull when he was attacked by another shopper who lay in wait for him outside a supermarket in Melbourne's north yesterday, police say.

The 78-year-old was attacked about 4.15pm outside Coles supermarket in Dargie Court, Dallas, after what police called a "disagreement" with another person inside the business. Police could not comment on what the dispute was about.

Police said the man then finished his shopping and left the store when he was confronted by the person who was waiting outside.

He was punched and fell to the ground, hitting his head and possibly sustaining a fractured skull.

A description of the offender has not been released, but Victoria Police said a teenager on a BMX bike was also seen outside the supermarket.

Police have appealed for witnesses.

Anyone with information can call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or go to crimestoppers.com.au

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LINK

September 23, 2010

One man has been charged and another has been quizzed over the alleged bashing of a 78-year-old man outside a supermarket in Melbourne's north early this week, police say.

Gary Chandler, 21, of Dallas, was charged with intentionally and recklessly causing serious injury over the alleged assault of the elderly man, which happened outside Coles supermarket about 4.15pm in Dargie Court, Dallas on Monday.

A second man, a 20-year-old from Dallas, yesterday handed himself in to Broadmeadows police. He was interviewed but released without charge while officers continued their investigation.

Police would not comment on whether information provided by the man led to the arrest of the man charged over the attack.

On Monday, police claimed the victim was ambushed by his attackers who waited for him outside the supermarket following a disagreement inside the business. He suffered a suspected broken skull.

Chandler faced an out-of-sessions court last night and was detained in custody to face the Melbourne Magistrate's Court today.

Man recovering from severe head injuries after attack

link

September 14, 2010

A 24-YEAR-OLD man has told how he feared for his life after being struck in the head with a piece of concrete in an unprovoked attack earlier this month.

Bruce Williams, who had part of his skull removed to reduce swelling on his brain following the incident, recalled what he described as “a cowardly attack” while recovering at Royal Perth Hospital this morning.

Mr Williams had been walking along Charles Street in North Perth at about 3am with a male cousin towards Northbridge when the attack occurred.

He said the pair had approached a group of four young men and exchanged words before the was hit in the back of the head with a brick.

“I just remember getting hit full pelt, falling to the ground and I started shaking,” he said.

“There was blood all over the place. I looked back and there was someone running away from me.

“I thought I was going to die.”

The group of offenders ran off and left Mr Williams laying on the ground, urging his cousin to keep talking to him so he would not lose consciousness.

Mr Williams required 31 staples in his head and will have to wear a helmet at all times for about three months following the incident.

He said he was unsure when he will be released from hospital but said it was likely he would move to a Shenton Park rehabilitation unit in the coming weeks.

Three of the offenders are described as dark-skinned, with the fourth having fair skin.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Do you know the Mosman Park rapist?

Because the Police don't have a clue!

September 20, 2010

LINK















THIS is the man being sought over the rape of a 19-year-old nanny in Mosman Park, which has left the upmarket suburb in self-imposed lockdown.

Sex Assault Squad detectives want your help to identify the man over the sexual assault of a live-in nanny babysitting a child about noon on Friday - with this identikit picture released today.

The German au pair was caring for her employer’s two-year-old at home in Manning St. She had taken the child on a walk to a local park and returned home when there was a knock at the door.

A middle-aged man carrying a bunch of flowers and a knife forced his way inside - where he restrained the terrified woman and sexually assaulted her.

The attack has left women in the usually quiet, elite suburb gripped with fear.

Acting Detective Senior Sergeant Frank Glynn described it as a "brazen" attack which had traumatised the victim, a German national who has been working in Australia since July.

"She seems to be doing reasonably well under the circumstances," he said.

Det Snr Sgt Glynn said the incident was a timely reminder for women to be aware of their surroundings.

"Stranger attacks resulting in sex offences are unusual, they do happen but they are not common," he said.

"I don't expect people to change their habits because of this offence but at the same time they do need to be aware of their surroundings."

The man is described as 50-55 years old, with a fair complexion, balding short brown hair, and wearing grey polo shirt and possibly a cap.

He may have been seen around Manning St or the park on Friday morning up to mid-afternoon.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Public sick of street violence, says judge

LINK


September 10, 2010


A SERIAL offender who brutally bashed and robbed a Melbourne teacher who was trying to help him has been jailed for more than four years.

Ashley Wayne Brooks, 21, was on parole for bashing an elderly woman when he attacked teacher Mark Wresinski in inner Melbourne in April.

Brooks pushed Mr Wresinski to the ground and kicked him repeatedly, the Victorian County Court heard today.

Mr Wresinski was left bloodied, bruised and with a broken arm and no longer feels safe to walk the streets at night.

Brooks had been out of youth detention for nine days and was supposed to be living in a drug rehabilitation facility in country Victoria.

Victorian Judge Michael Tinney jailed Brooks for four-and-a-half years, six months more than prosecutors had called for, saying the attack was cruel and needlessly violent.

"A particularly callous and cruel offence, committed on a person who was entirely helpless," the judge said.

"It was also quite brutal. The level of force was gratuitous.

"The community is sick and tired of this sort of public violence."

Judge Tinney said Brooks had met Mr Wresinski near a Fitzroy hotel and they had a few drinks together.

Brooks said he had no way of getting home, so Mr Wresinski offered to lend him his bike.

"Unfortunately, what you did ... was to commit a most violent robbery on a member of the public who sought to help you," Judge Tinney said.

After bashing the teacher, Brooks stole Mr Wresinski's wallet containing $41 and rode off. Brooks was caught when police pulled him over for not wearing a helmet and noticed that he had blood on him.

In a victim impact statement, Mr Wresinski said he felt unsafe to walk the streets after dark and had been unable to hold his baby, who was born days after the attack.

Judge Tinney noted that Brooks had had a difficult upbringing. He was his 14-year-old mother's second child, and had a sister born a year earlier, the court heard.

Judge Tinney said Brooks had been brought up in an atmosphere of domestic violence and in a family that showed little regard for the law.

Brooks pleaded guilty to robbery and was jailed for four-and-a half years with a minimum of three years.

In 2007, Brooks attacked, bashed and robbed a 75-year-old great-grandmother in her bed.

The woman spent 12 days in hospital including time in an induced coma in intensive care.

In 2008 he was sentenced to two years in youth detention for the bashing, which was increased to three years on appeal.

No jail time for 'vicious' bouncer attack

LINK

September 9, 2010

A 26-year-old man has been spared an immediate jail term for a "vicious attack" on a Perth crowd controller that saw him repeatedly punch his victim before landing a "full swing" kick as he lay on the ground.

Car salesman Benjamin Michael Sporn was told by the magistrate that he only he escaped immediate time behind bars because he did not have a criminal record for violence.

The attack outside the city's Amplifier Bar in May was captured on camera and had been posted on YouTube. Sporn had pleaded guilty to assault occasioning bodily harm and was given a six month and one day jail term suspended for 12 months. He will only serve the term if he reoffends in the next year.

Magistrate Guiseppe Cicchini today labelled the offence as a vicious, sustained, very aggressive and cowardly attack that had seen Sporn "pummel" his victim before being dragged off by a "brave" patron.

"He was there delivering a barrage of punches as seen in the video," Mr Cicchini said.

The court was told the bystander had to use some force to pull Sporn from his victim before the offender returned and kicked the crowd controller.

"It was a full swing kick," the magistrate said, telling the court that the footage not only captured the vision of the attack but also the sound, with a "thud" audible during the kick.

Mr Cicchini said it was thankful the victim had not received more significant injuries than bruising and grazing from the serious assault. He told Sporn that he had "no doubt" he would have sent him straight behind bars if he had a violent criminal record.

The court was told Sporn only had three disorderly conduct convictions, with his defence lawyer Mark Andrews saying he had been affected by alcohol during all of his offences.

Defence lawyer Mark Andrews said his client was remorseful and had suffered extensive ridicule for his crime after the incident was posted online.

Mr Andrews said his client had been heavily intoxicated during the attack and submitted that the incident had been sparked by some earlier "two way argy bargy" between Sporn and his victim. This incident later fuelled a larger altercation between Sporn and his friends and a group of crowd controllers at Amplifer's entrance.

The magistrate accepted that Sporn had not sparked the broader clash between the groups.

Det-Sen Const. Jamie Paterson said outside court moments after the sentencing that the victim was fortunate not to receive worse injuries.

"I have certainly seen it go the other way. In this case the victim was lucky," he said.

The detective said such violent attacks were a worry and doing little for the reputation of the city's nightspots.

A planned police crackdown on violent anti-social behaviour this weekend in entertainment precincts would help tackle the issue, Det-Sen Const Paterson said.

Father's life ruined by brutal attack

September 10, 2010

LINK

A teenager sentenced to three years detention for his part in a brutal and cowardly attack which left a Perth father with irreversible brain damage is too young to understand he has ruined a life and destroyed a family, the man's wife said yesterday.

Expressing her frustration and anger at the teenager's lack of remorse, Karlene Double said she had cried and lain awake at night as she waited for the youth to be sentenced for grievous bodily harm after he was found guilty following a seven-day trial in July.

In the District Court yesterday, Judge Allan Fenbury said that no sentence he imposed could heal Mathew Double.

But Judge Fenbury said the case was also a tragedy for the teenager, who had allowed himself to take part in a beating which left no option other than a term of detention.

The teenager and at least five others attacked Mr Double after a verbal altercation between two groups attending social functions in Gosnells on August 2 last year. "Each group racially abused the other in the most disgusting and foul way," Judge Fenbury said. "The situation rapidly deteriorated to a running street battle, including the throwing of rocks and concrete paving."

When Mr Double became separated from his group at a nearby park, he was set upon as he lay "helpless and defenceless" on the grass.

"Mr Double suffered six different skull fractures, a broken jaw and nose," Judge Fenbury said. "The fracture to the base of his skull was caused by a very high source of impact, usually only seen in high velocity motor vehicle accidents.

"You actively participated in a very brutal, cowardly, sustained piece of gratuitous violence."

Judge Fenbury said the youth had no record for violence and came from a supportive family. But the teenager had shown a lack of remorse and the injury to Mr Double was severe.

"Furthermore, although it may be doubtful whether drunken young men and youths will consider such things, the sentence imposed upon you must be sufficiently severe to at least attempt to discourage such conduct and to express the community's condemnation of it in the strongest terms," he said. Just minutes after Judge Fenbury's remarks, the teenager's supporters reacted by yelling vulgar abuse and claiming it would have been different if the youth had been white.

The teenager, who cannot be identified because he was 15 at the time of the offence, must spend at least 18 months in detention. Counting time already spent in custody, he could be released at the end of July next year.

Mrs Double said the sentence was "better" than anticipated but remained inadequate when considering the damage to her husband's life.

She hoped her husband would be able to walk again by Christmas.

Teens charged over sex assault video

LINK

September 10, 2010

Four Bunbury teenage boys have been charged after a 14-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted and filmed on a mobile phone camera.

Police believe the four youths, one aged 15, the others all 16, committed the offences at a Bunbury home on Friday August 27.

Three have been charged with sexual penetration of a child between 13 and 16 years, with the remaining boy charged with possession of child pornography.

They will appear in Bunbury Magistrate's Court today.

School boy assault in Batemans Bay

LINK

September 09, 2010

TWO school boys have been charged over an assault on the state's South Coast, which has left a fellow student in a coma.

On Friday, September 3, the 13-year-old boy suffered head injuries during an assault on the grounds of the high school on Beach Road in Batemans Bay.

The student was flown to Canberra Hospital where he remains in an induced coma with swelling to his brain. He is in a serious but stable condition.

Police from the Far South Coast launched an investigation which involved interviewing a number of witnesses.

Yesterday, they charged two male students, aged 12 and 17, with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm of a school student.

They will face Batemans Bay Children’s Court on Monday 18 October.

Woman attacks man with golf club in Ermington

LINK

September 09, 2010

A WOMAN has been charged after seriously assaulting a man with a golf club at Ermington earlier this week.

Police have been told there was an altercation between the man and woman, who were known to each other, outside a home in Spurway Street about 7.40pm on Tuesday.

A 65-year-old man was allegedly assaulted with a golf club by the 47-year-old woman, who claimed the man had earlier damaged the rear windscreen of her car.

The man was left with serious injuries to his head with suspected facial fractures and eye injuries.

He has undergone surgery for his injuries, however there are concerns that he may not regain the sight in his left eye.

The woman was arrested at Telopea about 3pm yesterday and taken to Parramatta Police Station where she was later charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent.

She was granted conditional bail to appear at Parramatta Local Court on October 13.

Inquiries into the matter continue.

Woman threatened in syring hold-up in Waterloo

LINK

September 09, 2010

A 60-year-old woman has been threatened with a syringe in an armed robbery at Waterloo.

eThe woman entered her car, which was parked at the corner of Gadigal and Potter Streets, shortly before 4pm yesterday and a man then allegedly entered through the passenger door and sat in the front seat.

The man demanded money and produced a syringe, threatening the woman.

The woman handed the man a small quantity of cash before he left the car and was last seen walking along Potter Street.

Police were contacted and attended a short time later speaking to the woman who was shocked but not injured.

The woman’s vehicle was seized for further forensic examination.

The man has been described to police as being 177cm tall, with a dark complexion in his late 20s with a medium build.

At the time of the incident was wearing a dark hooded jumper and a black vinyl jacket.

Anyone with information about the robbery should contact their local police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Man 'points stun gun' at mum, 3 kids

LINK

September 10, 2010

A MAN has been charged following a road rage incident in Sydney's southwest in which a car kept veering towards a woman driving her three children while a passenger also pointed a stun gun at her car, police say.

The 39-year-old woman and her children aged four, 14 and 16, were heading north along the Hume Highway at Casula just before 10pm on August 30, when a green Nissan Pulsar allegedly pulled out in front of their vehicle, almost causing a collision.

As the vehicles travelled side by side along the highway, the male driver of the Nissan taunted the woman by continuously veering towards her car, police say.

One of his male passengers also allegedly pointed a stun gun at her car.

The woman eventually drove to Liverpool Police Station, where she reported the incident.

A 19-year-old man has been charged with menacing driving and failing to disclose the identity of a passenger.

Gang bashes man at station

LINK

September 4, 2010

A WITNESS to a brutal gang attack on the Frankston line says he was stunned by the ferocity and speed of the assault on a passenger who had complained about youths smoking on a train.

Student Chris Tagle, 19, said he was on the train heading to Frankston on Thursday night when the passenger told the six young men they should not be smoking. Mr Tagle said he had echoed the complaint to the youths, who then moved to the next carriage.

But as the 38-year-old Caulfield North man who had first spoken to the youths got off at Malvern station about 9.15pm, he was ambushed by the men.

Mr Tagle said he and other passengers watched in horror as the six kicked the man. ''We did not realise what was happening until it was too late,'' he said.

The man tried to barge through the pack but was brought to ground then punched and kicked to the head. The youths fled when four Metro ticket inspectors also on on the train came to the victim's aid. The man had cuts and bruises but did not need to be taken to hospital.

Police are investigating several recent gang attacks on the Frankston line. In June, a gang of youths went on a rampage at McKinnon station, throwing rocks, abusing passengers and leaving a man in hospital with head injuries.

Acting Superintendent Nigel Howard said CCTV footage of the assault would be used to find the attackers, believed to be aged between 17 and 22.

An Auditor-General's report in June showed that since 2005 there have been about 7000 incidents of crime a year on Melbourne's train system, about a quarter of them crimes against people. There was a spike in 2008 but this fell in 2009 after police efforts, the report said.

There was an average of just 33 offences per million passenger boardings in Melbourne, the report said, but there was a strong perception among train users there was a danger of assault at night.

State Opposition Leader Ted Baillieu said the latest attack was proof that his plan to employ 940 police protective service officers to man suburban stations after 6pm was justified. ''What happened is unacceptable,'' he said. ''Where there are protective services officers then the chances of what happened are next to none.''

Premier John Brumby said the ''thuggish'' attack had been captured on CCTV. ''This sort of behaviour is never excusable,'' he said.

More than 100 Metro station staff met yesterday to demand safer working conditions after an armed robbery at Melbourne Central last Saturday night. A man with a handgun held up a ticket office and escaped with about $400.

The Rail, Tram and Bus Union has demanded more staff at city loop stations. ''We want a safe workplace for our members and a safe transport system for the public,'' secretary Trevor Dobbyn said.

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I find it extraordinary that this level of attacks made on law abiding citizens is allowed to continue.

Do the math

"7000 incidents of crime a year on Melbourne's train system"

"a quarter of them crimes against people"

That's 7000 x 0.25 = 1750 crimes committed against people a year on Melbourne's trains.

1750 crimes against people over 365 days = almost 5 violent attacks a day



MORE MATH

"33 offences per million passenger boardings" with 1/4 of crimes being against persons (that's YOU by the way) 33 x 0.25 = 8.25 attacks per million passenger boardings

Your chances of winning Saturday Night Gold Lotto with a standard entry is 1 in 678,755

You have far more chance of being assaulted catching a Melbourne Train than you do winning Saturday Night Lotto.

Elderly woman attacked

LINK

September 5, 2010

DETECTIVES are searching for a teenager who allegedly sexually assaulted an elderly Ormond woman yesterday.

The young man allegedly knocked on the woman's door in Koornang Road at about 11am. Police are seeking a Caucasian male aged between 17 and 20, with black hair parted in the middle. He was wearing a navy blue jumper with yellow writing, black pants and black and white shoes.

Panic alarms given to rapist's neighbours

September 3, 2010

LINK

Neighbours of a repeat rapist released this week to live in Bunbury have had panic buttons installed in their homes by police in response to fears he will reoffend.

Darren Morton Hart was let out of Casuarina Prison on Wednesday to live with a sister in Carey Park after spending 13 years in jail for raping a woman in a South-West town.

Supreme Court Justice John McKechnie granted his release on a strict supervision order.

Police gave duress alarms to at least two residents near where Hart will live, while the Department of Housing has also reinforced security at neighbouring homes.

One neighbour, a single mother, said police had provided her with a duress alarm last week.

She said the alarm could be moved from room to room and would send out a call for immediate police assistance.

The woman said she was looking to move from the area and had felt helpless when she learnt that Hart, 40, would live nearby.

WA Police Insp. Bill Munnee would not be drawn yesterday on whether police had provided duress alarms but said they were committed to ensuring the public's safety.

Fears were growing last night of vigilante action against Hart, who has a history of increasingly violent rapes, after flyers were distributed in the area warning of a "released rapist".

Hart's family have urged the community to allow their brother to get on with his life. They were certain he would not reoffend.

Hart was sentenced to 16 years jail in 1997 for raping a woman nine times in an attack that left her injured and bleeding. He finished his sentence three years ago but had been held in custody indefinitely under the State's dangerous sex offender laws. Bunbury Sen. Sgt Mike Peters warned residents that any vigilante action would not be tolerated.

He said police, along with other agencies, were enforcing the conditions of Hart's release. He said any suggestion police did not have enough resources was unfounded.

"Police have not seen any vigilante-type flyers and we strongly urge community members not to go down that path," Sen. Sgt Peters said.

The Department of Corrective Services told the community yesterday that a supervision order with strict conditions was in place and Hart would be closely monitored. Justice McKechnie ordered Hart to be subject to a strict curfew, undergo counselling and use anti-libidinal medication.

The Department of Housing said it had taken every possible measure to improve the security of neighbouring properties.

Police Minister Rob Johnson said he expected police to be on heightened alert. "I'm sure they will be monitoring what he does and where he goes and any conditions that may be attached to his release," he said.

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This is the panic alarm the government wants the neighbours of a convicted rapist to use in case the man "who has a history of increasingly violent rapes" pays a visit.

Here's the Panic alarm that is allowed in states that are more pragmatic about personal safety (some states in the USA - note that it is only in SOME states - not all)

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UPDATE

Pressure is building on the State Government to shift a dangerous sex offender released to live with his sister in Bunbury, as fears rise over community safety and vigilante action.

The Department of Housing is searching for new accommodation for Darren Morton Hart, who was released from Casuarina prison this week after serving 13 years for raping a woman nine times.

Neighbours, some of whom were provided with duress alarms by police, have said they are concerned for their safety and want Hart moved, while others were looking to leave the Bunbury suburb of Carey Park.

Supreme Court Justice John McKechnie ordered Hart's location to be kept secret, but flyers have been circulated throughout the suburb, which warn of a "released rapist" and give his address.

Labor South-West MLC Adele Farina said the Government needed to consider moving Hart. "The Government must have a look at the situation to consider everyone's safety," she said. Ms Farina said a number of residents had contacted her about their fears over safety and she was concerned about the strain on police resources. She was also concerned for the welfare of Hart's sister.

Bunbury MLA John Castrilli said he was deeply concerned a dangerous sex offender was living in the area and had raised his concerns with Attorney-General Christian Porter.

"In this case, the court decided not to keep the offender in prison indefinitely and that is a disappointing result, but one the Government must deal with, which we are doing by keeping him under very strict supervision," Mr Castrilli said.

South-West Police Supt Lawrence Panaia warned the community against vigilante action. He said the community needed reassurance that Hart was under close watch.

Premier Colin Barnett said proposed sex offender register legislation should be introduced into Parliament this year, but conceded there was nothing the Government could do to prevent rapists such as Hart being released to live in the community.

He understood why people were concerned. "It is a perennial problem dealing with offenders, sex offenders or paedophiles and when they've served their sentences they are free, and to try and manage that in the community is very, very difficult," he said.


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My opinion - It seems like next door to a Judge, Politician or a Do-Gooder would be the best place for this convicted rapist.

Actually my preference would be right next door to a gun control advocate.

Train glare ends in platform gang-bashing

September 3, 2010

LINK

gang of youths kicked a train commuter in the head in Melbourne’s east last night after he glared at them for smoking on a train then tried to barge his way to safety, say police.

Have you witnessed, or been a victim of, violence on our trains? Email us with your story

The 38-year-old Caulfield North man was on a Frankston-bound train shortly after 9.30pm when he noticed two of the boys smoking, police said.

He gave them a disapproving look just moments before he stepped off the train at Malvern station.

But police said when he got off the train the boys followed.

While the man was on the platform, police believe the group signalled to another group of young men standing nearby and yelled out an order to bash the man.

Two males police want to speak to.

In an attempt to escape, the victim then tried to run through the group, knocking three of the teens over.

But he was grabbed by the others and pulled to the ground, where he was punched and kicked repeatedly to the head, face and body.

Police said other commuters called for help and Metro staff ran to the scene, which prompted the group of attackers to run away.

The man’s injuries included swelling, bruising and soreness to his left eye, swelling to the back of his head and a minor laceration to his forehead.

The man’s clothing was torn and he received a deep cut and swelling to his left elbow and cuts to both knees.

The six attackers are described as fair-skinned, between 17 and 22 years old, of medium build and about 185 centimetres tall.

One of the attackers was wearing a blue and black stripped windcheater while another was wearing a light-coloured hooded windcheater with black insignia on the front.

Police said four of the men were wearing street clothing and baseball caps.

The victim was treated at the scene but was not taken to hospital.

‘‘We are working with Department of Transport at this point to look at CCTV footage from Malvern railway station, and will hopefully be in a position to release that later this afternoon,’’ said

Acting Superintendent Nigel Howard of the Transit Police.

Man charged over alleged Ultimo kidnapping

September 3, 2010

LINK

Separately a man is due to appear in Sydney's Central Local Court today, charged over the alleged kidnapping of a teenager.

Police arrested a 24-year-old man after they forced their way into a hotel room in Wattle Street, Ultimo, last night.

Officers from City Central Local Area Command had been called to the business after guests heard someone calling for help about 11pm.

They arrived to see the youth allegedly being dragged into a room by the older man.

Police have been told the 17-year-old, from Epping, was being held against his will following a dispute over money.

A man, from Umina Beach, was charged with kidnapping and was refused bail until his appearance in court.

The teenager was treated for scratches to his arms and neck.

Boy escapes abduction attempt: police

September 3, 2010

LINK

A man has tried to abduct a boy by grabbing his shirt and dragging him away as he walked to a school bus stop in Sydney's south-west, police say.

The boy had been dropped off in Leacocks Lane, Casula, by his brother just before 8am yesterday, police said.

He was grabbed by a man described as 30 years old and of Asian appearance.

But he broke free and ran back to his brother, who was sitting in a car parked nearby.

Police began canvassing the area last night after the incident was reported to them about 8.30pm, and continued speaking to local residents today.

They have urged parents to be vigilant and advised children to avoid walking on their own.

Gunmen storm Sydney home and force woman to her knees

September 2, 2010

LINK

Two armed men stormed a Sydney woman's home, forced her to her knees and stole a small safe from the premises.

The woman heard loud banging at the front door of her home in Belfield, in Sydney's south-west, about 11pm yesterday, police said.

Two masked men armed with guns confronted her in the hallway.

One of the men forced the woman to her knees while the other man searched the house, police said.

They eventually found a small safe which contained a small amount of cash and fled with it.

The woman was not injured.

Both men were described as being of Mediterranean/Middle Eastern appearance, aged between 18 and 20, and about 170-175 centimetres tall with solid builds.

They were both wearing tracksuit pants and hooded jumpers and used scarves to cover their faces.

Anyone with information is urged to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Police arrest Dickson man, 34, over Downer stabbing

01 Sep, 2010

LINK


Police have arrested a 34-year-old man over a stabbing in Downer yesterday.

ACT Policing officers arrived at the Downer residence at 4.30pm to find a 32-year-old man suffering facial injuries and a stab wound to his back. The victim was transported to Calvary Hospital.

AFP Forensic Services attended and conducted an examination of the scene.

After searching the alleged offender’s Dickson home and his clothing, police seized a vehicle and a knife.

The alleged offender was taken to the ACT Watch House and charged with intentionally inflict grievous bodily harm, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and use offensive weapon dangerous to a person.

He will appear before the ACT Magistrates Court today.

Man accused of attacking co-worker in her own home

02 Sep, 2010

LINK


A worker at the Belconnen Markets allegedly attacked a colleague in her own home after becoming infatuated with her.

Dequan Sun, 33, of Holt, appeared before the ACT Magistrates Court yesterday charged with two counts of acts of indecency and two of assault with intent to commit an act of indecency.

Police alleged Sun arrived at the woman's Weetangara home after she earlier declined an invitation to join him at lunch.

The court also heard that Sun's wife was six months' pregnant.

A police statement of facts submitted to the court said Sun allegedly trapped the woman in a bedroom at her house and pushed her on to the bed.

Police claimed he tried to kiss the woman, touched and kissed her breasts and touched her genitals after pinning her arms.

Police alleged that, during the incident, the woman pleaded with Sun to stop, bit his bottom lip and right cheek and scratched both sides of his face.

After the alleged attack, Sun reportedly put an arm around the woman and told her he loved her.

Shortly afterwards the woman called her husband and told him ''something terrible has happened, can you come straight home''.

Magistrate Beth Campbell described the allegations of sexual assault as nasty.

She said the presence of Sun's wife and employer in court and the fact he stayed at the woman's home until her husband arrived gave some comfort in relation to him adhering to bail conditions.

Sun's wife sobbed in court during the description of the alleged incident.

Counsel for the defendant said Sun was not the first married person to seek ''a relationship with another woman''.

The lawyer said her client was extremely upset and had no intention of approaching the woman.

For more on this story, including details of Sun's employer's appearance in court, see the print edition of today's Canberra Times.

'I've stalked you for two days'

September 02, 2010

LINK

VICTIMS of a serial sex attacker in Sydney, including a mother of two young children, have told a court of their continuing fear and withdrawal from society.

Shannon Curreen, 23, has pleaded guilty to eight offences related to attacks between February and August 2009 in suburban Sydney on eight women aged 16 to 39 years.

Three victim impact statements were read out during a sentencing submissions hearing at Sydney's Downing Centre District Court today, including two from women raped by Curreen.

One woman was raped on February 27, 2009, as she walked home to Rose Bay about 12.30am.

She remembers being approached from behind, having a knife held to her throat and being told not to scream.

"He raped me,'' she said in her statement.

"All I remember (is) his weight on top of me, the blade against my throat.''

As she dressed herself after the attack, Curreen told her not to look back as she left.

"He told me, 'Don't look back, keep walking. I've stalked you for two days, I know where you live,''' she said.

Another victim said in her statement that after being attacked by Curreen she was left with cuts and scratches and remained "very scared and angry''.

"With two young children to bring up, this incident leaves me feeling flat and doubting the safety of the world I brought them into,'' she said.

Her one-year-old son was just metres away from her when she was attacked.

"I refuse to walk alone at night. I've become a lot less social,'' she added.

Curreen has pleaded guilty to two rapes, three counts of inflicting actual bodily harm with intent to have sexual intercourse, and three assaults with intent to commit sexual assault.

Judge Peter Berman has been asked to take into account six lesser offences - including four counts of indecent assault.

Curreen's older brother told the court of his shock when he learned of his sibling's offences.

Growing up in New Zealand, Koby Curreen said, he and his brother were "mates''.

"Personally I didn't know any of this stuff was going on,'' he told the court.

"All the time I've known him he's been a really nice guy ... when we were growing up we were quite close. We were mates, not just brothers.''

The slim, dark-haired Curreen sat quietly in the dock of the court throughout the morning's proceedings.

Judge Berman will sentence Curreen at 11am tomorrow.

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Police are great but can't be everywhere all the time. However a Glock 36 could be with you at all times except your local politician is working to ensure that you remain reliant on the state to protect you.