Man recovering from severe head injuries after attack

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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

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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.

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.

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.

Nineteen guns stolen from farm house

The West Australian

August 27, 2010

Nineteen firearms have been stolen from a farm house on Fernie Road in Wundowie on Monday.

Police are investigating after the firearms, including four hand guns, 10 rifles and five shotguns, were stolen along with the gun cabinet they were stored in.

Anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity in the vicinity of Fernie Road, Wundowie or has other information regarding the matter is encouraged to contact local police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Crossing guard punched in alleged assault

The West Australian

August 28, 2010

A 41-year-old Cannington man has been charged with assault after allegedly punching a 71-year-old school crossing guard yesterday.

The incident occurred at a school crossing on Railway Parade, Queens Park, about 8.30am after the man drove through the crossing.

The guard did not require medical treatment.

The man has been charged with assaulting a public officer and will appear in Perth Magistrate's Court on Monday.

Vic Park deli robbed at knifepoint

August 19, 2010

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Police are hunting a young man who robbed a Victoria Park deli while armed with a knife this afternoon.

A police spokesman said that the man had entered the deli on Albany Highway about 12:30pm brandishing a knife.

The robber, who was described as 19 to 20 years of age, was wearing jeans, a black jacket and a backpack.

Youth stabbed as Baldivis party turns violent

The West Australian

August 7, 2010

A 17-year-old boy is expected to undergo surgery for stab wounds today after violent thugs gatecrashed a party in Baldivis last night.

Police are looking for a teenage boy who allegedly stabbed the youth in the stomach shortly after 2.30am.

A police spokeswoman said the party turned violent when a group of people, one reportedly armed with a golf club, gatecrashed the party.

The spokeswoman said the 17-year-old victim and a group of other people chased the interlopers down the street before a fight broke out.

The victim was taken to Rockingham General Hospital before being transferred to Fremantle Hospital for emergency treatment.

According to the spokeswoman, the offender is aged about 16, fair and with black curly hair. He was wearing blue baggy jeans and a dark T-shirt.

Fishmonger stabbed, factory set alight

The West Australian

August 8, 2010

A Morley fishmonger is in hospital with several stab wounds after being attacked by two robbers as he closed his business yesterday afternoon.

Two bandits confronted the 57-year-old about 5.15pm at his warehouse and demanded the day's takings.

A scuffle broke out between the trio and the robbers reportedly picked up knives from inside the factory and stabbed the business owner several times.

Police said the pair had a container of accelerant with them and poured it around the office area before setting it alight.

The bandits fled without money, leaving the 57-year-old injured inside.

Firefighters put out the fire, which was contained to the office area.

The 57-year-old was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for treatment.

Teen carried knife to school to stab girl: court

August 11, 2010

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A Perth teenager who armed himself with a 32cm knife and stormed into a school classroom in June had wanted to stab a girl he fancied.

The 15-year-old student, who yesterday pleaded guilty in Perth Children's Court to threatening the classmate with a knife in a northern suburbs high school, was attracted to the girl but barely knew her.

Prosecutor Clare Stanyer told the court: "He stated (to the police) that he intended to stab the victim and then stab himself."

The case bears striking similarities to the stabbing murder in 1991 of Vicky Groves at Churchlands Senior High School.

The boy also pleaded guilty to one count of being armed or pretending to be armed in a way that would cause fear.

The conviction follows that on Friday of an Esperance schoolboy, also aged 15, who brought a loaded double-barrel shotgun to school last Thursday. His lawyer said he "snapped" after repeated bullying.

The court was told yesterday that on June 21, the Perth teenager took a knife - which had a 19cm blade - to school and brandished it about before chasing a group of children into the classroom.

When in the classroom the boy singled out the girl and thrust the knife at her.

She grabbed a chair and used it to defend herself until a teacher arrived at the classroom and disarmed the boy.

At the time of the incident it was reported that the teacher had to hit the boy's wrist to force him to drop the knife.

_The West Australian _ understands that other staff members then grabbed the knife and the boy was taken to the principal's office, where he remained until police arrived. He was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital for an assessment.

The teenager's lawyer, John Collier, said his client did not know the girl very well and that there was no relationship between the two.

Mr Collier said: "He states that he had some sort of attraction for her."

The court was told that the teenager had no criminal record and that his actions were an aberration.

Mr Collier said the boy was no longer attending the school and that his family had since sought psychiatric help for him.

The teenager will be sentenced on September 7 by Children's Court Magistrate Andree Horrigan after psychiatric and psychological reports have been completed.

At the time of the incident an Education Department spokesman said the boy had been suspended and students involved in the incident were offered counselling.

He was remanded into the custody of his parents with a condition that he not approach the girl.

On Friday, the Esperance teenager pleaded guilty in Kalgoorlie Children's Court to being armed in public so as to cause fear, possession of a firearm without being a holder of a firearm licence and unlicensed possession of ammunition. He will be sentenced on September 17.

Robber wields sword in hold-up

The West Australian

August 14, 2010

A sword-wielding robber held up a service station in Hamilton Hill early this morning and stole cash after threatening staff with the weapon.

The robbery happened at 4.50am in Winterfold Street when the man entered the servo with a T-shirt over his face and carrying a sword.

He demanded cash and left on foot after staff handed over the money.

The attacker is described as 165cm tall, skinny and possibly of Aboriginal descent. He was wearing light blue jeans and black shirt.

Burglars lock woman in cupboard, ransack house

• PerthNow June 16, 2010

A WOMAN was barricaded in a cupboard by two armed men who ransacked her house during a terrifying home invasion yesterday.

The 51-year-old was in the garage at her Mt Nasura home at about 12.30pm when she was forced inside the property by the men, who were believed to armed with a pistol.

Police say the men shut the woman inside a cupboard under a set of stairs before ransacking the house and stealing her car.

The woman was freed by her son when he came home from school several hours later.

Her car was later found in Brumby Place in Armadale, where police arrested a 38-year-old man and charged him with burglary, deprivation of liberty, robbery and stealing a motor vehicle.