A 13-year-old boy was attacked by a group of youths at Coolamon Oval in Ellenbrook last weekend, with six teenagers now charged over the incident. The attack, which was filmed and shared online, left the boy with a concussion, black eye and bruising. A 14-year-old boy has been remanded in custody after a magistrate refused bail, describing the assault as 'extremely serious'.
On Friday, a 14-year-old boy appeared in Perth Children's Court charged with one count of with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm, and one count of aggravated armed robbery. The 14-year-old boy charged over the attack allegedly kicked the victim 'square in the face' before kicking and stomping on him with other co-offenders while the boy lay on the ground.
A WA Police spokesperson said on Saturday that five more youths had been arrested and charged with the same offences. The group includes a 13-year-old girl, two 14-year-old girls, a 16-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy. None of them can be named for legal reasons.
The court was told the assault lasted between five to ten minutes at the park in the early hours of Sunday morning. The victim was punched without warning as he tried to walk away from the group. Two youths in the group were carrying knives, and the victim's clothing was stolen.
WA Police have urged members of the public not to take matters into their own hands or publish the names of people believed to be involved. Federal MP Tania Lawrence said she was 'absolutely heartbroken' to see the vision of the boy being assaulted. Police Minister Reece Whitby said the presence of a knife meant one wrong move could have had tragic consequences, and vowed serious consequences for the alleged attackers.
The 14-year-old boy was remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance for legal advice on November 27. The five youths arrested on Saturday are due to appear in Perth Children's Court.
Analysis
Why This Matters
- The brazen early-morning attack and its circulation on social media have caused considerable community concern in the Ellenbrook area.
- The incident highlights the presence of knives in youth group violence, adding to public pressure on authorities to respond.
- The number of alleged offenders involved and the filming of the assault have intensified scrutiny on youth crime and social media amplification.
Background
The attack took place at Coolamon Oval in Ellenbrook, a suburb of Perth, in the early hours of a Sunday morning. Police continue to investigate the incident and have identified a number of persons of interest.
Key Perspectives
- Magistrate: Noted the assault was 'extremely serious' and refused bail, citing the safety of the victim and the severity of the attack.
- WA Police: Asked the community to remain calm and allow detectives to conduct their investigation, and warned strongly against public retaliation or sharing identifying details of anyone believed to be involved.
- Tania Lawrence (federal MP for Hasluck): Said she was 'absolutely heartbroken' to see the vision of the assault.
- Reece Whitby (Police Minister): Said the presence of a knife meant one wrong move could have had tragic consequences, and vowed serious consequences for the alleged attackers.
What to Watch
- Whether further arrests are made as police continue to investigate other persons of interest.
- The court outcomes for all six accused, including the 14-year-old boy's next hearing on November 27.
- The broader political and policy response to youth crime and knife possession in Western Australia.