Moves to demolish Blair Athol Reserve toilet, where predator Hamzeh Bahrami sexually assaulted girl
Ever since a girl was lured into this Blair Athol toilet block and sexually assaulted by predator Hamzeh Bahrami, the community has viewed the area as “unsafe”. Now it may be demolished.
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A Blair Athol toilet block where a 10-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in April could be bulldozed by Port Adelaide Enfield Council.
Councillors on Tuesday night agreed to investigate knocking over the “unsafe” loos at Blair Athol Reserve, as well as declaring the area a dry zone.
If the toilets were scrapped, they would be replaced with a more modern set-up, such as an Exeloo – which is self-cleaning and allows use for a maximum of ten minutes.
A motion presented to Tuesday’s meeting by Cr Barbara Clayton said the “serious offence” in the toilet had led to a “negative image for the community”.
It also said the block was not accessible for people with disabilities and many people who visit the reserve perceived it as “unsafe” to use.
Predator Hamzeh Bahrami in August pleaded guilty to an aggravated count of indecent assault after reaching a plea deal to drop two counts of rape.
Bahrami lured the young girl into the toilet block at Blair Athol Reserve and sexually assaulted her between 5pm and 5.30pm on April 3.
Soccer training was taking place on the nearby oval during the ordeal.
Earlier this month, footage was posted to Facebook of Bahrami being bashed by a notorious Rebels bikie in the Adelaide Watch House.
Bradley Daniele uploaded the footage of his assault on the child predator, which went viral on social media.
Cr Matt Osborn backed the toilet’s removal but asked for the costs of any replacement, such as an Exeloo, to be made public.
“I note, of course, the safety concerns around the existing facility and I think that there’s no question about the importance of the demolition of that particular toilet,” Cr Osborn said.
Meanwhile, councillors also agreed to investigate making the oval a dry zone.
The reserve has, in recent years, become known as a hotspot for anti-social behaviour, including drunkenness.
Port Adelaide Enfield in 2016 rejected pleas from residents for the reserve to be made a dry zone and locked at night.
Cr Carol Martin said locals were “disadvantaged” by the behaviour on the oval and deserved to feel safe in their own neighbourhood.
“We have a wonderful, unique, multicultural community who don’t deserve to come in and use the reserve and have intoxicated people (around), Cr Martin said.
“The community deserve much better that they’re receiving right now.”
Council staff will re-evaluate the area before a submission is made to the Commissioner of Liquor Licensing and Gambling.
A report will be brought back to councillors next year on the demolition of the toilet.
