Adelaide grandmother, 73, attacked during Jetty Rd, Glenelg assault
A 73-year-old grandmother was allegedly assaulted by a “crazed” man on bail on one of Adelaide’s most popular shopping strips – and was rescued by her local MP.
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A western suburbs grandmother has told how she was left frightened after a crazed man on bail allegedly assaulted her in an unprovoked attack on one of Adelaide’s most popular shopping strips.
Lois Deverson, 73, was shoved into a shop window while walking along Jetty Rd, Glenelg, on a Monday morning earlier this month in the top drawcard area.
It is the latest incident to a mounting problem local leaders say is getting worse along the premier tourist beachside area amid concerns the city’s crime wave crisis is being shifted west.
Mrs Deverson, a widow of Novar Gardens after her husband, Geoff, 71, died six years ago from cancer and heart disease, said she was left shaken in the 10.30am incident.
The mother of three, who has seven grandchildren, told how the “crazed” man, 29, suddenly jumped out from his street seat as he screamed and swore at her.
Video has since emerged of his reported arrest inside a nearby store.
7NEWS has exclusive CCTV of the moment police swarmed on a suspect accused of a vicious unprovoked attack on a grandmother at Glenelg. Now, there are urgent calls for more police at the Bay. Details in 7NEWS Adelaide at 6pm | https://t.co/8ftPfGgvkq#7NEWSpic.twitter.com/mKiDKuqWQT
— 7NEWS Adelaide (@7NewsAdelaide) July 4, 2023
The suspect, who is reported to have been released on bail the day before on undisclosed charges, then pushed her into a shop window.
He has been charged with her aggravated assault and is on bail.
Local Liberal MP Stephen Patterson – who randomly walked past with his office manager – escorted her to safety before calling police who arrived 16 minutes later.
Police told them the suspect had caught the tram from the city watch-house.
“I was a bit shaken,” said the retired hospital volunteer service manager.
“Other people tried to support me and pull away because he was swearing at the top of his lungs. It was very, very rude language. I know other people this has happened to, it’s not just me.
“But I’m more afraid because they walk through the shopping centre, swearing, screaming at the top of their lungs. It’s frightening. And there are kids around.
“I’d like to think I’m pretty resilient but it did affect my resilience for a while.”
Commuters, local business leaders and residents have told of their shock after a spate of violent and anti-social incidents on the tram from Glenelg and then throughout the area.
Mr Patterson, the Member for Morphett, said he was regularly told about violent behaviour.
“Worried Glenelg residents are coming to me regularly saying they feel unsafe, threatened or even worse – that they’re the victim of a violent attack,” Mr Patterson said.
“I was horrified to learn this man had just earlier been released on bail, then caught the tram down to Glenelg from the city only to allegedly assault someone just hours later.
“We believe the anti-social problems we’re seeing in the city are now seeping into Glenelg and we need to act before the situation gets even worse and more people get hurt.
“I understand the need for long-term solutions to the crime waves we’re witnessing in both the city and the bay.
“But everyone deserves to feel safe and that’s why we’re calling for a greater police presence in Glenelg.”
Police Minister, Joe Szakacs, said officers “will continue to dedicate resources and assess the ongoing situation” with antisocial behaviour.
Urging vistors to not be deterred with antisocial behaviour reports, he said he held talks with Holdfast Bay council and local police on how to reduce, or prevent, crime in public areas as well as licenced premises.
“Glenelg is a popular area for attracting locals and tourists to South Australia,” he said.
“When the population of the area increases between October and March, I have full faith the staffing response from SA Police is appropriate.
“I want to re-assure our community and the visitors to South Australia, that Glenelg is a fantastic place to stay and visit when coming to South Australia.
“It hosts wonderful hospitality and retail opportunities in the area along with the tourism options, making the area a great place to visit.”
Holdfast Bay Mayor Amanda Wilson has warned Glenelg had been crying out for police reinforcements for years amid fears it could become a dumping ground for anti-social troublemakers.
She has called for the state government to assess passenger safety on the Glenelg tram, saying she had to quickly disembark during a recent trip over fears for her safety.
The government has said it was gathering data to “target hot spots and identify behavioural trends”.
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