Man escapes conviction for Westfield Airport West road rage attack

A man who jammed the legs of a young driver in her car door during an aggressive road rage attack has learnt his fate as police hunt violent robbers who punched a teen in the head and threw him to the ground to steal his wallet and earpods.

CRAIGIEBURN

A teenager has been punched in the head and thrown to the ground during a violent armed robbery in Craigieburn. The 19-year-old boy was waiting for the bus in Hanson Rd when he was approached by five men of Islander appearance about 5.50pm on September 15.

Apple earpods.

Hume detective Senior Sergeant Barry Gipp said the group asked to borrow the boy’s mobile phone and when he obliged they attacked and threw him to the ground. “They’ve then gone through his pockets and taken his wallet and Apple earpods,” Sen-Sgt Gipp said. He said the boy suffered an injury to his nose and minor cuts to his body and was treated at the scene by paramedics. Anyone with information is urged to contact Hume Crime Investigation Unit on 9302 8222.

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AIRPORT WEST

A man who jammed the legs of a young driver in her car door during an aggressive road rage attack has escaped conviction. Peter Walker, 69, was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and 30 hours community work after pleading guilty in the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on September 12. Police prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Jasmine Hill told the court Walker — in a Mitsubishi station wagon — cut two young women off as they both entered the Westfield Airport West carpark near the McDonalds just before 4pm on January 22 this year.

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Sen-Constable Hill said the victim tooted at Walker before he got out of his car and started yelling abuse and banging on the driver’s window. “The victim then opened her door and the accused came over and slammed her legs between the door and the car,” she said. “It was well over the top to the toot of a horn.” Sen-Constable Hill said the driver suffered bruising below her right knee and shin. Walker, accompanied by his church pastor, told the court he “behaved badly” but the women were the aggressors. “I would apologise to the girls if they were here — I’m very truly sorry,” he said. Magistrate Carolyn Burnside told Walker it was “completely disproportionate” and he seemed to be trying to excuse his behaviour. “It was a serious form of persistent road rage — you were so enraged that you persisted,” she said. “I’m using you as an example… that the courts will take road rage very seriously.”

Westfield Airport West car park entry.

CRAIGIEBURN

A young girl suffered facial injuries when she was confronted by a teenage boy fleeing her home after an alleged burglary. The 17-year-old returned to her home about 4pm on September 15 and found the alleged burglar inside ransacking the property. Sen-Sgt Gipp said the boy assaulted the girl as he ran from the house but was arrested by police a few streets away in possession of stolen property a short time later. Sen-Sgt Gipp said a 16-year-old boy was charged with aggravated burglary and remanded to face a children’s court.

EPPING

Mystery surrounds the circumstances that saw the front wall of a home damaged in Elaine Close, Epping on September 19. Police spokeswoman Scout Rigoni said a man returned to his home about 11.25pm to find damage to the front wall of the property. “At this stage investigators believe the damage was caused by a vehicle,” she said. “No vehicle was located at the premises and no one was believed to be injured.” She the investigation was continuing and anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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RESERVOIR

Three teens have been charged after pies were allegedly pinched from a servo in Reservoir. Senior Constable Adam West said the trio went to a service station on Gilbert Rd about 4.25am on September 19 and were involved in a verbal stoush with staff. “The trio allegedly stole pies and other items and smashed a window with a bottle,” he said. “The group left the store and attended a nearby bakery where they were involved in another verbal altercation with staff.” Sen-Constable West said an officer suffered a hand injury while arresting the boys. A 16-year-old was charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage and resisting police. A 17-year-old was charged with burglary, theft, criminal damage and obstructing police. Another 16-year-old was charged with burglary and theft. All three have been bailed to front at a children’s court at a later date.

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