Tougher penalties plea rejected after shocking taxi rock attack

A passenger in a Darwin taxi was taken to hospital with a serious head wound after being struck by a rock, in the latest incident that has operators fearing for their safety. WARNING: GRAPHIC

The NT government has resisted a call to introduce tougher penalties for rock throwers following a series of incidents in Darwin CBD last week.

Maximum penalties of up to four years jail already apply to the offence, and the government pointed out the challenge was tracking offenders committing the crime and obtaining a successful prosecution.

A long-time driver made the call on Friday after a passenger suffered a serious head-wound when a rock was thrown through a rear window of his Tarrago taxi last Sunday.

Another vehicle was damaged the following Tuesday during a rock-fight involving youths on the corner of Daly and Smith streets near Tomaris Court public housing complex.

The injured man was taken by paramedics to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Driver Hassan Kulmiye who escaped injury despite being struck on the mouth by a rock said prison-sentences for rock throwers would serve as a deterrent and a punishment.

Mr Kulmiye said his taxi was struck five times between August and November 2022 before last weekend’s attack.

He said penalties of up to five years prison for throwers should be introduced to stop the scourge.

Under the NT criminal code, acts that endanger the occupants of vehicles and vessels carry a penalty up to four years jail.

Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said rock-throwing was “disgraceful and dangerous” and already carries significant penalties.

“Taxi drivers, like all workers deserve to be treated with respect and should feel safe at work,” Ms Fyles said.

“Rock throwing is disgraceful and dangerous act which does carry serious penalties. We encourage all incidents to be reported to NT police. To assist with additional driver and passenger safety, the Territory Labor Government has mandated the fitment of approved security camera systems in all taxis and minibuses.”

A Blue Taxi Company driver has called for tougher penalties for rock-throwers.

A Somali refugee and president of the NT’s Somalian community, Mr Kulmiye said his taxi was recognised by stone-throwers, which he believed made him a target for attacks.

He said the throwers were usually children, some apparently as young as 10.

Rocks were being thrown across the road and Mr Kulmiye and his passenger were stuck in the firing line.

He immediately stopped the vehicle when he realised he was in a danger zone but it was too late.

“It just happened so quickly, I couldn’t get the taxi out of the way,” he said.

“The rock struck my lip but God saved me from being hurt. The rock struck the glass and hit the passenger on the back of the head.”

Mr Kulmiye called police and paramedics and the man was transported to Royal Darwin Hospital for treatment.

This masthead has contacted the Department of Health for a condition report.

Smashed window and damaged panel after Tuesday’s incident.

Two nights later the window of a HiAce wheelchair taxi was smashed and a panel was damaged after another rock-throwing incident on Daly Street near Tomaris Court.

Then on Wednesday drivers were advised to avoid Mindil Beach Casino Resort when a group of teenagers was seen throwing rocks, although the incident eventually petered out without damage to taxis or injury to drivers and passengers.

Helen Pachos, owner of Blue Taxis, said issues that have been occurring in Alice Springs for years have made their way to the Top End and the surge in incidents was seriously concerning.

Police attended the first attack and confirmed they had received reports relating to Sunday and Tuesday’s incidents, but that a complaint had not been made.