A 16-year-old boy allegedly caught on camera assaulting a police officer outside Optus Stadium has told a Perth court he intends to fight the charges against him.
The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, appeared in Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday, where details of the December 28 incident were revealed for the first time.
The 16-year-old boy who allegedly assaulted a police officer outside Optus Stadium on December 28.Credit: Rebecca Peppiatt
State prosecutors alleged the boy asked the officer, “Do you want a Liverpool kiss?” before punching and kicking him several times.
The incident unfolded after the senior constable, who was conducting patrols of the area, approached the boy. Police allege the pair were then surrounded by about 30 youths before an altercation took place, leaving the officer with cuts and bruises to his face.
Reports revealed that up to 100 teenage were in the area on e-scooters and bikes at the time, having taken part in a “ride out” earlier that day.
They allegedly wreaked havoc while continuing to ride down Perth city streets, through Burswood and Optus Stadium, where the incident occurred about 2.25pm.
On Wednesday, Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the incident was “outrageous”.
“It’s unacceptable,” he told 9News Perth.
“And I think I had the same response that probably ever law-abiding West Australian had. That is not tolerated in Western Australia. It’s outrageous that a police officer going about his duty is set upon by a number of youths. It’s just intolerable.”
Blanch said the officer involved was back at work.
“He’s a pretty tough – I won’t call him an old fellow, he’s a middle-aged fellow like myself – he’s very motivated, loves his job. It clearly knocked him about for a little while, but he’s back at work, and he’s in a good state of mind.”
In court, the 16-year-old, who was accompanied by his mother, revealed he intended to plead not guilty to the allegations.
He was told a suite of evidence would be served on him shortly to help inform his decision.
His lawyer also asked for changes to be made to the teenager’s bail conditions, arguing they were “a bit absurd for a Children’s Court matter”.
The court was told the teenager was currently obliged to report to police twice a week and had to be in the company of his mother unless he was at work.
“[The teen] is very responsible, your Honour,” his lawyer said.
The teenager’s bail conditions were ultimately changed to stipulate he avoids one of his four co-accused and anyone else determined by his mother and grandfather.
He will be back before the court in March.
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