The parents of a teenager, charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a Perth nurse in Edgewater park, expressed their inability to control their son during a court appearance. The 17-year-old is accused of fatally striking the nurse with an electric dirtbike while she was walking in the park. Notably, police attempted to stop him with lights and sirens just minutes prior to the incident.
Detective Sergeant Paul Giuffre called the situation “tragic” and expressed sympathy for the victim’s family and friends. The teenager’s parents were present at Perth Children’s Court, supporting him as he faced his fourth night in custody. It was revealed in court that the boy has ADHD and autism and is enrolled in the NDIS program. However, his treatment took a concerning turn; he reportedly ceased taking his prescribed medication and began using cannabis instead.
Further investigation led to the discovery of a backpack at the collision site containing drugs, alongside potential evidence from messaging apps suggesting involvement in drug dealing. The court proceedings also indicated that the teenager’s parents have separated and that he had stopped attending school, with state officials stating that his father had “absolutely no control” over his behaviour.
The teenager is reportedly struggling with his mental health at Banksia Hill detention centre, coping with obsessive-compulsive disorder and engaging in compulsive cleaning behaviours. His lawyer intends to seek bail during the next court appearance scheduled for the following week.