A father from Western Australia has voiced his outrage after his 14-year-old son was hospitalised due to an alleged coward punch, and he is demanding that the charged perpetrator, a 15-year-old schoolmate, be held accountable within the adult justice system. The incident, which occurred in Ellenbrook, has left the boy with severe injuries, including a broken jaw and bleeding on the brain, prompting him to undergo surgery involving the insertion of metal plates in his jaw.
John, the boy’s father, expressed his frustration over the fact that the alleged attacker has been granted bail while awaiting court proceedings. He believes that the severity of the incident warrants a harsher response, stating, “My son deserves justice; this child shouldn’t be walking free – he did an adult crime.” Adding to the gravity of the situation, the teenager was also reportedly stomped on while lying on the ground after the attack at a local shopping centre.
The controversy surrounding the bail decision has prompted questions directed at Premier Roger Cook, who emphasised that such decisions fall under the purview of the courts, not the police. He stated that he would refrain from commenting further without specific details about the case, especially since the accused has not yet had a court appearance. This case has also highlighted broader concerns about recurring bullying and violence at Aveley Secondary College, with reports indicating that numerous families have withdrawn their children from the school due to safety fears.
The principal of the school, Stephen Pestana, assured parents that the institution takes such matters very seriously and that appropriate actions have been taken regarding the incident, even extending to offsite occurrences linked to the school environment. Meanwhile, the new Education Minister, Sabine Winton, acknowledged the importance of addressing violence in schools but noted that she had not yet been briefed about this particular incident.
John also advocated for a cultural shift concerning bullying, recognising this as a societal issue rather than one confined solely to the school. The accused will face court for the first time in the coming weeks, as the situation continues to unfold and raise significant concern within the community.