Content warning: This article explicitly mentions physical assault and violence on women and the elderly, which may be distressing for some readers. Discretion is advised.

Commuters were left shaken after an alleged violent outburst onboard a Transperth bus.

The incident occurred just after 10:30 am on Tuesday, when 28-year-old Precious Osemwekhae, a resident of Beckenham, allegedly harassed a 53-year-old woman and her 23-year-old daughter on board the bus.

The situation escalated when both women exited the bus, with Osemwekhae allegedly spitting on the older woman and kicking her daughter in the lower back.

An 84-year-old man, who wished to remain anonymous, intervened in an attempt to protect the women.

Unfortunately, his courageous act was met with violence as Osemwekhae allegedly turned his attention towards him.

A man allegedly went on a rampage onboard a Transperth bus. Image source: Howard Pulling on Flickr.

The elderly man sustained multiple injuries, including a lost tooth and an inability to close his lower jaw due to the severity of the alleged assault.

'There was blood everywhere … and at the end of the day I couldn't close my lower jaw, but now I can,' he said.

Reports also said that the man got off the bus and allegedly assaulted a transport officer before being restrained and taken into custody.

The elderly man initially thought that his age could have made intervening safer.

'That's the reason I was silly to stand up and go to him, I thought the fact that I looked old would dissuade him,' he recalled.

'I don't think age mattered to him.'

Despite the traumatic experience, the elderly man shared that he harbours no anger towards his alleged assailant.

'Except that I would like to know whether he is getting out of his situation, I want to see things improving,' he added.

'I wouldn't mind to see some consequences…but I know he had no control, he may have a situation where things are not easy for him.'

Despite his ordeal, he said he found comfort when the two women and their brother came to thank him for his brave intervention.

Osemwekhae has since been charged with two counts of common assault, aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm, and assault of a public officer.

He was denied bail due to the risk he posed to the community and is scheduled to appear in court again on February 21.

The police prosecutor said that Osemwekhae’s alleged assault of a public officer included punching the female transit guard in her face before kicking her in the abdomen.

He also reportedly needed to be sedated once he was in custody due to continued violence.

WA Premier Roger Cook condemned the violent behaviour, stating that antisocial behaviour on public transport would not be tolerated.

'Violent behaviour is absolutely unacceptable,' he said.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing abuse, call triple zero (000) to quickly contact the police and ambulance services.

Key Takeaways

• An 84-year-old man was allegedly assaulted on a Transperth bus after intervening in a harassment incident involving two women.
• The accused, 28-year-old Precious Osemwekhae from Beckenham, has been charged with multiple assault offences.
• The elderly man suffered significant injuries but expressed no major anger towards his alleged attacker, hoping instead for improvement in the man's situation.
• Osemwekhae was denied bail due to risk to the community, with the incident drawing comments from WA Premier Roger Cook condemning violent behaviour on public transport.

What are your thoughts on this incident, members? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[gamiry]

You only need to look at the youth gang problems being experienced in Melbourne - sorry to say, the predominance seems to be from African nations experiencing civil wars. Bred from violence - they import it with them when they are given refuge not only in Australia but throughout Europe also. Bad apples don't make good cider!

what do you mean Melbourne? Qld is an utter madhouse.How many brave people out there are game to send a barrage of emails to Albo and other Pollies in Canberra and various State Gov'ts to wake them up? Maybe then they will know I'm not the only one to yell at them.

 

[Phantom55]

Hmm, I am wondering if this person is a refugee, rehoused in this country, without first being vetted, regarding their criminal history. Whilst we are a generous country and offer asylum and safe haven to those from other countries, I am wondering if we are creating a problem here?

dont worry little 'precious' is probably more comfortable than many of our pensioners getting 3 meals and medical etc at our expense. and he may get a good behaviour bond from court or maybe a stern warning to not do that again

 

[Phantom55]

What was the bus driver doing while the guy was harassing the ladies on the bus?

he was sensibly driving the bus ..if he intervened he would likely lose his job and be charged with assault...the rules are to protect the offender...great system!

 

[Squizzy1]

Our laws only protect the Offender, not the Offended imo, this person should get no less than 5yrs hard labour, and if these people don't appreciate what's offered deport them immediately.

 

[Kaylee]

My niece is a police officer & they are so frustrated that they do their job. Then the courts are lenient on the offenders. It is no wonder they are losing good police officers.

 

[FrankS]

Hmm, I am wondering if this person is a refugee, rehoused in this country, without first being vetted, regarding their criminal history. Whilst we are a generous country and offer asylum and safe haven to those from other countries, I am wondering if we are creating a problem here?

Yes, almost certainly is. If any of these refugees or foreign students ABUSE the priviledge of settling here by demonstrating or committing crime they should be shipped straight back to where they came from, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE !!!
If they are in DEEP trouble when they arrive back where they came from - HARD LUCK !!! They had their chance and BLEW IT !!!

 

[Bill MacL]

Yes, almost certainly is. If any of these refugees or foreign students ABUSE the priviledge of settling here by demonstrating or committing crime they should be shipped straight back to where they came from, AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE !!!
If they are in DEEP trouble when they arrive back where they came from - HARD LUCK !!! They had their chance and BLEW IT !!!

Stamp their passport's, never to enter Australia again.

 

[Annna]

This man:

1. Harassed women on a bus;
2. Violently assaulted a senior man;
3. Punched the face and kicked the abdomen of a female transit officer; and
4. Had TO BE SEDATED after he was in police custody due to continued violence.

This behaviour is filled with contempt and violence for all others in this man's vicinity.

Drug habit and mental issues be buggered.

The Magistrate and any Judge up the line should take each act by this thug into account and convict accordingly without mitigating his conduct due to his 'conditions' when they are pleaded.