Teenagers allegedly kick 86-year-old woman after breaking into her unit
By
Seia Ibanez
- Replies 27
Content Warning: This article contains depictions of violence against an elderly woman, which may be unsettling for some. Reader discretion is advised.
In the serene setting of Arcadia Waters, a retirement village in Wandina, Geraldton, tranquillity was shattered in the early hours of a Monday morning.
An 86-year-old woman, a resident of the aged care facility, became the victim of a brazen and violent burglary that has since sparked widespread community outrage and concern for the safety of our seniors.
The incident unfolded when three boys, aged 13, 14, and 16, allegedly scaled a security fence and forcibly entered the woman's unit by kicking in the back door.
The confrontation that ensued was not only a violation of the sanctity of her home but escalated to physical violence.
The court was told that the elderly woman, upon confronting the intruders, was kicked in the chest by one of the teenagers, causing her to fall to the ground—a shocking act of aggression captured on CCTV.
The teenagers are accused of stealing the woman's handbag, credit cards, and car keys before fleeing the scene, only to return later in an attempt to steal her car.
It was during this second intrusion that the violent assault occurred. The woman, who bravely confronted the assailants a second time, was left with severe internal bruising and required hospital treatment.
The Geraldton Children's Court heard the case, where the footage of the incident played a pivotal role.
The teenager alleged to have delivered the kick was already on bail for other offences, leading Magistrate Matthew Walton to refuse bail and send him to Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
‘I take into account the significant issues with Banksia, which I believe have improved,’ Mr Walton said.
‘But with the stark and significant alleged offence supported by CCTV footage, bail is refused.’
Another of the accused was remanded in custody, while the third was granted bail.
This distressing event has highlighted ongoing issues within the community. Senior Sergeant Chris Martin, Geraldton police officer-in-charge, expressed his disappointment, labelling the incident as 'disgraceful’.
‘The community should be assured that we're making every effort to arrest those involved,’ Senior Sergeant Martin said.
The family of the 86-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their gratitude towards Geraldton Hospital, local police, and St John Ambulance for their care and support.
The woman has since been discharged from the hospital, but the emotional and physical scars remain.
This incident comes after a grandmother was in critical condition when she was allegedly attacked by her partner with a stabbing weapon.
The incident is being treated as a domestic violence case, with the grandmother found injured in the garden before being taken to Royal Perth Hospital for emergency surgery. You can read more about the story here.
Our thoughts are with the grandmum and her family at this trying time. May justice be served.
In the serene setting of Arcadia Waters, a retirement village in Wandina, Geraldton, tranquillity was shattered in the early hours of a Monday morning.
An 86-year-old woman, a resident of the aged care facility, became the victim of a brazen and violent burglary that has since sparked widespread community outrage and concern for the safety of our seniors.
The incident unfolded when three boys, aged 13, 14, and 16, allegedly scaled a security fence and forcibly entered the woman's unit by kicking in the back door.
The confrontation that ensued was not only a violation of the sanctity of her home but escalated to physical violence.
The court was told that the elderly woman, upon confronting the intruders, was kicked in the chest by one of the teenagers, causing her to fall to the ground—a shocking act of aggression captured on CCTV.
The teenagers are accused of stealing the woman's handbag, credit cards, and car keys before fleeing the scene, only to return later in an attempt to steal her car.
It was during this second intrusion that the violent assault occurred. The woman, who bravely confronted the assailants a second time, was left with severe internal bruising and required hospital treatment.
The Geraldton Children's Court heard the case, where the footage of the incident played a pivotal role.
The teenager alleged to have delivered the kick was already on bail for other offences, leading Magistrate Matthew Walton to refuse bail and send him to Banksia Hill Detention Centre.
‘I take into account the significant issues with Banksia, which I believe have improved,’ Mr Walton said.
‘But with the stark and significant alleged offence supported by CCTV footage, bail is refused.’
Another of the accused was remanded in custody, while the third was granted bail.
This distressing event has highlighted ongoing issues within the community. Senior Sergeant Chris Martin, Geraldton police officer-in-charge, expressed his disappointment, labelling the incident as 'disgraceful’.
‘The community should be assured that we're making every effort to arrest those involved,’ Senior Sergeant Martin said.
The family of the 86-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed their gratitude towards Geraldton Hospital, local police, and St John Ambulance for their care and support.
The woman has since been discharged from the hospital, but the emotional and physical scars remain.
This incident comes after a grandmother was in critical condition when she was allegedly attacked by her partner with a stabbing weapon.
The incident is being treated as a domestic violence case, with the grandmother found injured in the garden before being taken to Royal Perth Hospital for emergency surgery. You can read more about the story here.
Key Takeaways
- An 86-year-old woman was treated in hospital after a teenager allegedly kicked her during a burglary at Arcadia Waters retirement village in Wandina, Geraldton.
- Three boys, aged 13, 14, and 16, faced charges including burglary, robbery in circumstances of aggravation, stealing, and stealing a motor vehicle in Geraldton Children's Court.
- CCTV footage provided evidence of the assault, with one boy seen kicking the elderly woman in the chest.
- Geraldton police reassured the community of their efforts to handle the situation amidst ongoing issues, including previous break-ins and thefts at the same retirement village.