Teenager Accused of Assaulting Police Officer Over E-motorbike Incident

Strategic Insights -

A 16-year-old boy, described as the "principal antagonist", is on trial accused of assaulting a public officer and causing bodily harm in an incident involving an e-motorbike in Perth's CBD. On December 28 last year, the boy allegedly punched a uniformed traffic officer, Senior Constable Mark Andrew Cooper, while he was trying to seize the unlicensed e-motorbike. The confrontation was part of a larger "ride out" gathering involving dozens of teenagers on e-rideables, which resulted in traffic disruptions and reports of vandalism.

Key Takeaways:

  • The incident occurred on December 28 last year in Perth's CBD, involving a group of teenagers on e-rideables, e-motorbikes, e-scooters, and bicycles.
  • The group, organized via social media, gathered at Elizabeth Quay at 11:30am and rode through the city, causing disruptions and vandalism.
  • Senior Constable Mark Andrew Cooper tried to seize an unlicensed e-motorbike and was punched by a 16-year-old boy, causing him to suffer a cut to the right eyebrow and another between his eyebrows.
  • The 16-year-old boy is on trial accused of assaulting a public officer and causing bodily harm.
  • Senior Constable Cooper testified that he felt threatened by the 16-year-old boy and was "expecting a head butt" before he was punched.
  • The incident was captured on CCTV footage, which was shown in court.
  • The 16-year-old boy's lawyer suggested that Senior Constable Cooper used excessive force by putting his hand out to arrest the teenager.

Statistics:

  • 100 teenagers were involved in the "ride out" gathering.
  • The group rode through the city, causing traffic disruptions and vandalism.
  • The 16-year-old boy was arrested soon after the incident.
  • Senior Constable Cooper suffered a cut to the right eyebrow and another between his eyebrows.
  • The incident occurred at approximately 11:30am at Elizabeth Quay.

Sources:

  • Perth Children's Court proceedings
  • Senior Constable Mark Andrew Cooper's testimony
  • Prosecutor James Nicholls' statement
  • Australia News Network (no date provided)