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Verdict near in Spratt tasering case

Written By Unknown on Senin, 20 Januari 2014 | 21.52

A decision will be handed down tomorrow in the case of two policemen accused of the tasering assault of Kevin Spratt. Picture: File image Source: News Limited

A MAGISTRATE will tomorrow hand down his decision in the case of two policemen charged with assaulting an Aboriginal man by repeatedly tasering him in a lock-up.

Aaron Grant Strahan and Troy Gregory Tomlin have been on trial in Perth Magistrates Court, jointly accused of common assault over the tasering of Kevin Spratt in the East Perth watch house in September 2008.

CCTV footage showed the senior constables tasering Mr Spratt nine times in just over a minute after he refused to be strip-searched.

In her closing address on Monday, defence lawyer Karen Vernon said Mr Spratt had became uncontrollable.

Ms Vernon said he told the accused and two other policemen to "f*** off" and gripped onto the arm of a bench, refusing to let go. After they prised his fingers off the bench, there was a scuffle and Mr Spratt was tasered several times, including while on the floor as officers restrained his arms and legs.

Ms Vernon said the policemen used justifiable force as Mr Spratt was extremely difficult to restrain.

"It was not easy to get hold of Mr Spratt," she said.

"He resisted all of their attempts to restrain him." She also said that on one occasion, Mr Spratt had tried to remove Tomlin's taser from its holster before Strahan fired his device at the prisoner.

But state prosecutor James MacTaggart said Mr Spratt wasn't posing a threat to anyone.

"To the extent that it's suggested that the application (of the taser) was self-defence ... we say that was not a reasonable response in the circumstances," Mr MacTaggart said.

"On the floor he didn't constitute a threat.

"With so many officers around ... there was simply no need to exercise the Taser again." Magistrate Richard Bromfield will hand down his verdict tomorrow afternoon.

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Threats force Fisheries into shark cull plan

Threats to the safety of fishermen being paid to kill sharks for the State Government has forced Premier Colin Barnett to order his own Fisheries officers to carry out the controversial catch and kill policy instead.

The Department of Fisheries will control the shark baiting program in the metropolitan area after threats against a private company forced it to pull out of the tender process. Source: News Limited

Premier Colin Barnett with a hook from a drum line which is to be baited to catch large sharks. Picture: Colin Murty Source: News Limited

THREATS to the safety of fishermen being paid to kill sharks for the State Government has forced Premier Colin Barnett to order his own Fisheries officers to carry out the controversial catch and kill policy instead.

The anger against the WA government's creation of a 1km kill zone full of baited hooks off the coast has become so heated that personal threats have been made towards Fisheries Minister Ken Baston and the firms who tendered for the right to patrol as government ``shark sheriffs''.

The threats were deemed so serious the firm that won the contract to monitor Perth beaches has pulled out and WA Police have been informed.

Mr Baston confirmed today that a government boat staffed with Fisheries officers will do the job instead, to begin within weeks.

However, a private contractor's tender to carry out the baited drum line plan in the South West - where the last shark attack victim was killed in November - has been accepted.

``That particular tender pulled out because of the worry of threats to him and his family, so now we will use the Department of Fisheries to have a boat available and so we are putting that together,'' Mr Baston said.

``I would say that will happen within a matter of weeks.

``Everyone is entitled to peaceful action, but when people make personal threats on people's lives then that is appalling, and that is a police matter.''

The other potential fishermen who applied for the contract were not successful, and would not be offered the contract, Mr Baston said.

Despite the threats, he said fisheries officials were happy to do the work.

``Anyone is worried about a security threat, and of course everyone is taking it seriously,'' Mr Baston said.

Greens MP Lynn MacLaren said she "would not be surprised if there are resignations" from Fisheries staff.

"I guarantee that virtually no one at Fisheries will be happy about this," she said.

"The WA Fisheries Department's mission is to conserve and manage the aquatic resources of WA to ensure there are 'fish for the future' - the shark cull completely contradicts this."

Ms MacLaren said she feared Fisheries resources would be diverted for the cull plan.

The WA shark policy has prompted a furious reaction from environmental activists, who have said they will take direct action against the drumlins, and those who operate them.

Activist Simon Peterffy denied any threats had been made by those in his Marine Response Unit organisation.

``The government has no-one to put these drumlins out in the water for them,'' Mr Peterffy said.

``These campaigns have scared these fishermen, and they don't want to be seen culling these marine animals.''

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Johnson wins Allan Border Medal

Australia's quick Mitchell Johnson can now add an Alan Border medal to his impressive start to 2014, edging out Captain Michael Clarke.

Mitchell Johnson with his wife Jessica Bratich-Johnson. Picture: Phil Hillyard. Source: News Limited

WHEN Mitchell Johnson was at his lowest ebb, he promised himself if he got another chance to play Test cricket, he'd make the most of it.

On Monday night, that promise earned him Australian cricket's highest individual honour - the Allan Border Medal.

Johnson, who took 37 wickets as Australia swept to a 5-0 Ashes whitewash, was stunned when his name was read out. His wife Jessica, with a tear in her eye, hugged him as the 200-strong crowd at Doltone House cheered.

GALLERY: WAGS AND PLAYERS ON THE RED CARPET

GALLERY: MITCHELL JOHNSON'S DREAM NIGHT

Peter Siddle and partner Anna Weatherlake on the red carpet. Picture: Brett Costello Source: News Limited

"I was very surprised and very emotional," Johnson said.

"I guess the emotions flowed from what's happened in the past 12 months and even before that. I guess all the hard work, the blood, sweat and tears you go through, the ups and downs of a professional sportsman, it all just came out tonight.

"I knew if I got the opportunity to play Test cricket again I'd make the most of it. I'm very fortunate to get that chance again."

The terrifying left-arm quick has played just six Tests in the past year, but in five of them he was a genuine matchwinner.

He took man of the series honours as Australia reclaimed the Ashes in the most emphatic of manners and put the world on notice that, at 32, his career is far from over.

He paid the biggest tribute to his wife, who's been by his side throughout his ups and downs.

"She's been through it with me, she's been a huge part of my career so far," said Johnson, who's taken 242 career Test wickets.

Gerard Middleton and Malcolm Conn bring you the latest from the red carpet of the Allan Border Medal.

"She's seen all the bad times and all the doubters. She's been a huge support for me and obviously a very positive support for me as well."

Two years ago, Johnson's career looked over after a troubled tour of South Africa ended with a foot injury.

Johnson didn't feature in Australia's 3-0 Ashes series loss during the English summer earlier in the year.

He forced his way back into Test calculations in the one-day arena - and courtesy of injuries in Australia's fast bowling ranks.

Michael Clarke was widely favoured to win what would have been a record fifth AB Medal.

Clarke polled 156 votes, second to Johnson's 168, while James Faulkner, who has played just the one Test match during the voting period, was the surprise finisher in third.

The Australian captain couldn't have been happier for his teammate.

"I think every single one of the players in the XI that took the field throughout the Ashes deserves a lot of credit, but in saying that Mitchell Johnson certainly deserves the accolades he's receiving and well and truly deserves the Allan Border Medal," Clarke said.

"He was able to bowl the way I personally feel he bowls his best, as an impact bowler, as an X-factor."

Australian captain Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly Clarke. Picture: Brett Costello. Source: News Limited

Johnson is just the third fast bowler to win the award, joining Glenn McGrath (2000) and Brett Lee (2008).

Clarke wasn't left empty-handed, after walking away with the Test player of the year award, finishing above Steve Smith and Chris Rogers.

George Bailey was the runaway winner of the ODI player of the year. He averaged nearly 96 during Australia's series against India and currently has the second-highest average in world cricket.

Faulkner came in second, just ahead of Johnson.

It was a bitter-sweet night for Bailey, who was left out of Australia's Test squad for South Africa.

"It's disappointing not to be going to South Africa but I think I have come to terms with it," Bailey said.

"If you are going to play five Tests over a summer you would pick the five we played. It's been extraordinary."

Meg Lanning, just 21-years-old, won the Belinda Clark medal for the best female cricketer of the year.

Big-hitting Aaron Finch was named the Twenty20 player of the year, in front of Faulkner and Fawad Ahmed.

Other awards of the night went to Victorian Cameron White, who was named the domestic player of the year.

Jordan Silk from Tasmania claimed the Bradman young player of the year.

Relive cricket's night of nights in our live blog below!

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Man jailed over fatal drunken assault

Murdered Mandurah teenager Jessie Cate. Source: News Limited

In the Supreme Court today a 42-year-old man has been jailed for six years and two months over a drunken assault causing the death of the father of murdered teenager Jessie Cate. Source: News Limited

THE family of the father of murdered Mandurah teenager Jessie Cate has called for an end to alcohol-fuelled violence after a man was today jailed over his bashing death.

Timothy John Skipper, 42, was been jailed for six years and two months over a drunken assault that caused the death of Paul Edward Cate, 46.

Cate died after a fight with Skipper at Mr Cate's caravan home near Mandurah on May 31, 2012.

The fight happened a day after Kyle Rohan Garth pleaded guilty to murdering Mr Cate's 15-year-old daughter, Jessie, by strangling her.

The WA Supreme Court heard today that Skipper and Mr Cate had been drinking with friends when Mr Cate touched Skipper's girlfriend on the bottom.

Skipper repeatedly punched Mr Cate and kneed him in the head before the group returned to their drinking, believing Mr Cate had fallen asleep.

When they realised it was more serious, they called for an ambulance and tried to resuscitate him, but Mr Cate died in hospital, the court heard.

Skipper first said Mr Cate fell over and Justice Lindy Jenkins said there was "an element of self-interest" in his failure to mention the fight.

Skipper, who has a criminal record including assault, claimed to not remember details about the fight.

"The simple fact is, if you had not been drinking, if you had not let your anger go, then Mr Cate would be alive today," Justice Jenkins said.

She said the Cate family had endured a "double tragedy" with the death of Jessie and then her father.

"I have seen over the decades too many people losing their lives from thoughtless violence even though there has been no intent to cause significant injury," she said.

Outside court Mr Cate's brother, Shane, called for an end to alcohol-fuelled violence.

He said his brother had unfortunately not had much contact with his daughter before her death.

"Obviously our family has been through an awful lot the last two years," he said.

"I don't think any parent could ever recover from losing their child." He said as a young kid he tended to idolise his brother.

"Deep down, he was a good person and he loved his kids." Skipper must serve four years and two months before being eligible for parole.

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Teen rehab cuts crime

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 19 Januari 2014 | 21.51

There has been a 53 per cent drop in crime among some of WA's worst young offenders. Source: News Limited

POLICE have described a substantial drop in the amount of crime committed by some of WA's worst young offenders in the past 12 months as "extraordinary".

There has been a 53 per cent drop in crime among 160 of them.

Diverting the teenagers into behaviour management programs has helped, police say.

Youth crime intervention officers, or YCIOs, are placing youths classed as prolific priority offenders (PPOs) and those deemed as "persons of interest" into behaviour management programs offered by government and non-government agencies.

There are 19 YCIOs case-managing 297 youth offenders in WA. Of those, 160 have been placed into behavioural-change programs.

Police figures show that before being placed into the programs those 160 youths had been charged with a total of 1098 offences at a cost of $2.5 million to police.

But since being placed into those programs, the number of offences they've committed decreased 53 per cent to 471.

YCIO co-ordinator Sgt David Johnson said the results were extraordinary.

Acting Inspector Mark Fleskens said: "Besides the cost-benefit, addressing the underlying issues of these young people has now been shown to reduce reoffending.

"This provides PPOs with a better future and is in line with the WA Police crime reduction strategies."

Acting Police Minister John Day said: "The State Government sees this program as a very important initiative in preventing crime in our community. That's why we promised 30 youth crime intervention officers at the last election."

Youth Affairs Council of WA chief executive Craig Comrie said the non-government sector had been calling for a great focus on rehabilitation for young people in the justice system.

"The reality is that the majority of young people who find themselves having contact with the justice system have a range of issues that they're experiencing and often have a history of things like trauma or violence in their family," Mr Comrie said.

"If we don't deal with those issues, we won't make a difference.

"If we just lock young people up, it does nothing to change their behaviour.

"The only known way to change behaviour in this area is through education."

Mr Comrie said there needed to be an inquiry into juvenile justice in Western Australia.

"We invest so much money in locking up young people and we have one of the worst rates of incarceration of young people in the country," he said.

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Gone in 45 secs: Serco insider reveals flaws

IT TOOK three asylum seekers just 45 seconds to escape from Northam detention centre last week using nothing more than padded socks on their hands.

A leaked report into the brazen daylight breakout reveals major security flaws at the WA facility and other Australian detention centres.

It was the third successful escape from the Yongah Hill Detention Centre in five months and yet another embarrassing bungle for the private operator Serco - which manages the country's detention centres, WA's prisoner transport system and our soon-to-be-opened Fiona Stanley Hospital.

Yesterday, police were still trying to locate a dangerous prisoner who escaped from Serco's custody while being treated at Joondalup Health Campus on Friday afternoon.

The Sunday Times can today reveal that one of the Northam escapees had been classified "high risk" after being caught with an "escape tool" in the months leading up to the January 12 breakout.

According to confidential information provided by a Serco insider, a detainee's security risk rating has no bearing on how they are monitored.

The documents also reveal other security weaknesses at detention facilities managed by Serco, including:

■ How asylum seekers have been able to use the internet to book plane tickets or organise getaway cars through friends via social media and even download Google maps to plan their escape routes.

■ Detainees becoming increasingly confident because of the number of escapes in recent years.

■ The lack of penalties means there is no deterrent to escape attempts.

■ Many centres are located in remote areas next to bushland, which means once an escapee has broken out they can disappear almost immediately.

■ The voltage on the 3.2m electric fence at Yongah Hill is not strong enough to shock escapees, and the design of the fence makes it easy to climb.

Detention centre staff at Northam this week threatened to walk off the job unless more employees were hired and their salaries were increased.

The Serco insider claims the security flaws at detention centres were indicative of "dysfunctional" leadership.

"The whole thing is dysfunctional from the top down," he said.

"Bottom line - there is no training given and everything is about money. Every time we have these incidents the main effort isn't improving but more so passing the buck and looking for someone to blame.

"This occurred in Thailand last year when Serco lost a high-risk and dangerous detainee in the Bangkok airport."

The insider said he was speaking out because he was tired of the "incompetence".

While two of the Vietnamese detainees from the January 12 breakout have been caught, one almost immediately and the other the next day, the third still remains at large.

The confidential material reveals concerns about the infrastructure problems at the Northam facility were first raised with the Department of Immigration after a successful escape at the facility last August.

And it warns the ability of detainees to scale the permitter and electric fences in less than a minute meant it would be impossible to stop them without structural changes.

A spokeswoman for Federal Immigration and Border Protection Minister Scott Morrison said the department took any recommendations made after an escape incident seriously and implemented them "if appropriate".

She said under its contract, Serco was fined for breaches, such as escapes.

The Yongah Hill breakout occurred just one week after two prisoners, one a violent rapist, kicked their way out of a prison van at Geraldton airport under Serco's watch.

The bungle sparked a massive manhunt lasting 36 hours.

On Friday afternoon, a dangerous prisoner in Serco's custody escaped through a toilet ceiling while being treated at Joondalup Health Campus.

A discarded Toyota Rav 4 allegedly stolen by the escapee, Bradley McIntosh-Narrier, was found about 7.30am yesterday morning in Balcatta.

This latest Serco incident prompted Opposition Leader Mark McGowan to call for a parliamentary inquiry into the company's contracts with the WA Government.

WA Corrective Services Minister Joe Francis yesterday ordered his department and Serco to provide a car for the woman whose vehicle was stolen by McIntosh-Narrier.

"It was the first thing I thought about," Mr Francis said.

"I told my chief of staff and Serco to sort it out. She is the innocent victim here."

In May, seven Vietnamese detainees held at the Serco-run Scherger detention centre in Queensland managed to break out when they jumped into a car that was allegedly waiting for them.

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Escaped prisoner captured

Prison escapee Bradley John McIntosh-Narrier. Source: Supplied

Escaped prisoner Bradley McIntosh-Narrier was arrested in Armadale. Picture: Nine News/Twitter Source: Supplied

ESCAPED prisoner Bradley McIntosh-Narrier has been captured in Armadale this afternoon.

A WA Police spokeswoman said police caught McIntosh-Narrier - who escaped from Joondalup Health Campus on Friday - in a stolen 2009 maroon Subaru Liberty in Redross Court in Armadale. Police say the car was stolen from a home on Owen Rd, Kelmscott.

Police had earlier tried to stop McIntosh-Narrier, who was described as unpredictable, in the stolen car on Gribble Avenue near Seventh Road.

There was also further information to suggest he had shaved his hair since escaping.

Francis defends Serco officers

CORRECTIVE Services minister Joe Francis has defended the actions of Serco officers who were guarding a prisoner that escaped from Joondalup Health Campus.

Bradley John McIntosh-Narrier, who smashed his way out through the roof of a toilet at the hospital. Mr Francis said based on the information he had been told, the guards made the "right call".

He said guards locked the 27-year-old inside the cubicle after he ripped a metal rail from the wall and allegedly threatened them.

The toilet cubicle where Bradley John McIntosh-Narrier smashed his way out through the roof at Joondalup Health Campus. Source: Supplied

"My assessment at this stage is that the guards made the right call at the time," Mr Francis said. "They had two options, you either hold him in the toilet and close the door shut while you wait for police or you let a violent aggressive person wander through a public hospital where there are patients and staff armed with a metal pole.

"I would suggest that people who think that the guards made the wrong call to think about the consequences had they done anything else."

It is understood McIntosh-Narrier had been remanded into custody at Joondalup Magistrates Court on Friday.

Mr Francis said the prisoner was transported to the hospital after he self-harmed.

After he breached the hospital roof, Mr Francis said he then hijacked a car from two women in the carpark.

The Toyota Rav 4 allegedly stolen by Bradley John McIntosh-Narrier, a prisoner who escaped from Joondalup Hospital on Friday. The car was found abandoned in Balcatta around 7.30am this morning. Source: Supplied

This is the second brazen escape involving prisoners under the watch of private contractor Serco, which is responsible for transporting prisoners in WA, in a fortnight.

Two weeks ago, violent rapist Cameron John Graham, 22 and Kelden Edward Fraser, 23, escaped from the back of a prison van at Geraldton airport. Both were recaptured following a 36 hour manhunt.

In response to the hospital escape, Corrective Services Commissioner James McMahon said he had now implemented a directive that extra restraints be used such as shackling a prisoner to a guard while they use toilets.

His decision follows a statement released last night by Serco CEO Mark Irwin that the company was planning to cuff prisoners to an officer or a fixed point to prevent further escapes.

He said following an immediate assessment of the Joondalup incident it had decided to implement a new directive - to introduce extra restraints while transporting prisoners.

"In consultation with the Commissioner of the Department of Corrective Services we have issued an immediate directive, that when prisoners are escorted and privacy is required, in addition to the standard restraints, officers are to use additional restraints so that the prisoner is secured to an officer or a secure fixed point," Mr Irwin said. "We are working with the Department on urgent revision of procedures and have recommended that an additional restraint, not currently in use in WA, be added to the equipment for prisoner escort, and appropriate procedures developed for its use.

"I have recommended to the Commissioner that we jointly commission a wideranging independent review into the management, operation, policy and procedures of Western Australian Court Security and Custodial Services."

A WA police spokeswoman said the black 2002 Toyota Rav 4, that the prisoner allegedly escaped in had since been recovered.

She said it was found abandoned on Campion Ave near Shakespeare Avenue in Balcatta at around 7.30am.

Police have also warned the public not to approach Mr McIntosh-Narrier describing him as "unpredictable". Any sightings should be reported to police immediately on 131 444.

An investigation into the incident had been launched by the department.

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Fire emergency near Whiteman Park

An emergency warning has been declared for a fire in Brabham in West Swan. Picture: Nine News/Twitter Source: Supplied

ANOTHER bushfire emergency is developing in Perth's east - this time in Brabham, with an out of control blaze threatening homes and lives near the popular Whiteman Park.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has declared a bushfire emergency, saying homes and lives under threat and people in the area should evacuate if safe to do so.

Homes bounded by Harrow Street, Lord Street, Park Street and West Swan Road are under threat by the "out of control and unpredictable" bushfire.

DFES says people in the area are under danger and need to act immediately to survive.

The fire is moving in a north easterly direction.

It advises those in affected areas to leave if their path is clear.

``Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly," DFES said.

``There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air-conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.''

Burning embers are likely to be blown around and spot fires are starting up ahead of the fire.

DFES says 140 career, volunteer and bushfire service firefighters in 55 appliances are on the scene battling the blaze, with aerial support from helitacs.

The fire was reported just before 4pm and the cause at this stage is unknown.

Text and voice messages have been issued to affected residents.

An evacuation centre has been set up at Altone Park in West Swan for people wanting to leave their homes.

A watch and act alert has been issued for residents in nearby West Swan.

DFES advises people to leave the area and not to rely on mains water if they are defending their property, as pressure could be affected.

A bushfire advice has also been issued for people in Henley Brook in the City of Swan, but there is no immediate danger. People in that area need to be on alert.

A week ago today a devastating blaze tore through the Perth's Hills and destroyed 56 homes.

Brabham fire - what to do:

If the way is clear, leave now for a safer place.

Do not wait and see, leaving at the last minute is deadly.

There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

If your plan is to stay and actively defend, do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

If you cannot leave, you need to get ready to shelter in your home and actively defend it.

If you are not at home, it is too dangerous now to return.

Safest route

If you live in Brabham or West Swan leave east and head north on West Swan Road.

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Gone in 45 secs: Serco insider reveals flaws

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 18 Januari 2014 | 21.51