UPDATED: Two WA immigration detention centre detainees charged
Two detainees at Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Northam, Western Australia, have been charged by the Australian Federal Police after investigations into separate assault and damage incidents.
A 25-year-old man is expected to face Perth Magistrate’s Court today (Friday 24 April) charged over allegations he damaged property at Perth Immigration Detention Centre in Redcliffe, while detained there in March 2020.
Police will allege on 7 March he broke billiard cues and used them as weapons to smash a CCTV camera, a television and a computer game console, before a Serco Detention Security Officer was able to restrain him.
Police will further allege that on 28 March, the 25-year-old caused an estimated $2000 damage in a kitchen/dining area after throwing a microwave and toasters around the room, flipping over dining tables and throwing a chair into a television, smashing the screen.
The 25-year-old was arrested yesterday (Thursday 23 April) and charged with:
- Two counts of damage Commonwealth property, contrary to section 132.8A of the Criminal Code (Cth) 1995. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years jail.
- Carried an article, not being a firearm, a prohibited weapon or a controlled weapon, with the intention of using it, whether or not for defence, contrary to section 8 of the Weapons Act (WA) 1999 and section 4 of the Commonwealth Places (Application of Laws) Act (Cth) 1970. The potential maximum penalty is two years imprisonment and a $24,000 fine.
The arrest comes after AFP officers charged a 41-year-old detainee on Sunday (19 April) for allegedly assaulting a Serco Detention Security Officer at Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre.
Police will allege in court the detainee approached the victim on Saturday (18 April) and spoke with him before punching him in the head and dragging him to the floor.
The victim was taken to hospital where he received treatment for minor injuries and was later discharged.
The 41-year-old has been charged with causing harm to a Commonwealth Public Official, contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code (Cth) 1995. The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years imprisonment.
He faced Perth Magistrates Court on Monday (20 April) and was remanded in custody to reappear on 22 May.
AFP Western Cmdr John Tanti said officers will enforce the law whether crimes are committed out in the community or in a Commonwealth detention facility.
“This another great example of how our members are continuing to execute their duties in this difficult and complex environment caused by the COVID pandemic,” he said.
“All members of the community deserve to feel safe going to work and the AFP and our partners will not tolerate assaults on immigration detention centre staff.”
*** EDITOR’S NOTE – UPDATE WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL – SENTENCING INFORMATION***
The 25-year-old man pleaded guilty to three charges during his first appearance in Perth Magistrate’s Court on Friday (24 April), after being charged by the Australian Federal Police.
The man was sentenced to eight months' imprisonment for two counts of damaging Commonwealth property but was released on a 12-month $1000 Good Behaviour Bond.
He was fined $200 for the charge of carrying an article, not being a firearm, a prohibited weapon or a controlled weapon, with the intention of using it, whether or not for defence.
The male has been conveyed back to immigration detention at Yongah Hill Detention Centre in Northam, Western Australia.
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