Two adults and three juveniles facing serious charges after alleged hatchet attack on Wandina resident

Jessica MoroneyGeraldton Guardian
Camera IconAdrian Barker was allegedly assaulted with a hatchet by a teenager after attempting to break into his home. Credit: Jessica Moroney/Geraldton Guardi/RegionalHUB

Juveniles and young adults accused of taking part in an axe attack on Wandina resident and former police officer Adrian Barker outside his home last month have appeared in court this week.

Mr Barker was allegedly attacked with a hatchet about 3am on Sunday, March 17, after he followed a group of up to seven people who had attempted to break into his home.

He sustained head wounds and lacerations to his body, internal bleeding and a broken hand.

Outside of court, Mr Barker said said it was unlike anything he had encountered during his policing career.

Three juveniles and two adults have been charged over the incident.

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A 14-year-old appeared in the Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday via video link from Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre. He was on bail for the alleged assault in Wandina but was put in detention for new allegations.

He pleaded not guilty to attempted aggravated burglary and with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm, which are related to the alleged assault in Wandina, and pleaded guilty to three counts of steal motor vehicle, stealing and aggravated burglary.

A bail application will be made to a Perth court and if granted, the 14-year-old will appear in Geraldton Children’s Court on April 23 for a bail variation.

A 17-year-old boy also appeared via video link from Banksia, charged with attempted aggravated burglary and with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm.

His case was adjourned until Tuesday, April 30, while negotiations are underway. Bail was not considered.

During a previous court appearance, the 17-year-old claimed he struck the alleged victim because he was holding one of his friends in a headlock.

A 16-year-old boy made his first appearance on charges of with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm, attempted aggravated burglary and being disguised to commit an offence.

His case was adjourned until Tuesday, May 14, for legal advice.

Justin Troy Ernest Little, 21, who is charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Monday, where he applied to vary his bail so he could travel between Geraldton and Mt Magnet.

The court was told his grandmother was unwell and needed to travel to assist his family.

Magistrate Kelly Thompson said she wanted to see medical certificates and more information before she would consider changing Mr Little’s bail.

He will next appear on Monday, May 20, for a plea.

Jack Seelander, 18, was remanded in custody last week after the court heard he had multiple opportunities to comply with bail in the past.

Mr Seelander is yet to enter pleas to with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm, being disguised to commit an offence and attempted aggravated burglary, as well as other unrelated charges.

He is next due in court on Thursday, June 6.

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