‘Extremely frustrating’: Top cop demands urgent review after teen cop-basher receives ‘no punishment’

WA’s top cop has written to the Director of Public Prosecutions to consider if there are avenues to appeal a court’s decision to allow a 14-year-old boy to walk away scot-free after bashing an officer outside Optus Stadium last year. Perth Children’s Court last Friday gave the teen — who cannot be named for legal reasons — “no punishment”, despite pleading guilty to punching and kicking a senior constable outside the Burswood venue on December 28. The officer was conducting a motorcycle patrol outside Optus Stadium when he was ambushed by the 14-year-old and two other boys. The cop suffered cuts and bruising to his face and was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for treatment. Police Commissioner Col Blanch on Wednesday said he was “extremely frustrated” by the court’s decision. “I think the community see an assault on a police officer as an assault on the community, and I know our police are extremely frustrated, as am I,” he told ABC Radio. “The court has a responsibility .... (for) general deterrence, and that means (sending a message) to the rest of the community that there are consequences for your actions. “In my view, I don’t see that general deterrence from this outcome in that kids think that they can assault public officers.” Mr Blanch said the ruling sent a message that other teens could get away with assaulting public officers. “(Police) want to know that everyone’s got their back, they want to know that when they go out there and if they are assaulted, there are consequences to pay,” he said. “What does it say to kids if you punch or hit or assault a public officer? What is the consequence? “There needs to be consequences for that.” Mr Blanch confirmed he had written to the DPP, telling them he was “not happy about this outcome”. “I have written to Director of Public Prosecutions Rob Owen and said ‘I am not happy about this outcome’, and I would like to review it to see if we have any avenues of appeal,” he said. Mr Blanch said he was yet to speak with the cop who had been attacked, but said he had received “very strong feedback” from other officers who were “extremely upset” by the ruling. “As their Commissioner, it’s my duty to make sure that it is reviewed within the law, and that’s why I have written that letter on behalf of all police officers out there doing a tough job,” he said. WA Police Union president David Flaherty said he was “furious” by the court’s decision and said it “failed to reflect the seriousness of the offence”. “WA police officers put their lives on the line daily to protect the community, and any assault against them should be met with meaningful consequences,” he said. “The decision in this case sends a concerning message that violent attacks on officers will not be met with the full force of the law. “This outcome fails to reflect the seriousness of the offence and undermines the respect that our officers deserve. “The safety of our officers should never be compromised by leniency in sentencing.” Mr Flaherty said he had met with Mr Blanch to request a full review by the DPP. “We urge the WA Government and judiciary to take immediate action to strengthen legal protections for our officers and ensure that the justice system delivers appropriate consequences for those who commit violent offences against law enforcement,” he said. A spokeswoman for the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions said it routinely reviews sentences handed down by the courts in the “prosecutions we conduct in accordance with our procedures”. “Cases are considered to determine whether there are any grounds upon which a review or an appeal can be properly commenced,” she said. “Due to the legal complexities involved, this process necessarily takes time. The State has 28 days from the date of sentencing to make a determination and commence proceedings, if appropriate.”