Police have arrested a second teenager for his alleged involvement in an older man being pushed off a Melbourne pier, while it has been revealed the first teen who was arrested and charged on Tuesday was already on bail for a prior attack.
On Wednesday, Police arrested a 17-year-old Hastings boy in connection to the incident who will likely be charged at a later date.
Meanwhile, 9News reported the first teenager – a 14-year-old boy from Crib Point who was charged with reckless endangerment and unlawful assault in relation to the 79-year-old being pushed – was on bail at the time of the incident for allegedly “coward punching” a 35-year-old woman.
Hastings woman Jamie Tilbrook told the news outlet she was disgusted her accused attacker had been linked to another assault.
She claims she confronted a gang of teens vandalising a bus parked outside her neighbour’s home in November when they turned on her, assaulting her to the point she lost consciousness and had to be taken to hospital.
“Two boys just come and started smashing me in the head.”
Ms Tilbrook said she now watched her back and doesn’t go outside at night anymore.
On Sunday, an unassuming 79-year-old man who could not swim was pushed off a pier near Schnapper Point Drive about 11.30pm by a trio of youths before he was rescued by bystanders. The act was posted online by one of the involved teens in a disgusting attempt for social media notoriety.
Mornington MP Chris Crewther appeared on the Today Show on Wednesday and said the older man is “highly shaken and traumatised” by the event.
If the allegations were upheld by a court, Mr Crewther said those responsible should be punished to the full extent of the law.
“For these kids to act so brazenly as if they don’t give a toss about anything. I mean, that’s just – I’m actually lost for words. I just don’t know what to make of it,” he said on-air.
“It’s a disgraceful thing to have happened […] hopefully these people can give a personal apology to this gentleman,” he said.
The victim has yet to provide a statement to police but the 14-year-old alleged offender is said to have been charged over the assault and for breaching his bail conditions. Both he and the 17-year-old will face a children’s court at a later date.
There are now renewed calls for more to be done to monitor youths on bail.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
