WA government defends shackling 16-year-old Indigenous girl to hospital bed
A 16-year-old Indigenous girl was chained to a hospital bed after arrest. Her family alleged police used excessive force.
A 16-year-old Indigenous girl was shackled to a hospital bed in Perth after police took her into custody. Photos showed her ankles locked in chains beneath the bed.
The girl's grandmother alleged police used excessive force during the arrest. Police dragged the girl while topless, leaving visible scratches on her body.
The girl was hospitalised for an undisclosed health issue. The Western Australian justice department said restraints are standard practice.
Medical staff can request changes if needed. WA Police reviewed body-worn camera footage and said officers acted within policy.
The teenager was charged with breaching bail conditions, endangering a person's life, and failing to protect a child from harm. Community advocates called the practice unacceptable.
- 16 years old
- Age of girl
- Perth hospital
- Location
Why it mattersThe case highlights how young people in state custody are treated and raises questions about police conduct and the use of restraints on children in hospitals.
AustraliaThis reflects wider pressure across Australian states on their use of shackles on incarcerated people, including women during childbirth, with federal legislation to ban the practice blocked by Labor and the Coalition.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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