Man given good behaviour bond for grabbing teenager's neck
A 63-year-old man grabbed a youth around the neck near an IGA supermarket. He was frustrated over repeated bike riding in town.
David Dwyer, 63, admitted in Warrnambool Magistrates Court to assaulting a child in Port Fairy. On June 18 at around 6pm, Dwyer met several youths aged 12 to 15 near the town's IGA supermarket.
Dwyer was upset about their bike riding. Dwyer grabbed the victim around the neck and pushed him back, leaving a red mark.
Magistrate Gerard Bryant told Dwyer there was no room for vigilante justice. He questioned what gave Dwyer the right to discipline another person.
Dwyer was placed on a good behaviour bond. He was ordered to write a letter of apology to the child and family.
He was made to pay $400 to the court charity fund.
- 63
- Dwyer's age
- 12
- Victim's age
- June 18 at about 6pm
- Incident date and time
- $400
- Charity contribution
Why it mattersTaking justice into your own hands is illegal. It can cause real harm. This is true even when community frustration is genuine.
AustraliaThe case shows Australian courts will not tolerate residents assaulting young people, regardless of complaints about their behaviour.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 d ago
