Geraldton teenager accused of attacking former police officer in Wandina pleads guilty after charge changed

A 17-year-old boy accused of using an axe to attack a former police officer outside his home in Wandina has pleaded guilty after one of his two charges was amended. Three juveniles and two adults had been charged over the incident, where it is alleged they attacked former officer Adrian Barker outside his Wandina home in the early hours of Sunday, March 17. Mr Barker sustained head wounds and lacerations to his body after he attempted to confront the group after their alleged attempted break-in at his house. The teenager was previously charged with attempted aggravated home burglary with intent, and with intent to harm did an act causing bodily harm. However, in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday the second charge was changed to remove the aspect of intent. In front of the teenager’s mother, who was in the courtroom, Magistrate Kelly Thompson read the amended charge of “did an act causing bodily harm” to the accused. The teenager, who appeared via video link from Banksia Hill Detention Centre, pleaded guilty to the two charges. The defence asked for a psychological report and a detention report to be produced ahead of the 17-year-old’s next appearance. The teenager will remain in custody and is due back in court on May 21 for sentencing.