Wandina assault co-accused could stand trial after 17-year-old receives detention for battle hatchet attack

Four teenagers could stand trial on charges relating to a violent attack on a Wandina street where a resident was hit with a battle hatchet after confronting a group he claims attempted to break into his home. A group of at least five people — including three juveniles and two adults — have been charged over the alleged violent assault on former police officer Adrian Barker outside of his Wandina home on Sunday, March 17. Two boys, aged 14 and 16, appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday, charged with attempted burglary and doing an act causing bodily harm. The 16-year-old is also charged with being disguised. The teenagers are yet to enter pleas to the charges. Last month, a 17-year-old boy who admitted his guilt to hitting Mr Barker with a battle hatchet in the head and the body, was sentenced to 10 months detention. The court was told the 14-year-old’s matters could be listed for trial while his defence lawyer waited for electronic disclosure. It is yet to be decided whether all four co-accused will stand trial together or individually, given two were adults. Curfew conditions were lifted for the 16-year-old, who the court heard has no criminal record and was completing Year 12. Both matters were adjourned until Tuesday, July 23, when a trial date will be confirmed. Co-accused Jack Seelander, 18, is yet to enter pleas to doing an act causing bodily harm, being disguised and attempted burglary. He is remanded in custody due to appear in court on Monday, July 8. Justin Little, 21, has not entered pleas to assault occasioning bodily harm. He is on bail to reappear on Monday, July 1. Police allege about 3am, Mr Barker had returned from work when he witnessed a group of juveniles trying to get into his home on Bellimos Drive. Mr Barker is alleged to have followed them down the street, where he was struck in the head and body with a hatchet, before other co-accused allegedly began kicking him.