Man charged over death of woman

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A 60 year old man has been formally charged over the death of a 38 year old woman on the weekend. 

A woman was found dead at the Bill Sewell complex on Chapman Rd on Saturday morning.  

Police have stated that they believe both the victim and the suspect knew each other. 

The man was charged with aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm and breaching a violence restraining order. 

The death occurred less than two days after Geraldton Police put out a public plea for victims of domestic violence to report it. "If you are a victim of domestic violence, the chance you avoid reporting it is a chance missed to break the cycle of violence."

Anyone with information is asked to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

Click here to read related article.  

This home is still getting trashed by neighbouring youths 7 months later

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6 months ago we shared the above video of a home in Geraldton that had been trashed by neighbouring youths. The owners were distraught. They say they've been to the Police so many times with nothing able to be done they don't even bother any more. 

The initial damage occurred in January 2015.

The total bill for the damage was $73,000.

Today, the owners contacted us again, at their wit's end about what to do regarding continued damage to the home, pleading for help from anyone in the community. 

"Hey I had my house destroyed in Jan by a bunch of kids under the age of 12... Well guess what. They keep coming back and doing more damage since the $73,000.00 worth of damage in Jan. They have done damage to our new fence out the front, thrown rocks at 3 windows and smashed them, graffitied the fence out the front our front porch with paint and yesterday the kid smashed holes in the fence! I've been really understanding with these kids but enough is enough. Where do I go? Police? DCP? Melissa Price? Council? Me and my family are exhausted. HELP please anyone?"
"I have even approached the rock group (youth organisation).... I'm seriously at my witts end. I have been making complaint after complaint. I have given up even reporting to the police. I don't bother any more."

The owner's also sent a message to local youth organisations trying to get assistance:

"The kid that did this fence was apparently 5. All the kids who have damaged my property have been under the age of 12. I seriously am at my whits end. Help them please. Every time I am at my house I see them do runs to and from the shops stealing food."

hey say they have already spent $10,000 of their own money (not insurance money) on improvements to the home, and now cannot afford a lawyer to help them handle this ongoing issue that no one is taking responsibility for. 

The neighbouring residents that are causing the damage are Dept of Housing tenants. The Department of Housing say they have "actioned" the matter, but the damage continues. 

When asked about taking the matter to the Police, the home owner stated that "they are under the age of criminal prosecution. Only thing police can do lodge a report for DCP to follow up with."

 

 

Suspected Homicide; Bill Sewell complex declared crime scene

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We've received many enquiries from the community this morning regarding an incident at Bill Sewell complex on Bayly St, which is currently a crime scene.  

We've spoken with Police who will not comment on the matter at the moment. We will update this when information becomes available.  

Update: 

Police have confirmed that a person has been found deceased. 

At about 7.20am today (01 August 2015) police were called to a property on Chapman Road in Geraldton for the report of a deceased woman.

A crime scene has been established. Major Crime Squad detectives are investigating and treating this as a suspected homicide.

A man believed to be known to the woman is currently assisting police with their enquires.

Major Crime Detectives are on their way to Geraldton. 

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

 

Male Charged with Firearm Offences

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It will be alleged at about 9am on Wednesday 29 July 2015, police attended a residence in Deepdale in regards to another matter.

Whilst in attendance, it will be alleged, police located an unlicensed .22 calibre air rifle.

The 31 year old man was charged with failing to ensure safe keeping of a firearm and possessing an unlicensed firearm.

He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court at a later date.

Youths Charged with Property Offences

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At about 1.00am on Sunday 26 July 2015 it will be alleged, a group of youths attended an address on Frederick Street, Bluff Point and entered the premises, stealing a set of car keys.

As a result, the vehicle was stolen from the premises and driven to Spalding where another male youth was approached and advised the vehicle had been stolen. That male then drove in company with the others around the streets of Spalding, Wonthella and Rangeway in the stolen vehicle.

At about 9:20pm that night, the stolen vehicle was refuelled at a service station in Wonthella and subsequently left without paying.

Police conducted inquiries and on Wednesday 29 July 2015 several youths were arrested.

A 13 year old male from Spalding was charged with aggravated burglary, steal motor vehicle and 2 x stealing and a another 13 year old male from Spalding has been charged with steal motor vehicle and stealing. They will both appear before Geraldton Children’s Court on 11 August 2015.

A 14 year old male from Spalding has been charged with steal motor vehicle and stealing and will appear before Geraldton Children’s Court on 4 August 2015.

On Thursday 30 July 2015, a 16 year old male from Bluff Point was arrested and charged with Aggravated Burglary, Stealing, Steal Motor Vehicle, No drivers licence and breach of bail.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before Geraldton Children’s Court this morning,.

Staff fear for their lives after witnessing assault

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Staff at a local business complex were distraught after witnessing a violent assault outside their premises yesterday (Thursday 30 July). 

Those that tried to intervene were threatened by the attacker with the same violence. 

The attacker walked away from the scene, and Police arrived around half an hour after the incident. 

One witness, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, described what happened:

"We heard an argument between a man & woman outside of the (building) which began to escalate into loud verbal abuse followed by a violent physical attack of hitting, punching and later kicking when the victim was pushed to the ground. 
"We yelled out to the  attacker to stop - to which he threatened us with the same violence. 
"One of the staff members rang the police while we watched, unable to help. At this stage other people became aware and were trying to intervene and help as well.
"Police told us they were unable to send anyone at this stage because they did not have a vehicle to dispatch.
"The attacker walked away, I can only presume because of the amount of people who were now starting to stop.
"The police attended some 1/2 hr later - when we told them the woman was being attended to inside the building.
"This type of behaviour has been escalating since the (employment services organisation) opened in the building."
"(It's a) horrible situation, when you fear for you own life if you try to help someone else."

Another witness expressed her thanks towards the people who did intervene.  "I'd like to thank the two white men who ran to help an Aboriginal woman who was being belted to a pulp by her partner yesterday at the front of (.... ) and thanks to the other 4 white people who ran in to help her. It's good to know people do care about others whatever colour they are."

"I tried to help but 'cause I'm Aboriginal he was going to hit me but he sacked his panties when the white man came running in," she said. 

Police have advised that the woman who was attacked has not made any formal complaints at this point. 

Mother accused of murdering baby has case adjourned→

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Tamara Thompson. Pic: Facebook

ABC is reporting that Tamara Louise Thompson has had her case adjourned until October so her lawyer can be provided with as much evidence as possible by the prosecutors.  

Click here to read article.  

This car hit by a rock was a celebration of a final cancer checkup

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Everything Geraldton reader "Nicki" has shared a bit of info following her vehicle being hit by a large rock while driving on Friday: 

"Just been hit by something thrown at bridge near brigades. Be careful someone going to die if this keeps happening in Geraldton"

"As you can see it was not just a small stone by the damage done. Since this happened to us so many people have contacted us saying it has happened to them... If the object had of come through the window in our car I would of hated to see what would have happened to me."

"We got that car two weeks ago to celebrate our 16 year old daughters last cancer check up in Perth, but really even though it is our new car I am really more worried about someone dying from getting hit."

 

Possess With Intent to Sell

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At about 6.30pm on Saturday 18 July 2015, police conducted a vehicle stop on a green Holden Commodore on Central Road, Wonthella.

It will be alleged a search of the vehicle resulted in 6 x clip seal bags containing Methylamphetamine, a quantity of cash, electronic scales, and a glass crack pipe were located. A further search of the person also revealed 3 x clip seal bags of Methylamphetamine and 3 x ecstasy tablets. The total weight of methylamphetamine weighed 2.98 grams.

Police executed a search on the drivers residence on Fourth Street, Wonthella and it will be alleged, further items were seized including smoking implements and 22. Calibre bullet.

A 33 year old female was charged with possess drugs with intent to sell or supply, 2 x possess drug paraphernalia, possess a prohibited drug (cannabis), unlicensed person possess ammunition and possessing unlawfully obtained property. She will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015. 

Disorderly

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At about 8pm on Saturday 18 July 2015, police responded to an incident on Digby Street, Rangeway.

On arrival, it will be alleged, police were confronted by a male standing in the middle of Utakarra Road yelling threats, abuse and obscenities at police. The male challenged police to fight several times by taking up a boxer's stance whilst standing in the middle of the road.

The 48 year old male from Rangeway was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct. He will face Geraldton Magistrates Court on 6 August 2015.

Female charged with Theft

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On Sunday afternoon 10 May 2015 it will be alleged a female entered a tavern in on Fitzgerald Street East, Northam and stole a 700mL bottle of Jim Beam Bourbon to the value of $40.

At about 10.55am on Thursday 16 July 2015 it will be alleged the same female entered a retail store on Marine Terrace, Geraldton and stole a generic branded pair of women's style black sunglasses to the value of $5.95.

On Friday 17 July 2015 the 30 year old female from Waggrakine was arrested and charged with breach of bail and 2 x stealing.

She appeared before the Geraldton Magistrates Court on Saturday 18 July 2015.

Dongara Police conduct drug bust

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Dongara Police have tweeted that today they executed an MDA search warrant, which resulted in discovery of a hydro set up, plants, and cannabis. 

Glenfield IGA tired of thefts; reaches out for help using Facebook

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Management at Glenfield IGA seem fed up with the number of thefts at their store lately. They've reached out to the community for assistance in identifying suspects. 

Below are some of their recent Facebook posts. Rewards are even on offer, so see if there's anyone there you recognise. 

Does anybody recognise these two ladies??

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

Does anybody recognise these two ladies??

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

Would this man dare to come in and pay for all the dares you have drank without paying for? I/R 14075 1020 87224

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

REWARD OFFERED!! These two ladies decided to take a large amount of health and beauty products plus more on Sunday...

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

The lady with sunglasses on actually has a screw driver in her hand and is running towards IGA staff in this picture. Yes this has been reported to Police. I/R number: 120715 1355 13523

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

Just a reminder to all our valued customers, thieves are generally opportunistic. They operate in all Shopping Centre's...

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

These ladies thought it was Free Meat Sunday!! Unfortunately ladies nothing is for free. If you recognize these...

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

These ladies were so cold on Sunday they took some blankets and other stuff, and may have forgotten to pay.. If you...

Posted by Glenfield IGA on Monday, July 13, 2015

Man who steals wallet gets decked by victim then arrested by Police

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At about 3.15pm on Friday 10 July 2015 a delivery truck driver whilst loading goods at Centro Stirling Shopping complex allegedly had his wallet stolen from the cab of his truck.

Police say that two male offenders took the victim’s wallet and using his credit card, attempted to purchase good inside. The victim, alerted to the incident, confronted the males in the store during which time a scuffle ensued, according to a statement from the Police. 

However, according to witnesses, it was more than a scuffle.

One man posted on Facebook that when the man who had his wallet stolen caught up with the thief, the thief was "pounded to f### in Woolies bottle shop".

Another posted: "I was lucky enough to see the feral break away from the security guards and come at the bloke who got his wallet taken. Saw one of the best left hooks ever.... put the feral flat on his back seeing stars."

Police say the offenders ran from the store but were promptly located by police still in possession of the wallet. 

Daniel Swan, the man who had his wallet taken and his left hook tested, posted that it was returned to him thanks to the Police. He also thanked the person who alerted him to the fact his wallet had been stolen. 

A 24 year old male from Beachlands was charged with stealing and a 27 year old male from Wanneroo was charged with attempted fraud and receiving. 

Both were bailed to appear in the Geraldton Magistrates Court on 23 July 2015.