WA immigration detention centre detainee charged over alleged assault
The AFP has charged a detainee at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Western Australia for allegedly assaulting two Serco detention security officers.
The man, 33, from Liberia, allegedly scratched two male officers on 26 July, 2024, while resisting an escort through the facility. He also allegedly head-butted one of the officers.
It’s alleged the man then damaged several high-care accommodation rooms including pulling lights from the ceiling and causing structural damage to doorways.
Police will allege both officers received lacerations, and one had a cut and bruised face. Both received medical assistance and have subsequently been released from care.
The man has been charged with:
- One count of causing harm to a Commonwealth public official contrary to section 147.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment;
- One count of obstruction of a Commonwealth public official contrary to section 149.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is two years’ imprisonment; and
- Four counts of damaging Commonwealth property contrary to section 132.8A of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). The maximum penalty for this offence is 10 years’ imprisonment.
He appeared before Perth Magistrates Court yesterday (27 July, 2024) and was remanded in custody to reappear on 9 August, 2024.