as was posted here ... Fifth man arrested over fatal stabbing - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Police have charged a fifth man in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 16 year old boy at a party in Huntingdale.
Michael Jones died after he was stabbed in January.
It is alleged he was attacked by a person who gate-crashed the party on Stevenage Street in January.
A second person was also injured.
Four men have already been charged in relation to the incident.
Police have now arrested an 18 year old man and he is due to face the Armadale Magistrates Court today charged with manslaughter and unlawful wounding.
Thursday 24 June 2010
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Maddington girls 'made up' abduction attempt - The West Australian
as was posted here ... Maddington girls 'made up' abduction attempt - The West Australian
Two 13-year-old school girls falsely claimed they had been the target of an attempted abduction in Maddington on Monday.
A police spokesman said that the girls along with a classmate had truanted from school in the morning to visit friends but had been spotted by a teacher, who ordered them to return and said their parents would be notified.
Soon after, one of the girls was collected by her mother and the two remaining girls made up a story that a man in a dark-coloured car had tried to abduct them near a Maddington park.
Police investigated the matter but when they interviewed the girls it became clear their report was false.
Detective Superintendent Graeme Castlehow said the incident was a reminder of the seriousness of making a false complaint to police.
"Police take all such reports seriously, and investigate them thoroughly, but unfortunately false reports take up valuable police time and resources," he said. "They can also cause unnecessary alarm and fear in the community, which affects all of us."
"While there is naturally a high level of public and media interest in such reports, it is important that investigators first determine if they are legitimate, as often they are not substantiated."
Two 13-year-old school girls falsely claimed they had been the target of an attempted abduction in Maddington on Monday.
A police spokesman said that the girls along with a classmate had truanted from school in the morning to visit friends but had been spotted by a teacher, who ordered them to return and said their parents would be notified.
Soon after, one of the girls was collected by her mother and the two remaining girls made up a story that a man in a dark-coloured car had tried to abduct them near a Maddington park.
Police investigated the matter but when they interviewed the girls it became clear their report was false.
Detective Superintendent Graeme Castlehow said the incident was a reminder of the seriousness of making a false complaint to police.
"Police take all such reports seriously, and investigate them thoroughly, but unfortunately false reports take up valuable police time and resources," he said. "They can also cause unnecessary alarm and fear in the community, which affects all of us."
"While there is naturally a high level of public and media interest in such reports, it is important that investigators first determine if they are legitimate, as often they are not substantiated."
Sunday 20 June 2010
Helicopter tracks down car thieves - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
as was posted here ... Helicopter tracks down car thieves - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Police in Perth say an infra-red heat seeking device on board its helicopter helped catch four people involved in a high speed pursuit.
Police say a stolen car was being driven in an erratic manner on Tonkin Highway in Kenwick last night in the lead up to the pursuit.
The police helicopter tracked the vehicle as it was dumped behind the Langford Shopping Centre and the occupants ran into bush.
The pilot was able to help police on the ground find them.
Police in Perth say an infra-red heat seeking device on board its helicopter helped catch four people involved in a high speed pursuit.
Police say a stolen car was being driven in an erratic manner on Tonkin Highway in Kenwick last night in the lead up to the pursuit.
The police helicopter tracked the vehicle as it was dumped behind the Langford Shopping Centre and the occupants ran into bush.
The pilot was able to help police on the ground find them.
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Gosnells Lotto winners contemplate early retirement | Perth Now
as was posted here ... Gosnells Lotto winners contemplate early retirement | Perth Now
A GOSNELLS couple has claimed $666,666 from Saturday's Lotto draw with a ticket which cost just $4.20...
A GOSNELLS couple has claimed $666,666 from Saturday's Lotto draw with a ticket which cost just $4.20...
River dolphin death report inconclusive - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
as was posted here ... River dolphin death report inconclusive - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
TOXINS, urban development stress, an unusual virus, injury and a freshwater flood all contributed to six dolphin deaths in the Swan River last year, says Murdoch University’s technical report on the June to October 2009 deaths released last week...National Toxics Network secretary Lee Bell, who identified 13 river foreshore toxic dumps last year, said more testing would show the PCBs’ sources, after a State Government report said PCBs were in Maddington drain 18 months ago.
TOXINS, urban development stress, an unusual virus, injury and a freshwater flood all contributed to six dolphin deaths in the Swan River last year, says Murdoch University’s technical report on the June to October 2009 deaths released last week...National Toxics Network secretary Lee Bell, who identified 13 river foreshore toxic dumps last year, said more testing would show the PCBs’ sources, after a State Government report said PCBs were in Maddington drain 18 months ago.
Thursday 10 June 2010
Missing man - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
as was posted here ... Missing man - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Police are concerned for the welfare of a missing 60-year-old man.
Malcolm Boyd Shaw was last seen in Gosnells on May 24.
He is described as 170 centimetres tall, with dark grey hair and glasses and was wearing beige cargo pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers.
Police are concerned for the welfare of a missing 60-year-old man.
Malcolm Boyd Shaw was last seen in Gosnells on May 24.
He is described as 170 centimetres tall, with dark grey hair and glasses and was wearing beige cargo pants and white sneakers.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crimestoppers.
Wednesday 9 June 2010
NAIDOC Week celebrations
as was posted here ... NAIDOC Week celebrations
Indigenous culture will be celebrated during NAIDOC Week starting on 5 July with plenty of activities in the City of Gosnells.
The City, in partnership with Langford Aboriginal Association, will host several free events including a flag raising ceremony at the Lyal Richardson Hall to officially open the celebrations.
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week showcases the achievement of Indigenous people and their contribution to the nation.
This year’s theme is Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way.
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the week is a special time in the community.
“I encourage everyone to take part in our NAIDOC Week activities,” the Mayor said.
“It is a great opportunity to learn about our City’s Indigenous history and culture.”
List of events:
• Monday, 5 July at 11am - flag raising ceremony to formally open the celebrations at Lyal Richardson Hall, including a short oral history film containing interviews with local Indigenous people and entertainment from local performers Culture Fusion
• Tuesday, 6 July from 10am to 2pm - Youth and Family Day at Beckenham Hall featuring live entertainment, community displays, a sausage sizzle and plenty of free children’s activities including face painting and a bouncy castle
• Wednesday, 7 July from 12pm to 3pm - Elder’s Lunch at Lyal Richardson Hall to celebrate the important contribution Aboriginal Elders make to the community with bookings essential for the three course meal
• Friday, 9 July from 9am - Community Breakfast hosted by the Langford Aboriginal Association at 180 Imber Place, Langford
For more information on the City’s NAIDOC Week activities, please contact the Community Development Team on 9452 9905.
Indigenous culture will be celebrated during NAIDOC Week starting on 5 July with plenty of activities in the City of Gosnells.
The City, in partnership with Langford Aboriginal Association, will host several free events including a flag raising ceremony at the Lyal Richardson Hall to officially open the celebrations.
NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee) Week showcases the achievement of Indigenous people and their contribution to the nation.
This year’s theme is Unsung Heroes - Closing the Gap by Leading Their Way.
City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said the week is a special time in the community.
“I encourage everyone to take part in our NAIDOC Week activities,” the Mayor said.
“It is a great opportunity to learn about our City’s Indigenous history and culture.”
List of events:
• Monday, 5 July at 11am - flag raising ceremony to formally open the celebrations at Lyal Richardson Hall, including a short oral history film containing interviews with local Indigenous people and entertainment from local performers Culture Fusion
• Tuesday, 6 July from 10am to 2pm - Youth and Family Day at Beckenham Hall featuring live entertainment, community displays, a sausage sizzle and plenty of free children’s activities including face painting and a bouncy castle
• Wednesday, 7 July from 12pm to 3pm - Elder’s Lunch at Lyal Richardson Hall to celebrate the important contribution Aboriginal Elders make to the community with bookings essential for the three course meal
• Friday, 9 July from 9am - Community Breakfast hosted by the Langford Aboriginal Association at 180 Imber Place, Langford
For more information on the City’s NAIDOC Week activities, please contact the Community Development Team on 9452 9905.
Tuesday 8 June 2010
Blaze at Maddington shed - The West Australian
as was posted here ... Blaze at Maddington shed - The West Australian
Eight firefighters are battling a blaze in shed in Maddington.
It is believed a car is on fire inside the shed on Myola South Place.
Crews from Maddington and Welshpool were called to the fire just before 10am.
Eight firefighters are battling a blaze in shed in Maddington.
It is believed a car is on fire inside the shed on Myola South Place.
Crews from Maddington and Welshpool were called to the fire just before 10am.
Future drives into Perth - Local business - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
as was posted here ... Future drives into Perth - Local business - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
A GROUP of driving instructors have teamed up to bring to Perth what they believe is the future of driving schools.
Launched recently in Maddington, Driver Simulators Pty Ltd is the brainchild of Brian Pereira, who is a part owner of a WA driving school and has been an instructor for more than 20 years.
Mr Pereira said he first had the idea for a driver simulator machine about two years ago and began looking for a manufacturer.
He then found three partners – all of whom are experienced driving instructors.
“As the sole distributors for Australia and New Zealand we have been given the right to manufacture the simulator locally,” Mr Pereira said.
“The driving simulator will revolutionise the way that teenagers and mature learners learn to drive mainly because the environment in which they learn is completely safe – the elimination of risk provides a more relaxed learning experience.
“Difficult situations can be easily repeated until learners become comfortable with them and the machine allows drivers to experience different and realistic scenarios from country to city driving, all under safe conditions.
“Realistic imagery helps develop an awareness of driving conditions and helps build confidence with realistic driving conditions, which benefits learners greatly when they eventually get on the roads.”
Mr Pereira said the simulator was the only one of its kind in the country.
The simulator features a cockpit with driving controls, dynamic force feedback steering wheel, three simulated mirrors, 200-degree horizontal view, adjustable car seat, three plasma displays and a 3D sound system.
A GROUP of driving instructors have teamed up to bring to Perth what they believe is the future of driving schools.
Launched recently in Maddington, Driver Simulators Pty Ltd is the brainchild of Brian Pereira, who is a part owner of a WA driving school and has been an instructor for more than 20 years.
Mr Pereira said he first had the idea for a driver simulator machine about two years ago and began looking for a manufacturer.
He then found three partners – all of whom are experienced driving instructors.
“As the sole distributors for Australia and New Zealand we have been given the right to manufacture the simulator locally,” Mr Pereira said.
“The driving simulator will revolutionise the way that teenagers and mature learners learn to drive mainly because the environment in which they learn is completely safe – the elimination of risk provides a more relaxed learning experience.
“Difficult situations can be easily repeated until learners become comfortable with them and the machine allows drivers to experience different and realistic scenarios from country to city driving, all under safe conditions.
“Realistic imagery helps develop an awareness of driving conditions and helps build confidence with realistic driving conditions, which benefits learners greatly when they eventually get on the roads.”
Mr Pereira said the simulator was the only one of its kind in the country.
The simulator features a cockpit with driving controls, dynamic force feedback steering wheel, three simulated mirrors, 200-degree horizontal view, adjustable car seat, three plasma displays and a 3D sound system.
Thursday 3 June 2010
Fatal car accident in Maddington - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
as posted here ... Fatal car accident in Maddington - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
A 53 year old man has died in a car crash in the Perth suburb of Maddington.
Police say the man's car left Albany Highway and hit a power pole just after 2:00 am.
Albany Highway was closed in both directions while Western Power crews repaired the damage to the power lines.
A 53 year old man has died in a car crash in the Perth suburb of Maddington.
Police say the man's car left Albany Highway and hit a power pole just after 2:00 am.
Albany Highway was closed in both directions while Western Power crews repaired the damage to the power lines.
Fallen power lines causing traffic delays - The West Australian
as posted here ... Fallen power lines causing traffic delays - The West Australian
Motorists are being advised to avoid the Albany Highway near Gosnells Road in Maddington as authorities clear the area of fallen powerlines.
The southbound lane is closed and detours have been put in place via Gosnells Road West, Westfield Street and Pichford Avenue. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
Meanwhile, a crash on Southern River Road and Ranford Road in Harrisdale is slowing traffic in the area. Motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible.
The Mitchell Freeway southbound is congested on the approach to Ocean Reef Road on ramp and remains slow through to Whitfords Avenue.
The Kwinana Freeway is very light and moving well into the city with only minor delays around Farrington Road.
Congested areas include, Great Eastern Highway around Brearley Avenue in Redcliffe, Tonkin Highway through Kenwick and Kewdale areas and Wanneroo Road at Reid Highway.
Motorists are being advised to avoid the Albany Highway near Gosnells Road in Maddington as authorities clear the area of fallen powerlines.
The southbound lane is closed and detours have been put in place via Gosnells Road West, Westfield Street and Pichford Avenue. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
Meanwhile, a crash on Southern River Road and Ranford Road in Harrisdale is slowing traffic in the area. Motorists are urged to avoid the area if possible.
The Mitchell Freeway southbound is congested on the approach to Ocean Reef Road on ramp and remains slow through to Whitfords Avenue.
The Kwinana Freeway is very light and moving well into the city with only minor delays around Farrington Road.
Congested areas include, Great Eastern Highway around Brearley Avenue in Redcliffe, Tonkin Highway through Kenwick and Kewdale areas and Wanneroo Road at Reid Highway.
Wednesday 2 June 2010
Violent home invasion in Kenwick - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
as posted here ... Violent home invasion in Kenwick - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
Police in Perth are searching for two armed men responsible for a violent home invasion.
The men forced their way into a house in Brixton Street in Kenwick last night about 9:30 pm.
Duty Inspector Jeff Andrijasevich says the men were armed with a firearm and demanded money from the occupant.
"They've then used the householder's keys to steal a blue 1996 Ford Falcon motor vehicle from the carport with the licence plate of BLOUNTY.
"Anyone with any information please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
Police in Perth are searching for two armed men responsible for a violent home invasion.
The men forced their way into a house in Brixton Street in Kenwick last night about 9:30 pm.
Duty Inspector Jeff Andrijasevich says the men were armed with a firearm and demanded money from the occupant.
"They've then used the householder's keys to steal a blue 1996 Ford Falcon motor vehicle from the carport with the licence plate of BLOUNTY.
"Anyone with any information please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000."
Swimmers stranded - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
as posted here ... Swimmers stranded - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
BOTH the Gosnells Leisure World and Armadale pools will be closed this winter, leaving pool users and swimming groups to find alternative facilities far from home.
The City of Gosnells will give a major facelift to the pools at Leisure World this winter to improve safety and add new features.
It will force the closure of the pool and swim school members and user groups are being notified.
The sauna, spa and steam room, along with gym and group fitness classes and crèche will operate as normal.
Aquatic fountains will be installed in the leisure pool, the shorter water slide will be removed to create a safer entry pool and a wall will be erected to dam off the entry pool.
The height of the existing wall around the entry pool will be increased so the slide exit point will be under the water levels. The depth of the entry pool will be increased to one metre and existing flooring in the main pool and adjacent leisure pool will be replaced with non-slip tiles.
The winter upgrades will affect 14,000 visitors as there are no alternative pool facilities in the Gosnells area.
Mayor Olwen Searle said while swimmers would be temporarily inconvenienced, they would end up with a better, safer pool. “By spring, we will have a much better facility for the public to use,” she said.
“Leisure World offers far more than a pool, with something for everyone, including gym and aerobics programs.”
The Armadale pool is closed for its winter recess, as it is not heated.
Leisure World pools will close from July 4 through to September and updates will be posted on the City of Gosnells website.
BOTH the Gosnells Leisure World and Armadale pools will be closed this winter, leaving pool users and swimming groups to find alternative facilities far from home.
The City of Gosnells will give a major facelift to the pools at Leisure World this winter to improve safety and add new features.
It will force the closure of the pool and swim school members and user groups are being notified.
The sauna, spa and steam room, along with gym and group fitness classes and crèche will operate as normal.
Aquatic fountains will be installed in the leisure pool, the shorter water slide will be removed to create a safer entry pool and a wall will be erected to dam off the entry pool.
The height of the existing wall around the entry pool will be increased so the slide exit point will be under the water levels. The depth of the entry pool will be increased to one metre and existing flooring in the main pool and adjacent leisure pool will be replaced with non-slip tiles.
The winter upgrades will affect 14,000 visitors as there are no alternative pool facilities in the Gosnells area.
Mayor Olwen Searle said while swimmers would be temporarily inconvenienced, they would end up with a better, safer pool. “By spring, we will have a much better facility for the public to use,” she said.
“Leisure World offers far more than a pool, with something for everyone, including gym and aerobics programs.”
The Armadale pool is closed for its winter recess, as it is not heated.
Leisure World pools will close from July 4 through to September and updates will be posted on the City of Gosnells website.
Households facing big rates rises - The West Australian
as posted here ... Households facing big rates rises - The West Australian
Households are facing a rates shock this year with local councils already backing increases of more than twice the rate of inflation.
In their draft budget reports, councils are blaming the rises on increases in staff and infrastructure costs and pressures from the State Government's 17.5 per cent rise in electricity tariffs.
The WA Council of Social Service said it was another blow for homeowners reeling from interest rate rises plus fee and tariff increases in the State Budget which will add almost $400 to annual bills.
Although most council budgets are being finalised, the City of Swan is recommending a 7.5 per cent increase for residential rates and the City of Wanneroo has projected a 6.9 per cent rise after 6.2 per cent last year.
This compares with a Perth inflation rate of 3.4 per cent and local government cost index - which includes construction costs - of 1.9 per cent in the year to March.
The Town of Vincent has flagged a 4.94 per cent rates rise, the City of Fremantle has advertised 5.5 per cent and City of Perth 6.5 per cent, though commercial rates are much lower.
City of Gosnells ratepayers are facing a 7.5 per cent rates rise and in the City of Rockingham, councillors have fought over its decision to raise rates 8.92 per cent a year.
Cr Deb Hamblin, who tried to limit the increase to 7 per cent, said the council needed to be mindful of the demographic it represented.
But Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels, who foreshadowed another 7-9 per cent rise in 2011-12, said while he had sympathy for ratepayers the council had to fund a new 10-year infrastructure program and increases in utility bills.
Earlier this year the WA Local Government Association said councils with high rates increases last year were unlikely to repeat them.
It also said the rise in electricity costs would account for about a one percentage point increase.
WALGA president Troy Pickard said yesterday this was very conservative and power costs, particularly for street lighting, were "blowing a big hole in a lot of local government budgets".
He said many councils showed restraint with rates rises last year and were faced with increases in construction costs and the challenge of being proactive to attract and retain staff.
Irina Cattalini, of WACOSS, said councils should weigh up investments in non-critical infrastructure against the impact on ratepayers.
Households are facing a rates shock this year with local councils already backing increases of more than twice the rate of inflation.
In their draft budget reports, councils are blaming the rises on increases in staff and infrastructure costs and pressures from the State Government's 17.5 per cent rise in electricity tariffs.
The WA Council of Social Service said it was another blow for homeowners reeling from interest rate rises plus fee and tariff increases in the State Budget which will add almost $400 to annual bills.
Although most council budgets are being finalised, the City of Swan is recommending a 7.5 per cent increase for residential rates and the City of Wanneroo has projected a 6.9 per cent rise after 6.2 per cent last year.
This compares with a Perth inflation rate of 3.4 per cent and local government cost index - which includes construction costs - of 1.9 per cent in the year to March.
The Town of Vincent has flagged a 4.94 per cent rates rise, the City of Fremantle has advertised 5.5 per cent and City of Perth 6.5 per cent, though commercial rates are much lower.
City of Gosnells ratepayers are facing a 7.5 per cent rates rise and in the City of Rockingham, councillors have fought over its decision to raise rates 8.92 per cent a year.
Cr Deb Hamblin, who tried to limit the increase to 7 per cent, said the council needed to be mindful of the demographic it represented.
But Rockingham mayor Barry Sammels, who foreshadowed another 7-9 per cent rise in 2011-12, said while he had sympathy for ratepayers the council had to fund a new 10-year infrastructure program and increases in utility bills.
Earlier this year the WA Local Government Association said councils with high rates increases last year were unlikely to repeat them.
It also said the rise in electricity costs would account for about a one percentage point increase.
WALGA president Troy Pickard said yesterday this was very conservative and power costs, particularly for street lighting, were "blowing a big hole in a lot of local government budgets".
He said many councils showed restraint with rates rises last year and were faced with increases in construction costs and the challenge of being proactive to attract and retain staff.
Irina Cattalini, of WACOSS, said councils should weigh up investments in non-critical infrastructure against the impact on ratepayers.
Tuesday 1 June 2010
Tree man is ‘fit for trial’ - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
as posted here ... Tree man is ‘fit for trial’ - Local news - inMyCommunity - Perth, Western Australia
MAGISTRATE Liz Langdon deemed Thornlie tree man Richard Pennicuik (57) fit for trial, setting a date of October 27 after he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of obstruction brought by the City of Gosnells.
He faces a fine of $5000, and $500 for every day beyond a three-month moratorium, for allegedly obstructing the City from removing the gum tree outside his home.
But his supporters have vowed to appeal Ms Langdon’s decision to refuse several applications made in court last Tuesday.
Mark Simonsen sought to represent Mr Pennicuik, referring to his disability as outlined in a doctor’s letter. But Ms Langdon said the letter was insufficient, and further evidence would be needed.
She said Mr Pennicuik was not so disabled that he could not talk to the court and he could seek help through the Mental Health Legal Unit or other services.
She also did not accept Mr Simonsen’s application to represent Mr Pennicuik as a “McKenzie Friend” because he did not have any legal training. A McKenzie Friend can assist a person in court but can not act as a legal representative.
Applications for mediation, for the case to be struck off and for an application against the tree’s removal were also rejected, with the prosecution pointing out the tree had already been removed.
An application by Mr Pennicuik to have the case moved to the Perth Magistrates Court was also rejected and a trail date set for the Armadale Magistrates Court.
During the hearing, Mr Pennicuik asked the magistrate if she believed in Jesus Christ, a question which she initially said was irrelevant, then asked Mr Pennicuik to explain the relevance of his question.
“All laws are based on the Protestant faith and people are innocent until proven guilty,” he said and the magistrate agreed before ignoring further questions from Mr Simonsen.
After the hearing, James Dean, who also attempted to represent Mr Pennicuik last month and was rejected, accused the court of being biased against Mr Pennicuik.
Mr Simonsen showed the media a copy of the handwritten letter given to the magistrate in which a doctor said his patient had severe insomnia, paranoia, anxiety and a degree of bipolar disorder, which Mr Simonsen said Mr Pennicuik had suffered on and off for the past 10 years.
Other supporters of Mr Pennicuik’s 110-day treetop vigil remained outside the courthouse until his case was heard, bringing several misspelt placards calling the City “oxygen thieves” and “environmental vandals”.
MAGISTRATE Liz Langdon deemed Thornlie tree man Richard Pennicuik (57) fit for trial, setting a date of October 27 after he pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a charge of obstruction brought by the City of Gosnells.
He faces a fine of $5000, and $500 for every day beyond a three-month moratorium, for allegedly obstructing the City from removing the gum tree outside his home.
But his supporters have vowed to appeal Ms Langdon’s decision to refuse several applications made in court last Tuesday.
Mark Simonsen sought to represent Mr Pennicuik, referring to his disability as outlined in a doctor’s letter. But Ms Langdon said the letter was insufficient, and further evidence would be needed.
She said Mr Pennicuik was not so disabled that he could not talk to the court and he could seek help through the Mental Health Legal Unit or other services.
She also did not accept Mr Simonsen’s application to represent Mr Pennicuik as a “McKenzie Friend” because he did not have any legal training. A McKenzie Friend can assist a person in court but can not act as a legal representative.
Applications for mediation, for the case to be struck off and for an application against the tree’s removal were also rejected, with the prosecution pointing out the tree had already been removed.
An application by Mr Pennicuik to have the case moved to the Perth Magistrates Court was also rejected and a trail date set for the Armadale Magistrates Court.
During the hearing, Mr Pennicuik asked the magistrate if she believed in Jesus Christ, a question which she initially said was irrelevant, then asked Mr Pennicuik to explain the relevance of his question.
“All laws are based on the Protestant faith and people are innocent until proven guilty,” he said and the magistrate agreed before ignoring further questions from Mr Simonsen.
After the hearing, James Dean, who also attempted to represent Mr Pennicuik last month and was rejected, accused the court of being biased against Mr Pennicuik.
Mr Simonsen showed the media a copy of the handwritten letter given to the magistrate in which a doctor said his patient had severe insomnia, paranoia, anxiety and a degree of bipolar disorder, which Mr Simonsen said Mr Pennicuik had suffered on and off for the past 10 years.
Other supporters of Mr Pennicuik’s 110-day treetop vigil remained outside the courthouse until his case was heard, bringing several misspelt placards calling the City “oxygen thieves” and “environmental vandals”.
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