‘It’s a whole different level’
THROW BOOK AT DRIVERS OF STOLEN CARS, DAD SAYS
THE outraged father of one of the children allegedly targeted by the drivers of two stolen vehicles during a horrifying drive through a packed football field has called for more serious charges to be brought against those responsible.
Alan Birrell, who was not present at the incident on Wednesday afternoon at a Burt St soccer field but arrived in the aftermath, said his son was still traumatised.
“I’ve already been down to the Stuart Police Station to lay a complaint of attempted murder against the life of my son,” Mr Birrell said. “I believe that there’s a strong case to be made that there’s an element of intent involved here.
“According to the parents who were there, these kids were leaning out the window, taunting and yelling and saying they’d run people down if they didn’t get out of the way.”
Mr Birrell’s anger was inflamed after a house in his street was broken into later, allegedly by the same youths.
“My neighbours were broken into by the same people that night. Police confirmed that it was one of the stolen vehicles from the field that was involved,” Mr Birrell said.
“I think we have to insist that they charge them on the available charges.”
Mr Birrell said he was “fed up” with how the situation in Townsville had developed over the past few years.
“The degradation we’ve seen over time, and the things we’ve seen in the escalating crime figures are one thing,” he said.
“But now the kids are being targeted on their sports fields. It’s a whole different level.
“There’s been so many groups and crime alerts and everyone has tried to raise the issue. Nothing gets done. We just have another task force or another operation and something else happens.
“It’s not just the people directly affected, I think every parent in Townsville must be looking at this and thinking it’s beyond the pale.”
On Friday police charged a 14-year-old boy and allege he was driving one of the cars.
The teenager was charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a vehicle, entering premises with intent, unlicensed driving and two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.