Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap WATCH to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LISTEN to start the live stream.

Thanks for logging in.

You can now click/tap LATEST NEWS to start the live stream.

LISTEN
Watch
on air now

Create a 6PR account today!

You can now log in once to listen live, watch live, join competitions, enjoy exclusive 6PR content and other benefits.


Joining is free and easy.

You will soon need to register to keep streaming 6PR online. Register an account or skip for now to do it later.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

‘We could have done much better’: Acting Police Commissioner apologises for response to Clarkson assault, promises review

Millsy & Karl
Article image for ‘We could have done much better’: Acting Police Commissioner apologises for response to Clarkson assault, promises review

Acting Police Commissioner Col Blanch has revealed teens who bashed a couple unconscious in Clarkson have been issued a caution, a decision he says will be reviewed.

The Acting Commissioner also apologised for the initial response saying police “could have done much better” in their communication with the victims.

The couple – Craig and his wife Shelly – were on their way home from a night out in Clarkson on Saturday, July 24 when they were attacked.

Craig was knocked out and his wife had to be resuscitated by a friend who stepped in.

He told Gareth Parker on Monday he and his wife were “disgusted” by the police response.

Acting Commissioner Blanch says it’s not acceptable.

“We absolutely could have done better on this, I’ll take that responsibility, I have had that conversation with the Assistant Commissioner in the Joondalup district,” he told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast.

The Acting Commissioner Blanch said the offenders have now been identified and issued a caution, a decision he says which will be reviewed.

Acting Commissioner Blanch: We have identified the offenders, they have been dealt with although by caution, which is an option for our officers …

Gareth Parker: A caution? I mean Craig was bashed unconscious as was his wife.

Acting Commissioner Blanch: That was the decision made by police at the time, Ive asked for that to be reviewed.

Press PLAY to hear more from Acting Police Commissioner Col Blanch below

The victim Craig says he’s still disappointed.

“I would like to know when this decision was made, and how long ago,” he told Gareth Parker on 6PR Breakfast.

“I did get a phone call from Clarkson police station last night, which was quite coincidental, and I was informed they’d basically been given a warning …”

He also says a caution is “totally unacceptable”.

“What they’ve done, they hit like adults, they new what they were doing, it was orchestrated, they were like a pack of wolves.

“It was awful, and (I’m) not happy.”

Press PLAY to hear the full interview with Craig below

Millsy & Karl
Advertisement