Teenage boy, 14, pleads guilty to assaulting police officer outside Optus Stadium after bike ride-out

A teenager accused of attacking a police officer with two other boys outside Optus Stadium after an “out-of-control” bike ride through the Perth CBD has pleaded guilty to assaulting a public officer. The senior constable was conducting motorcycle patrols outside the Burswood venue when he was allegedly set upon by a trio of youths just before 2.30pm on December 28. The teenagers had just taken part in a pre-arranged bike ride through the Perth CBD before ending up outside Optus. Road Policing Command Inspector Steve Walters last month said the officer had approached a boy over allegations he had been riding an illegal e-motorcycle on a shared footpath before he was repeatedly punched and kicked as he was surrounded by 30 juveniles. The officer suffered cuts and bruising to his face and was taken to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for treatment. Three boys, aged 14, 15 and 16, have each been charged with assaulting a public officer and a fourth teen, aged 19, has been charged with organising an out-of-control gathering over the ride. On Friday, a 14-year-old boy — who cant be named for legal reasons — appeared in Perth Children’s Court, where he pleaded guilty to assaulting the officer. He was supported by his mother, who sat in the public gallery during his first appearance. His lawyer said the boy, from Maddington, had no criminal history and that he “accepted full responsibility” for his part in the attack. Outside court, the boy started speaking to reporters before his mother ordered him to stay silent. The 14-year-old is due back in court on March 14 for sentencing. The event promoters, Bike Life Australia, have denied any affiliation with the ride-out and the subsequent assault after it was slammed by police and politicians. Insp. Walters previously said that after reviewing body-worn camera and CCTV footage he stood by the officer’s actions and denied claims a juvenile was punched before the assault. Police Minister Paul Papalia also took aim at the parents of the teens. “Attacking a police officer is disgraceful and the parents of these teenagers should be deeply ashamed,” he said. “We will not tolerate violence and those involved will be hit with the full force of the law.” Some of the teens present posted videos doing burnouts on their electric dirt bikes, taking up entire roads in Northbridge and giving a police officer the middle finger. The 15-year-old and 16-year-old boys are due to appear in Perth Children’s Court later this month. The 19-year-old accused of organising the ride-out will face Perth Magistrates Court on January 28.