The AFP has charged a detainee at the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre in Western Australia with allegedly assaulting a Serco detention services officer and damaging property.
The New Zealand-born man, 26, faced Perth Magistrates Court yesterday (6 February, 2024) after the AFP arrested him on Monday following an investigation into two separate incidents at the Northam facility.
Police will allege the detainee verbally abused and threatened a Serco officer before punching him in the face on 1 February, 2024. The officer was treated at hospital and has since been released.
On 7 January, 2024, the detainee allegedly threw an object, believed to be an orange, at a wall-mounted television in the facility's dining room, causing irreparable damage to the $1099 television.
AFP acting Inspector David Blockley said all members of the community deserved to feel safe going to work and the AFP and its partners would not tolerate assaults on immigration detention centre staff or violent behaviour.
The man has been charged with:
- One count of causing harm to a Commonwealth Public Official, contrary to section 147.1(1)(g) of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth); and
- Engaged in conduct that resulted in damage to property belonging to a Commonwealth entity, namely the Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre, contrary to section 132.8A of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for each of these offences is 10 years' imprisonment.
The man was remanded in custody during his court appearance yesterday and is next due to appear in court on 22 March, 2024.
Serco Australia Pty Ltd. is contracted by the Department of Home Affairs to provide security, detainee welfare services, facilities management and transport and escort services in immigration detention facilities.
