Stabbing in Seaford
Bay patrols step up to protect animals A CLOSE watch is being kept on power boats and jet skis to protect seals and other animals in Port Phillip. An increase in patrols by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning along the Frankston and Mornington Peninsula coastline follows rare visit to the region from an Antarctic crab-eater seal and the return of Australian fur seal Arcto to Dromana. The crab-eater seal was only 11th of its kind spotted in Victoria since 1856 and the first since 1999, while the bull seal Arcto was back at Dromana for the third year running. With peak boating season in full swing, the DELWP Port Phillip Region is using its own jet skis and patrol boat
to protect the bay’s dolphins, seals and other marine life. “We’re now ramping up our patrols all along the peninsula coastline where we expect hundreds of jet skiers and boaties to be present during the Australia Day holiday period,” DELWP compliance officer Abby Smith said. Fines for driving too close to marine animals ranged from $228 (on the spot) or $3033 if taken to court. Ms Smith said vessels should cut their speed to five knots or less if near a dolphin or whale “and drive away from the animal”. High impact vessels like jet skis must remain 300 metres away from whales and dolphins. Recreational boats must remain 100m away from dolphins
and 200m from whales, except if approached. “We’re partnering with other organisations like the Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation to provide a visible presence and take action when necessary to ensure people are doing the right thing by the bay’s wildlife. “Having so many recreational users on the water will disturb the behavioural patterns of dolphins and other precious species, so we ask people to behave responsibly and minimise any interactions with the bay’s wildlife.” For more information on the regulations, visit delwp.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. To report sick, injured or distressed marine wildlife call 0447 158 676.
A SEAFORD man was stabbed 19 times in a frenzied attack, 4.30am, Wednesday. The man, 36, was at a Claude St property with the occupant and the occupant’s female partner when the alleged attack occurred. Detective Senior Constable Ashley Eames, of Frankston CIU, said it appeared the trio had met that day and drank at Frankston and Seaford hotels before returning to the property late in the evening. The carousing continued in the driveway until the early hours when the occupant went to bed, but became agitated and went outside, allegedly attacking the victim with a kitchen knife. The man sustained two deep stab wounds and 17 slash wounds before staggering off and knocking on three doors in the street, urging neighbours to call an ambulance. Police attended and arrested the offender and his partner, both 33. They will allege the woman washed the knife and hid it in her clothing when police arrived. The pair has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury and bailed for a filing hearing at a later date. Detective Eames said another man had been arrested in Claude St for being drunk and disorderly an hour before the incident, possibly from the same group.
New charges over Sudanese riot A SECOND Frankston man has been charged with intentionally causing serious injury following the Sudanese basketball Summer Slam tournament at Frankston Basketball Stadium, 18-20 December. The event was billed as an important cultural event for the Australian-Sudanese community “uniting them through basketball”.
Rooftop search: Police and SES look for discarded weapons on day of the riot.
After the final at the Bardia Av courts, a riot occurred at Kananook station, with up to 100 men involved. Many are said to be Sudanese from the western suburbs who drove to Seaford to “stamp their mark” on rivals here. After the brawl, a 23-year-old man was taken to Frankston Hospital in a critical condition with multiple stab wounds to his stomach. He was released on 26 December and is recovering at home. Police later found weapons, including baseball bats, machetes and samurai swords scattered around the area – even on nearby house roofs. They arrested 12 men, aged 19-32, but all were released next day pending further investigation. The man, 25, was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday for a filing hearing. This follows the charging of a 27-year-old Frankston man, 22 December, with intentionally causing serious injury, recklessly causing injury, and affray. “Investigations are continuing and the other offenders will be charged on summons,” Detective Senior Constable Ashley Eames said.
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Frankston Times 25 January 2016
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