Key Takeaways
- A 12-year-old girl was stabbed and two police officers were allegedly assaulted in separate incidents in Adelaide on New Year’s Eve.
- 72 people were arrested and 10 were reported for offences overnight across the state.
- Three girls, aged 14 and 15, were charged with affray and aggravated assault in connection with the stabbing incident.
- Two people were charged with assaulting a prescribed emergency worker and hindering police after an incident in Underdale.
- Police issued 225 expiation notices for various offences, including drinking in a dry zone, disorderly behaviour, and drug possession.
Introduction to the Incidents
The New Year’s Eve celebrations in Adelaide were marred by several incidents of violence and disorderly behaviour. A 12-year-old girl was stabbed and two police officers were allegedly assaulted in separate incidents, according to the South Australia Police. Assistant Commissioner John De Candia stated that despite these incidents, police were "really pleased with the behaviour of the majority of people". However, the incidents that did occur were serious and resulted in several arrests and charges.
The Stabbing Incident
One of the most serious incidents occurred at the Salisbury interchange, where a 12-year-old girl was found with a single stab wound to her abdomen. Three girls, aged 14 and 15, were charged with affray and aggravated assault in connection with the incident. The Davoren Park teen, who police allege stabbed the victim, was further charged with assault causing harm. The three girls were refused police bail and will face the Elizabeth Youth Court at a later date. According to Assistant Commissioner De Candia, the incident appeared to be the result of an ongoing dispute between the girls, who are all known to each other.
The Underdale Incident
In a separate incident, two police officers were allegedly assaulted while trying to break up a fight on Hardys Road at Underdale. The officers responded to reports of a stabbing at about 11pm, but when they arrived, they were confronted by a group of 20-odd people who were quite agitated. One of the officers was struck from behind to the side of the head, and the officers called for assistance during the commotion. A 54-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl, both from Underdale, were arrested and charged with assaulting a prescribed emergency worker and hindering police.
Police Response and Review
Assistant Commissioner De Candia stated that the incident would be reviewed because the officers had used pepper spray. However, he said that he was comfortable with the degree of force and reasonableness of the action taken by the police. A senior officer had reviewed body-worn vision of the incident and backed the actions of the officers. The review is a standard procedure in incidents where police use force or are involved in altercations.
Other Incidents and Statistics
In addition to the stabbing and assault incidents, police also issued 225 expiation notices for various offences, including drinking in a dry zone, disorderly behaviour, and drug possession. The Metropolitan Fire Service responded to at least 13 incidents believed to be caused by illegal fireworks, which placed unnecessary strain on emergency services and increased risk to community safety. Police also arrested 72 people overnight, and the statistics were similar to last year’s, with a slight increase in expiation notices issued.
Conclusion and Concerns
The incidents that occurred on New Year’s Eve in Adelaide are a cause for concern, and police are urging witnesses to come forward with information. The alleged assault of a teenage girl at Semaphore Jetty is particularly disturbing, and police are seeking to identify the male responsible. The use of illegal fireworks also poses a significant risk to community safety, and the Metropolitan Fire Service is working to prevent such incidents in the future. Overall, while the majority of people behaved responsibly on New Year’s Eve, the incidents that did occur highlight the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between police, emergency services, and the community.