Vic: "Out of control" teen attacks police dog
By Daniel Fogarty09 Jun 2009 6:40 PM
Eds: Changes location of attack to Williamstown on information provided in court documents
MELBOURNE, June 9 AAP - An "out of control" teenager has indicated he is likely to plead guilty to attacking a veteran police dog.
Salem, a 10-year-old German shepherd, was in pursuit of four men suspected of daubing graffiti on trains when he was allegedly kicked and hit with a baseball bat at railyards in Williamstown in Melbourne's west on Tuesday morning.
One of the men, Zar Hunt, 18, later graffitied his police cell with a rock as he waited to be interviewed by investigators, the Melbourne Magistrates Court heard.
Hunt was released on bail on Tuesday after his lawyer indicated he intended to plead guilty to the attack on Salem, who police say has served the force with distinction for eight years.
Police Constable Emma de Bruyn told the court the dog was kicked by a man described as wearing the same colour jumper Hunt was wearing.
Another man hit Salem with a baseball bat after he latched onto his leg, she said.
Constable de Bruyn said the police dog was "very stiff and very sore" when it returned to the police station and was taken to a vet for treatment.
She said while in a police holding cell, Hunt found a rock and graffitied his "tag" on a window and door, knowing the vandalism would be captured on closed circuit television.
Hunt is facing seven charges relating to the incident including intentionally beating a police dog, causing injury.
He is also charged with causing damage to a Connex train carriage and $1,500 damage to a wire railyard fence.
Hunt appeared to weep and shake as magistrate Amanda Chambers gave him a stern lecture before releasing him on bail.
"One of the charges that of course concerns me is the charge of beating a dog, being a police dog," the magistrate said.
"It is clear that your conduct indicated a lack of any concern in relation to damage to property and concerning a lack of concern in relation to the dog.
"Your behaviour in many respects is simply out of control."
Youth justice worker Gene Bell told the court Hunt had depression and had twice tried to commit suicide.
"He is a very vulnerable young man," Mr Bell said.
Hunt will appear in the same court to enter a formal plea on July 9.
Two other men, aged 18 and 19, were charged with similar offences and bailed.
A fourth man, 19, was taken to hospital with serious bite wounds. The court heard police intended to interview him later.
