A teenager has pleaded guilty to assaulting an elderly crossing guard during a shocking confrontation outside a school in Perth's southern suburbs.
Attack on Colin, 87
Traffic warden Colin, aged 87, was seriously injured when he was pushed to the ground at the end of a morning shift in Rossmoyne on May 19. The elderly victim suffered bruising, a brain bleed, and a broken collarbone. While he was defenceless on the ground, his hat and whistle were stolen.
Members of the public intervened to assist the injured man before he drove himself home. Police later visited him and he was taken to hospital for treatment. Colin does not remember the attack on Third Avenue and spent last week in hospital after his recovery encountered complications. He is now back home on bed rest.
Court appearance
Jatin Pudaruth, 18, appeared in Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to assaulting a public officer and stealing. Outside court, the Shelley man refused to explain why he attacked the traffic warden and stole his gear. He also remained silent when asked by reporters if he would like to apologise to the victim.
Colin's injuries have been so severe that he has not been able to return to the job he loves — helping students and their parents get safely to and from Rossmoyne Primary School. He told 7NEWS he is grateful for the support shown to him by the community and wants to get back to work as soon as he is well enough.
Pudaruth will be sentenced in July.
