An 18-year-old teenager has pleaded guilty to assaulting an 87-year-old traffic warden outside a primary school in Perth’s south. The attack occurred near Rossmoyne Primary School on May 19, leaving the elderly warden, identified as Colin, with a brain bleed and broken collarbone.
Jatin Pudaruth admitted to assaulting a public officer and stealing in the Armadale Magistrates Court on Monday. According to reports, Pudaruth knocked Colin to the ground, then stole his hat and whistle before fleeing the scene.
Bystanders assisted Colin after the attack, but he drove himself home. Police later visited him and took him to hospital. Colin expressed gratitude for the community’s support and stated he wanted to return to work as soon as possible.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of elderly workers in public-facing roles. Pudaruth is scheduled to face sentencing at a later date.
