Boy, 12, charged with assault, robbery

By ANEEKA SIMONIS

A TEEN in Pakenham was allegedly punched, kneed in the head, pushed down a hill and stripped down to his underwear by an aggressor, who was chased down and apprehended by the police dog squad.
Police said the 15-year-old victim managed to get away from his alleged attacker, accompanied by two other youths, and was later taken to hospital with head injuries.
Police have charged a 12-year-old with assault and robbery while the alleged accomplices were released without charge.
About 9.30pm on Thursday 17 March, police alleged the four were walking toward the Pakenham train station, cutting through the old Racecourse track.
Detective Senior Constable Matt McCormack alleged the 12-year-old began abusing the victim, proceeding to assault him by punching him and kneeing him in the head.
The alleged attacker forcibly stripped the victim of all his clothing except his underwear in addition to stealing the victim’s bag containing speakers, a mobile phone and headphones.
Police believe the 15-year-old boy was further assaulted by the youth, who is thought to have acted alone in the abuse.
Det Sen Con McCormack said the teen managed to escape, making his way from the deserted, dirt grounds to the nearby Cardinia Club car park.
It was there he was picked up by a concerned patron and conveyed to Pakenham train station.
He was later taken to Casey Hospital where he was treated for head injuries.
The police canine unit were tasked with tracking down the attacker.
He was also located at the Cardinia Club and later conveyed to Dandenong Hospital to be treated for injuries sustained during the chase.
The other teens were interviewed by police but released without charge.
All the victim’s property was recovered and returned, according to Det Sen Con McCormack.