A Western Australia tradie, accused of tying up three young children after he caught them in a client’s swimming pool, has spoken out after the incident, saying it “wasn’t racially motivated”.
A man was charged with three counts of aggravated assault on Tuesday – after police found two children, 6 and 7, with zip ties wrapped around their wrists. A third child, 8, also claimed he was detained by the man.
The Broome incident was streamed live on Facebook, and state premier Roger Cook called the footage “confronting” and “disturbing.”
Speaking to 9News, the tradie in the video, 45-year-old Mat Radelic, said he regretted his actions and said they weren’t racially motivated.
"I didn't have time to think," he said.
"It didn't came from the place of hate or nothing, just disappointment and a bit of anger."
He claimed to have lost thousands of dollars to youth crime and is now thinking about leaving town.
The children’s mother said she was heartbroken at what had happened.
"Seeing my children like that, tied up, it was emotional, like what can I do," she said.
Police said the "force used to restrain the children was not proportionate in the circumstances".
A statement read: "Police continue to work closely with the affected families and acknowledge the challenging circumstances surrounding this incident.
"Community members are encouraged to allow the court process to run its course."
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