Woman assaulted at bus stop

A youth was arrested after allegedly assaulting a woman at a bus stop at Dee Why.

Shortly before 9.45pm Saturday night (04 July), NSW Police were called to a report of an assault at the northbound B-Line bus stop at Pittwater Road, Dee Why.

Only metres from Dee Why Police Station at St David Avenue, officers attached to Northern Beaches Police Area Command were quickly on scene, and were told that a 17-year-old male had allegedly assaulted a 27-year-old female.

According to bystanders who spoke with the Northern Beaches Advocate, a verbal altercation occurred between people alighting a bus.

The confrontation escalated to the point the 17-year-old boy allegedly body-slammed the 27-year-old woman to the ground.

It is unknown how the argument originated, but the woman is understood to have been with at least two other people known to her when it occurred.

It is not believed she and the alleged assailant were previously known to each other, and observation suggests that alcohol may have also played a factor.

The woman had minor lacerations to her face, but declined further medical attention at the scene.

After speaking with those present, police arrested the 17-year-old boy and took him to Manly Police Station where he continued to assist police with their inquiries.

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed the incident remains under investigation, and no charges have yet been laid.

The area around the bus stop is understood to be well covered by Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV), which will be reviewed for evidence. Charges that may be considered by police include:

Assault occasioning actual bodily harm, under Section 59 of the NSW Crimes Act, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, or
Affray, under Section 93C of the NSW Crimes Act, which carries a maximum penalty of ten years’ imprisonment

As the alleged offence occurred in a public place and ‘would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his or her personal safety’, the more serious charge of affray may be preferred by police, depending on the evidence available.

Additionally, the age of the alleged assailant means that any action will be dealt with in the context of the Young Offenders Act.

Images and video: Northern Beaches Advocate

NSW Police are seeking public assistance in relation to this matter. If you have any information that may assist them with their inquiries, please contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.