Five Geraldton juveniles accused of throwing rocks at elderly man after he disturbed them during home burglary

Geraldton police say five juveniles — one as young as 10 — pelted a 70-year-old man with rocks when he disturbed them trying to break in to his home on the weekend.

Five juveniles were allegedly involved in an attempted robbery in central Geraldton where they threw rocks at the victim.

Police arrested one of the alleged offenders on Monday — an 11-year-old who was bailed during his court appearance this week — with officers tracking down and arresting the other four juveniles on Wednesday.

Police claim the boys had attempted to steal the homeowner’s scooter for the third time between 11.30pm on Sunday and 12.30am on Monday.

Geraldton police officer-in-charge Sen. Sgt Chris Martin said when the juveniles attempted to steal the electric scooter they were challenged by the 70-year-old resident.

It is alleged the elderly man made himself known to the perpetrators by exiting the house, shouting and demanding they leave the property. Before leaving, police allege the five boys attacked the elderly man with rocks.

“The juveniles used a slingshot to throw the rocks and also threw a brick,” Sen. Sgt Martin said.

“Police attended not long after and apprehended an 11-year-old juvenile who was at the scene.”

The 70-year-old was injured but did not require medical attention.

Sen. Sgt Martin said the other four boys were identified with CCTV footage and were interviewed with parental supervision.

All juveniles were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, aggravated burglary, attempting to steal a motor vehicle and possession of a weapon.

The 11-year-old arrested arrested at the scene was remanded in custody and faced court on Monday, when he was granted bail.

He is due to reappear in court — along with the other four alleged offenders — on August 2.