Justin Little & Jack Seelander face court over alleged Wandina attempted burglary and assault with hatchet

Four people have now been charged over an alleged violent axe and hammer attack against a Wandina resident after an interrupted break-in attempt, with two men facing court on Friday. Justin Troy Ernest Little, 21, and Jack Seelander, 18, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on Friday from custody, while a 14-year-old who had already been charged had an extra charge of assault added to his name. A 17-year-old has also been charged over the attempted burglary in Bellimos Drive in the early hours of Sunday, March 17, and the alleged assault on former police officer Adrian Barker, 54. Police told the court on Friday that Mr Little and Mr Seelander were two of up to seven people walking the streets at 3am when the alleged attempted burglary and assault happened. The court heard four people approached the home of Mr Barker, who was awake at the time and followed the accused group on to the street, leading to him being attacked with a hatchet and hammer. Mr Little appeared in court with a black eye charged with assault occasioning bodily harm. The 21-year-old was alleged to have punched Mr Barker first and was not involved in the more serious part of the assault, when the hatchet was allegedly used. He was granted bail to reside at an address in Rangeway between 10am-6pm, cannot approach within 100 metres of the Bellimos Drive address or the alleged victim and is not to drink alcohol. Mr Little is next due to appear in court on Monday, April 15. Mr Seelander was refused bail after the court was told he was allegedly wearing a white balaclava when he approached Mr Barker’s home. Mr Seelander is charged with with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm, disguised to commit an offence and attempted aggravated home burglary with intent. He is also facing further aggravated burglary and steal motor vehicle charges for other incidents. Police prosecutor Sgt Paul Burkinshaw said Mr Seelander allegedly made admissions to wearing the balaclava and knowing someone was carrying a hammer. Magistrate Kelly Thompson said she would consider home detention bail only after knowing exactly what admissions were made to police. A home detention report and disclosure was ordered and the case was adjourned until Thursday, April 4. Mr Seelander was remanded in custody. A 14-year-old charged with attempted aggravated burglary with intent was granted bail on Tuesday, but he was brought back to Geraldton Children’s Court on Friday with a fresh charge of with intent to harm, did an act causing bodily harm. Police allege the boy was involved in assaulting Mr Barker but did not use a weapon. He was granted bail with a 24-7 curfew and will reappear on Wednesday, March 27. A 17-year-old boy charged with attempted aggravated burglary with intent and with intent to harm did an act causing bodily harm, and is alleged to have used the hatchet, was refused bail on Tuesday. He will reappear on Tuesday, April 2. All accused are yet to enter pleas. Mr Barker suffered a broken hand, internal bleeding, bruising and lacerations.