A 21-year-old woman, Pamila-Raye Jetta, has been charged following an alleged assault on a toddler at a shopping centre in East Victoria Park, Perth. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon at the Park Centre on Albany Highway, where a mother was holding her two-year-old daughter when a woman approached and struck the child.
The toddler suffered facial injuries from the attack. Police were quick to launch an investigation, and by Wednesday, Jetta was arrested at the Mirrabooka Shopping Centre at around 11:10 am. She has been charged with one count of aggravated assault occasioning bodily harm.
Jetta, from Ellenbrook, is set to appear in Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday. The incident has shocked the local community, with Premier Roger Cook expressing his horror at the footage of the assault.
“It’s a shocking, shocking situation where a mother with her very vulnerable child, minding their own business, is subject to assault. It must be incredibly traumatic for the mother and, of course, potentially very serious injuries for the baby involved,” said Cook.
The assault comes just weeks after another disturbing incident in Brisbane, where a nine-month-old child was burned by a stranger who allegedly poured hot water on the baby while the family was picnicking. The person responsible, identified by Chinese media, is currently being sought by authorities.
As police continue to investigate these alarming incidents, they are ensuring the safety and support of the victims and their families.