Matej Radelic: Broome tradie accused of cable-tying three Indigenous kids gets bail

The man accused of restraining three young Indigenous children with cable ties after finding them in the pool of a vacant property in Broome has fronted court. Matej Radelic appeared before Broome Magistrates Court charged with three counts of common assault in circumstances of aggravation or racial aggravation. The 45-year-old’s lawyer Julie Barber requested a five-week adjournment for legal advice and his bail has been extended until April 29 for his next court appearance. It is alleged the tradesman bound three young children with cable ties in the driveway of a vacant property after finding them swimming in the home’s pool on a hot day. One of the children was able to escape and alerted adult family members, who went to the property and started filming the remaining two children who were still cable-tied. The children could be seen sitting next to the garage crying as the man tells the concerned family and members of the public to wait for the police. The incident fuelled a heated debate amongst the community and the nation about racism, vigilantes and community safety in the troubled tourist town. Police confirmed in a statement that they were called to the home on Conkerberry Road about 2.15pm on March 5 for a reported trespass incident. “Officers arrived a short time later and found two children — a six-year-old girl and a seven-year-old boy — had been physically restrained,” it said. “The officers called St John Ambulance to assess the children, who were reunited with family members soon afterwards. “Police later identified and located a third child who had been detained — an eight-year-old boy who had fled the scene prior to police arrival. “The man, from Broome, was taken into custody, interviewed over the matter and charged. It is alleged the force used to restrain the children was not proportionate in the circumstances. “The man was granted bail and is due to appear in court at a later date. 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.” Police later described the incident as “confronting”.