Norseman father’s prospecting expedition descends into physical altercation with property owner in Coolgardie

A Norseman father has been hit with a $2200 fine after his prospecting expedition on a private property led to a physical altercation with the landowner.

Todd Anthony Buck, 50, fronted Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court on Monday and pleaded guilty to one count of assault occasioning bodily harm and another count of trespassing on a place without lawful excuse.

Prosecuting Sgt Kate McDowell told the court on November 6, 2024, Buck parked up beside a bus at a private lot in Coolgardie before entering it and taking items from inside.

She said the 58-year-old property owner had noticed the man’s vehicle parked in his lot and approached him, which led to an altercation between them.

The court was told the altercation involved Buck picking up a hockey stick and hitting the victim several times, including two hits to the back of the head, drawing blood.

Defence lawyer Ken Robson said his client had just bought a metal detector and was on his “first prospecting expedition” with it, and was unaware he was on private property when he entered the land, despite the area being surrounded by fencing.

The lawyer said Buck thought the vehicle was abandoned and was “frightened” after the victim approached him in a hostile manner, causing the 50-year-old to respond aggressively.

He also mentioned how Buck had an interest in old vehicles which caused him to stop at the property in the first place.

Magistrate William Yoo fined the man $200 for trespassing and $2000 for the assault, which will be paid to the victim.