Tradesman’s drastic action against kids in pool sparks legal and moral fury
In a disturbing event that has shocked the community and gone viral online, Mat Radelic, a tradesman and Australian business owner, has been accused of binding three Aboriginal children’s wrists with cable ties, igniting a firestorm of criticism and legal action. The children, a girl aged six and two boys aged seven and eight, were reportedly restrained outside Radelic’s parents’ property, leading to his arrest on three counts of aggravated assault by the Western Australia Police.
The incident unfolded after Mat Radelic called the police to report that the children were swimming in his parents’ pool and allegedly damaging the garden at the vacant property. He justified his extreme measures by claiming that the children had trespassed and caused damage on multiple occasions. “They are on my property. It’s not the first time – six times [this has happened],” Radelic explained, suggesting a history of frustration leading up to the event.
Upon police arrival, they found the children in distress outside the property, with one of the boys managing to break free and run away before the officers’ intervention. A family member of the children, who captured the incident on video, recounted her failed attempts to rescue them from Radelic’s grip, describing a scene of desperation and fear as the children cried for help.
The use of physical restraint on the children, given their young age and vulnerability, has been criticized by law enforcement and child welfare advocates alike. The state’s children’s commissioner, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, expressed her dismay upon viewing the footage, highlighting the imbalance of power and the children’s evident fear in the situation.
Radelic’s actions have sparked a broad conversation about the appropriate means of addressing trespassing and vandalism, especially involving minors. His impending court appearance on March 25 will likely serve as a focal point for discussions on property rights, child safety, and the use of force in protecting one’s home.
As the community grapples with the complexities of this case, the overarching concern remains the welfare of the children involved and the societal response to such drastic measures of conflict resolution.
