- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 410
Imagine how the family feels.
Truly a tragedy
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Grandfather killed 'for defending esky'
Thursday Dec 27 11:00 AEDT
By ninemsn staff
A grandfather was beaten to death with his own cricket bat after challenging a gang of men who were allegedly stealing drinks from his cooler on Christmas Day.
The incident, at a beach in Geraldton in WA, threatens to ignite racial tensions in the coastal town.
Yalgoo farmer William John Rowe had been playing beach cricket with his family when a verbal dispute developed between the Rowes and a local Aboriginal group.
It is believed the dispute was triggered when the 49-year-old Mr Rowe objected to drinks being taken from a cooler.
The Aboriginal group left, returning shortly in greater numbers.
According to police a fight began in which punches were thrown, and when the Rowes attempted to leave they were pelted with bottles and stones.
Mr Rowe was knocked unconscious by a blow to the head from his own cricket bat.
He was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital, along with his 29-year-old future son-in-law Luke Neil who had been slashed in the face with a broken bottle and had his jaw and collarbone broken.
Mr Rowe died in hospital at 2.30am on Boxing Day, while Mr Neil required 35 stitches to the face.
A family member told website Perth Now that Mr Neil had only just revealed his intention to marry Mr Rowe's daughter.
"They had only been engaged for a few hours before they were viciously attacked by a group of people,'' the man said.
"These people need to be caught and dealt with."
No-one has been arrested over the attack but inquiries are continuing. Police are calling for any witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Truly a tragedy
--------------------
Grandfather killed 'for defending esky'
Thursday Dec 27 11:00 AEDT
By ninemsn staff
A grandfather was beaten to death with his own cricket bat after challenging a gang of men who were allegedly stealing drinks from his cooler on Christmas Day.
The incident, at a beach in Geraldton in WA, threatens to ignite racial tensions in the coastal town.
Yalgoo farmer William John Rowe had been playing beach cricket with his family when a verbal dispute developed between the Rowes and a local Aboriginal group.
It is believed the dispute was triggered when the 49-year-old Mr Rowe objected to drinks being taken from a cooler.
The Aboriginal group left, returning shortly in greater numbers.
According to police a fight began in which punches were thrown, and when the Rowes attempted to leave they were pelted with bottles and stones.
Mr Rowe was knocked unconscious by a blow to the head from his own cricket bat.
He was taken to Geraldton Regional Hospital, along with his 29-year-old future son-in-law Luke Neil who had been slashed in the face with a broken bottle and had his jaw and collarbone broken.
Mr Rowe died in hospital at 2.30am on Boxing Day, while Mr Neil required 35 stitches to the face.
A family member told website Perth Now that Mr Neil had only just revealed his intention to marry Mr Rowe's daughter.
"They had only been engaged for a few hours before they were viciously attacked by a group of people,'' the man said.
"These people need to be caught and dealt with."
No-one has been arrested over the attack but inquiries are continuing. Police are calling for any witnesses to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
