QLD: Alleged gang bashers to stand trial

AAP General News (Australia)
02-18-2008
QLD: Alleged gang bashers to stand trial

A group of youths .. accused of brutally bashing an off-duty police officer and his
girlfriend on the Gold Coast .. have been committed to stand trial.

In Southport Children's Court today .. Magistrate BRIAN KILMARTIN's ordered that all
11 youths charged in relation to the incident last year face trial at a date to be set.

Police allege a gang of up to 20 attacked the couple in Coolangatta last November ..

when a 26-year-old woman was punched by a girl half her age and dragged to the ground
by her hair.

Police say the off-duty police officer needed 20 stitches to his head after being knocked
unconscious in the attack.

Eleven youths .. the youngest an 11-year-old boy from West Tweed Heads .. face various
charges .. including assault occasioning bodily harm in company and affray.

The court had previously heard the youths were like "a pack of animals" circling their prey.

Only one of the 11 .. 17-year-old HARLEY LEE TRINDALL .. remains in custody.

AAP RTV cj/af/tm

KEYWORD: BASHING (GOLD COAST)

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