Police bypass funeral, then raid homes: [7 NSW First Edition]
John Stapleton, Annabelle McDonald. Weekend Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 05 Mar 2005: 7.
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Abstract
VIOLENCE flared yesterday in Macquarie Fields after the funeral of a teenager killed during a police pursuit last week that triggered four nights of rioting in the southwestern Sydney suburb.
Jesse Kelly, the 20-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle that crashed into a tree, had been expected to come out of hiding to attend [Dylan James Rayward]’s funeral before surrendering. His no-show left tensions simmering.
It had looked as if the funeral might pass without incident. Hundreds showed up to farewell Dylan. He was cremated with his much- loved No13 Ashton Junior Rugby League jersey. One of his brothers was released from jail to attend the funeral.
Full Text
VIOLENCE flared yesterday in Macquarie Fields after the funeral of a teenager killed during a police pursuit last week that triggered four nights of rioting in the southwestern Sydney suburb.
Having respected the wishes of the family and stayed away from the funeral of Dylan James Rayward, 17, the first of two boys who died in the pursuit last Friday to be buried, police came out in force last night after a string of incidents during the day.
For the first time in the week-long battle between police and local youths sparked by the accident, mounted police patrolled thestreets of the Glenquarie Housing Commission estate. Officers, some from as far afield as Goulburn and Queanbeyan, were drafted in to bolster police numbers.
Last night, riot squad officers raided at least five properties, including abandoned homes and garages in the streets of Macquarie Fields.
A neighbour saw police take a number of items from a garage, including rubbish and car tyres.
Jesse Kelly, the 20-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle that crashed into a tree, had been expected to come out of hiding to attend Dylan’s funeral before surrendering. His no-show left tensions simmering.
NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden criticised the police for their soft approach at the funeral, saying they should have attended the service in full riot gear if necessary.
“For God’s sake, let’s get on with the job of arresting this guy. I’m sick and tired of the pussy-footing around and the softly- softly approach,” he said.
“We have now got a situation where police appear to be too worried about upsetting a funeral where they have a suspect.”
One female mourner confronted the media outside the funeral, telling journalists they were “as welcome as the police”.
Early in the afternoon, television cameraman Brad Smith, 29, was attacked when he confronted a man urinating on a Seven Network van parked near the crash site.
Mr Smith said a fight followed in which he was punched in the head before a second man threw a bottle at him, hitting him on theelbow. Ambulance staff said the cut there would require stitches.
It had looked as if the funeral might pass without incident. Hundreds showed up to farewell Dylan. He was cremated with his much- loved No13 Ashton Junior Rugby League jersey. One of his brothers was released from jail to attend the funeral.
The other crash victim, 19-year-old Matt Robertson, will be buried on Wednesday.
Earlier edition:
Riot police storm estate after funeral: [8 NSW Metro Edition]
Natasha Robinson, John Stapleton. Weekend Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 05 Mar 2005: 7.
Natasha Robinson, John Stapleton. Weekend Australian; Canberra, A.C.T. [Canberra, A.C.T] 05 Mar 2005: 7.
Abstract
A group of about seven youths yelled at police from behind a waist-high wire fence: “We’re f…ing boys, Macquarie Fields boys, you poofs. All we’re doing is having a drink for the boys. Show some respect.”
Riot squad officers raided at least five properties, including abandoned homes and garages in the streets of Macquarie Fields. A neighbour saw police take a number of items from a garage, including rubbish and car tyres.
Hundreds showed up to farewell [Dylan James Rayward]. He was cremated with his much-loved No13 Ashton Junior Rugby League jersey. One of his brothers was released from jail to attend.
Full Text
ORIGINAL COPY:
RIOT squad and mounted police last night stormed houses in the strife-torn Glenquarie estate after they were confronted by youths armed with bottles, shovels and rakes.
Police arrested six youths when violence flared in the estate after the funeral of a teenager killed during a police pursuit last week that triggered four nights of rioting in the southwestern Sydney suburb.
Violence erupted just before 11pm as a squadron of special operations police entered a dead-end of Sapium Way in the estate in Macquarie Fields.
A group of about seven youths yelled at police from behind a waist-high wire fence: “We’re f…ing boys, Macquarie Fields boys, you poofs. All we’re doing is having a drink for the boys. Show some respect.”
Police had respected the wishes of the family and stayed away from the funeral of Dylan James Rayward, 17, the first of two boys who died in the pursuit last Friday to be buried.
For the first time in the week-long battle between police and local youths sparked by the accident, mounted police last night patrolled the streets of the estate.
Riot squad officers raided at least five properties, including abandoned homes and garages in the streets of Macquarie Fields. A neighbour saw police take a number of items from a garage, including rubbish and car tyres.
A 16-year-old was charged last night over the earlier riots. He was also charged over the alleged theft last month of four cars worth $180,000.
Jesse Kelly, the 20-year-old driver of the stolen vehicle that crashed into a tree, had been expected to come out of hiding to attend Dylan’s funeral before surrendering. His no-show left tensions simmering.
NSW Opposition Leader John Brogden criticised the police for their soft approach at the funeral, saying they should have attended the service in full riot gear if necessary.
“For God’s sake, let’s get on with the job of arresting this guy. I’m sick and tired of the pussy-footing around and the softly- softly approach,” he said.
One female mourner confronted the media outside the funeral, telling journalists they were “as welcome as the police”.
Hundreds showed up to farewell Dylan. He was cremated with his much-loved No13 Ashton Junior Rugby League jersey. One of his brothers was released from jail to attend.
The other crash victim, 19-year-old Matt Robertson, will be buried on Wednesday.
Inquirer — Page 22
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