A Clifton Hills resident has set up an online crowd funding account to help the Kelmscott IGA owner with his legal fees after he allegedly trapped a nine-year-old boy in a cage in December.
The alleged incident, which occurred about 7.45pm on December 30 at the Albany Highway store has since resulted in police charging the 41-year-old Karrinyup man with aggravated common assault and deprivation of liberty.
Resident Stephen Marshall said he set up the GoFundMe account to help lessen the load upon the accused and give the public a chance to demonstrate their frustration and desire for strategies that deliver better social outcomes.
“I recognise the dynamics of entitlement and feel that unless checked it will lead to an undeclared war,” he said.
“Unfortunately this incident speaks to a whole load of anti-social dynamics and bigger problems but they need to be addressed earlier rather than when it’s out of control, which it is approaching now.”
Mr Marshall said the decision to publicly support the accused has returned both positive and negative feedback.
“Feedback has been split with about two-thirds of support and one-third flogging me,” he said.
“I have been accused of racism but none of those people offer any actual suggestions.”
Mr Marshall has also written to several state and federal members.
The GoFundMe account has since raised more than $3400 all of which will be handed over to the accused.
The Examiner spoke to the accused’s lawyer John Hammond who said his client was happy with the public’s support.
“This is a very stressful time for him, his wife and his family and he is feeling very anxious in the lead up to his court appearance,” he said.
The shop owner will appear at the Armadale Magistrates Court on March 18.
