Rex O’Leary has reckless driving charge dismissed in Karratha carpark assault case

A 62-year-old Karratha man allegedly involved in a violent incident that occurred in a Karratha carpark last year, leaving a man in his 30s with serious spinal injuries, has had one of the charges dismissed. Rex O’Leary appeared in Karratha Magistrate’s Court last Tuesday in relation to the assault that occurred last May. It is alleged Mr O’Leary and his son Justin were involved in the assault in the Karratha City Shopping Centre carpark near Australia Post about 8.45am on May 27. Police alleged Mr O’Leary held down the victim’s arms during the attack. Mr O’Leary appeared before the court under a section 25 application to discontinue one charge of reckless driving in relation to the incident. Magistrate Janelle Scutt dismissed the reckless driving charge with no opposition from the prosecution. Mr O’Leary also pleaded not guilty to attempted unlawful damage. He previously entered a not guilty plea to unlawful act or omission with intent to harm, endangering life, health or safety of any person. As a result of the attack, the victim sustained a fracture to his face and a broken vertebrae, and was flown to Perth for treatment. Mr O’Leary will appear before the Karratha District Court on August 23 for a five-day trial.