Community aids pair after home invasion
A young couple who were victims of a home invasion last month have thanked the Karratha community for the kind words and monetary support they have offered.
Jess O'Dowd and Paul Gill had only been living in their Tambrey Estate home for three months when two thieves broke in, assaulted the couple and stole their car.
Ms O'Dowd said the support from the community had brought her to tears.
"It was very overwhelming knowing that so many people we don't know are coming together and chipping in," she said.
"We didn't expect any donations so the fact that our friends have come together and got the community involved is going to help us out a lot.
"I'm a lot better. It's just a lot of sleepless nights not feeling safe in your own home now."
Ms O'Dowd said the donations would be used to cover damage to their walls, a new security door and possible medical bills.
After suffering a fractured cheek and eye socket in the assault, Mr Gill said he was healing well.
"I just have a numb nose that will take a couple of months and numb teeth just from getting hit all the time but other than that my eye is healing okay," he said.
"When we got to the hospital in Karratha I kept blacking in and out but I remember them saying I had maybe a perforated ear drum and bleeding on the brain, that's why they rushed us down to Perth.
"When we got to Perth they said it had calmed itself down and was only bruising on the brain and no surgery was needed so we're very thankful for that."
Mr Gill said news that one of the alleged culprits had been caught gave him a lot of confidence in the police.
Renee Dicera and Ryan Hunt, who are long-time friends of the couple, organised the community donations.
"They're the nicest people you will ever meet," Ms Dicera said.
"They're just trying to start a life together and because I know how hard they worked, I know they need a bit of help to get these costs covered.
"I wasn't expecting much from the whole community but there are heaps of people saying really nice things to Jess and Paul which is just as good as a donation."
Ms Dicera said it was humbling to see the community band together to help out long-term residents.
