Shark plan linked to attack on Premier's office
A man charged over an alleged hammer and graffiti attack on Colin Barnett's Cottesloe electorate office yesterday is understood to have become enraged by the Premier's shark-kill policy.
Adrian Thomas, 29, of Parmelia, was released on bail last night after being charged with two counts of criminally damaging the Stirling Highway office allegedly in front of shocked bystanders about 1.45pm.
Mr Barnett was not in the office when at least seven windows were smashed and the words "Ego Maniac" sprayed across the frontage in orange paint.
Mr Thomas was filmed on mobile phone cameras by nearby office workers as he walked away from the premises with the aid of a crutch and waited by a nearby tree until police arrived and arrested him.
He would not comment when approached by The West Australian while detectives searched a Ford Falcon station wagon at Cottesloe train station about 4pm.
It is understood Mr Thomas told electorate staff he would not hurt them before allegedly smashing the windows.
The West Australian has been told Mr Thomas is a "Colin Barnett hater" whose dislike intensified over the Government's policy of using up to 72 drum lines to kill sharks off metropolitan and South West beaches.
The alleged attack has prompted calls for the commercial strata building, where about 60 people work, to be better protected.
"It is time for increased security for the Premier and more importantly for his staff," body corporate chairman Rob Towner said.
Frances Moore of Flametree Wines, three doors from Mr Barnett's office, said staff in the Premier's office were just metres away during the alleged attack.
"There were two ladies in the office at the time and one of them stared at him while she was on the phone, probably calling the police or security," she said.
Ms Moore said she and another business owner told the man to "bugger off" but he ignored them. Mr Barnett, who is on leave, declined to comment.
Mr Thomas is due to appear in Perth Magistrate's Court later this month.
