Teen charged over burger shop attack
A 16-year-old boy who allegedly threw a piece of concrete at a Scarborough shop owner has appeared in Perth Children's Court this morning.
Mirrabooka detectives charged the Girrawheen teenager with grievous bodily harm, possessing cannabis and possessing an implement.
The boy is the only person to be charged from the Sunday afternoon incident which left Hamburger Hill owner Simon Demirel with serious facial injuries.
Mirrabooka detectives spoke to three other boys, aged 16, 15 and 13, about the incident but no charges have been laid.
The boy did not make an application for bail.
The matter has been adjourned for a week and he will next appear in court in person on November 5.
Mr Demirel, 49, was knocked unconscious when a limestone block at him on Sunday afternoon in the altercation.
The incident happened in front of his wife Hatun, who yesterday described her husband as a good man with a big heart.
Mr Demirel's daughter Narin said she was angered by what had happened and it was hard seeing her father in pain.
But her family were grateful he had not been killed.
"If he had not turned around, they might have hit (the back of) his head - he might not even be here," Ms Demirel said.
"When I saw the footage I was shocked."
Simon Demirel's wife Hatun and daughters Narin and Sinem.
His daughter said Mr Demirel needs more surgery but his condition is improving and he is now able to speak.
"He can stand, thank God for that, so there's no damage to his spinal cord or to his neck," she said.
But he had a damaged facial nerve and several fractures and doctors had not yet told the family how long it would take him to recover.
Mr Demirel's family feel too scared to return to Hamburger Hill, which they have owned for a few years.
They say more police and security patrols are needed in Scarborough.
