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Kalgoorlie calm but tense after trial

There has been no outbreak of violence in Kalgoorlie after this week's sentencing of a man who ran over and killed an Aboriginal teenager.

Family and supporters of Elijah Doughty outside the Supreme Court

There was no violence in Kalgoorlie after a man was acquitted over teen Elijah Doughty's death. (AAP)

The streets of the outback town of Kalgoorlie were relatively quiet on Saturday amid fears of another riot after a man who ran over and killed a 14-year-old Aboriginal boy was found not guilty of manslaughter.

Kalgoorlie police acting Sergeant Graham Conaty told AAP there had been no significant incidents since Friday, when angry protesters marched through the town in Western Australia.

There were also cries of injustice and racism at the Supreme Court in Perth on Friday after the 56-year-old man, whose name is suppressed, was acquitted of Elijah Doughty's manslaughter.

He admitted dangerous driving occasioning death after he hit the 14-year-old boy, who was riding a motorcycle stolen from the man.

He was sentenced to three years' jail.

At least one person was arrested on Friday but the protest was peaceful.

Tensions remain high and extra police were sent to the Kalgoorlie to prepare for a repeat of violence, after Elijah's death last August sparked a riot in which police were attacked and cars and buildings damaged.


1 min read

Published

Source: AAP


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