Man in court over alleged violent car theft outside Albany Agricultural Show which left woman, 62, in hospital

A 41-year-old Katanning man has faced court after allegedly assaulting a woman and stealing her vehicle while she was watching the fireworks outside the Albany Agricultural Show on Friday night. Police and paramedics were called to a car park on Lockyer Avenue in Centennial Park, opposite the showgrounds, about 8.10pm. Police will allege the woman had parked her vehicle and was taking photos of the fireworks when Birchell Max Williams shoved her out of the way to steal her silver Ford Falcon BA ute. After a short struggle, Mr Williams allegedly drove off in the stolen ute. The woman was taken to Albany Health Campus with injuries to her hand and knee. A section of the car park was taped off as a crime scene on Friday night. The ute was found the next morning in Yakamia, with forensics undertaking an examination of the vehicle. Detective Senior Sergeant Darryl Noye said a public appeal for information led to several tip-offs about a person seen in possession of the vehicle after it was allegedly stolen. Det-Sen. Sgt Noye said the tip-offs allowed detectives to “backtrack as to the possibly identity of the perpetrator”. Mr Williams handed himself in at Katanning Police Station on Sunday, he said. “During the course of this investigation we received several calls from the public, providing crucial information that directly contributed to the arrest and charging of the alleged offender,” Det-Sen. Sgt Noye said. “The information from the public, and the evidence gathered through our forensic examination of the stolen vehicle, has resulted in an arrest just two days after the incident occurred. “We have a great local community who look out for each other, and I thank everyone — those who shared our appeal for information and those who provided information — for working with us.” Mr Williams was charged with aggravated robbery, with the circumstances of aggravation including committing bodily harm. The 41-year-old appeared in Albany Magistrates Court on Monday and did not apply for bail. His matter was adjourned until December 9 for the accused to seek legal advice. The eldest son of the alleged victim told the Advertiser his mother was “shaken up” by the incident. “Mum is a little bruised and shaken up, but doing OK,” the son said. “I would like to thank the public for their comments and support, and the Albany Police for their quick response and professionalism in dealing with this.” Det-Sen. Sgt Noye described the alleged aggravated robbery as “deplorable”. “This could be any person’s mother or grandmother and all they’re doing is stopping to watch the fantastic fireworks that are at the Albany Show and then while taking photographs, you’re accosted and your motor vehicle stolen,” he said. “That’s not on in anybody’s language.”