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For such a small offence, such violence!
Click on links for report and video!
Tram inspectors caught restraining fare evader
VIDEO: TRAM inspectors in Melbourne have forcefully restrained a fare-evading university student, pressing a knee to his throat as they held him under a bench.
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Melbourne tram inspectors restraining fare evader http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/melbourne-tram-inspectors-caught-restraining-fare-evader/story-fni0fit3-1226754450363 … Mark Knight Cartoon pic.twitter.com/FdLauya28n
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The Herald Sun
Melbourne tram inspectors caught restraining fare evader
- Herald Sun
- November 07, 2013
THERE will be a full investigation into tram inspectors who forcefully restrained a fare-evading university student, pressing a knee to his throat as they held him under a bench, Transport Minister Terry Mulder says.
The dramatic arrest marks a change of tactics for authorised officers on Melbourne’s tram network, after they were told earlier this year that they must not detain offenders.
Michael Liu, 20, said he was traumatised and struggling to sleep after he was confronted by several inspectors at the Lincoln Square tram stop on Swanston St last week.
He admitted he was fare-evading as he travelled just two stops to Melbourne University, but he said he was shocked by what happened next.
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Mr Liu screamed that he couldn’t breathe and he said his left wrist was severely bruised, making it difficult for him to prepare for his university exams.
Public liability lawyer Dimi Ioannou said Mr Liu could have a right to sue the inspectors over his treatment.
“Inspectors must know the difference between restraint and excessive force and appreciate that they don’t have the same powers as Victoria Police,” Ms Ioannou said.
Her firm Maurice Blackburn represented Tim Vivoda in a case earlier this year where he was awarded almost $130,000 after he was punched in the head by a police officer at a station.
Ms Ioannou said Mr Liu could have a similar claim if he could “prove that the actions of the ticket inspectors were an intentional act designed to cause injury”.
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Mr Liu could be charged by the Transport Department after they receive a brief of evidence on the incident from Yarra Trams.
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An earlier report had warned that tram inspectors were at risk from robbers!
The Victoria Age
Spot fines put ticket inspectors in danger: union
Plans to allow fare evaders on public transport to pay a $75 on-the-spot fine by cash or credit card will put ticket inspectors at risk of assault, the union that represents them has warned.
The change could also lead to extortionate or corrupt behaviour by ticket inspectors, Greens state leader Greg Barber said.
“Whenever you’ve got cash handling of that sort with poorly paid employees, there is a risk,” Mr Barber said. “We’ve seen it before with parking inspectors to the point now where they’re trying to eliminate them by putting in [automatic detectors].”
On Wednesday the Napthine government introduced new legislation to enable inspectors to give on-the-spot fines for some infringements, instead of issuing the maximum $212 penalty to be paid later.
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“They can’t be expected to walk around with wads of cash in their pockets on trains and trams,” he said. “It’s a big security concern and one the union won’t walk away from.
“We are not opposed to on-the-spot fines in principle but we are opposed to the collection of cash. All it does is make our members a target.”
Public Transport Victoria said it would put steps in place to minimise the amount of cash that ticket inspectors carried.
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Herald Sun News
TRAM inspectors have forcefully restrained a fare-evading university student, pressing a knee to his throat as they held him under a bench.
The dramatic arrest marks a change of tactics for authorised officers on Melbourne’s tram network, after they were told earlier this year that they must not detain offenders.
Michael Liu, 20, said he was traumatised and struggling to sleep after he was confronted by several inspectors at the Lincoln Square tram stop on Swanston St last week.
He admitted he was fare-evading as he travelled just two stops to Melbourne University, but he said he was shocked by what happened next.
“They grabbed my arm and that really scared me. Maybe they thought I was going to run, and I said to calm down,” he said.
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weehingthong 