a day ago
Teenager charged after assault on tourists in Hobart CBD
A tourist's excitement for their first visit to Tasmania was quickly shattered when he and his wife were assaulted in Hobart on Monday night.
Visitors Yoe Xi and Yan Xiaojing had arrived in the state earlier that day and were returning to their hotel after dinner when Mr Xi said they were attacked by two teenage girls near Franklin Square.
Mr Xi said he wanted to share their experience in the hope it may help Hobart become a safer city.
"It was very fast and frightening."
He said his wife was grabbed by the hair and pulled to the ground, and they were both punched.
He said the attack lasted about 40 seconds and they were both left with injuries to their hands and legs.
"It was our first time visiting Tasmania and we were truly excited," Mr Xi said.
Mr Xi and Ms Xiaojing are visiting from China on a 13-day trip to Australia.
Two teens were arrested over the incident.
Police say a 15-year-old girl has been charged, while the involvement of a 16-year-old girl is being investigated.
Police said both teens were taken into custody and also charged with other crimes unrelated to the assault.
Witness Avi Singh, the owner of Thai restaurant Bangkok City, said he helped the couple contact the police.
Speaking to ABC Radio Hobart, Mr Singh said he and his wife were on the way home from work at about 8.30pm when they witnessed the incident.
He said they assisted the couple before contacting police and helping to locate the girls, who were then taken into custody.
Mr Singh said both Mr Xi and Ms Xiaojing were quite affected by what had happened.
"They were completely lost. They haven't done anything. They [were] just taking photographs around the place. They're tourists."
Mr Singh said it was particularly important for tourists in the city to feel safe.
"If people are not safe here. Then where [are they safe]?" he asked.
However, he said police reacted in "record time".
Mr Xi also thanked the police for their assistance.
Mr Xi said he hoped sharing stories of youth crime would lead to improved safety in the city.
"Everyone who lives here deserves to feel not just amazed by the view … but also to be safe and comfortable in their community," he said.
"We believe in kindness and tenderness, and because we hope [our story] … can help make Hobart an even better place."
Earlier this year, Tasmania Police and the City of Hobart conducted a "safety blitz" across several Hobart suburbs.
During the election campaign, the Liberal Party pledged to implement a range of "tough on crime" initiatives aimed at young offenders.
At the time, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said if his government was re-elected, it would focus on crime in the community.
The 15-year-old charged in relation to Monday night's alleged assault has been bailed to appear in court next month.
