Shark drumlines set to catch-and-kill

A rider on a jet ski gets a close look at the shark boat laying a baited drum line

COLIN Barnett's controversial shark-kill policy saw the first baited drum lines set off the South-West yesterday.

At 2.25pm, the first drum line with a big hook baited with three big fish was in place.

By 4.15pm nine drum lines had been set, spaced out 1km offshore from Old Dunsborough and Castle Rock at Cape Naturaliste, by the contracted fisherman.

The drum lines were attached to the ocean floor and connected to buoys and baited hooks designed to snare big sharks, which will be destroyed under the policy.

Within a couple of hours, The Sunday Times in a nearby boat watched as a very big ray, pictured left, investigated one baited hook.

A large Bull Ray has a nibble at the bait on one of the drum baits. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: Supplied

Under his contract with the State Government, the professional fisherman who set the drum lines must now monitor the coast 12 hours a day between 6am and 6pm, rebaiting the hooks and waiting for a catch.

Yesterday's start came amid strong protests from green groups and activists who were in Dunsborough but did not interfere with the operation.

However, one group was preparing to head out on a zodiac craft last night.

They vowed to visit each drum line and remove the bait from each hook, rendering them useless.

Amy-Lea Wilkins, spokeswoman for conservation group Animal Rescue Team, said she had a team of 22 volunteers in Dunsborough, including a vet and a marine biologist who would enter the water with diving gear to free hooked sharks as well as by-catch, such as dolphins, turtles and rays.

"We don't want any marine life dying and we'll do our best to save any animals that are caught, including sharks," Ms Wilkins said.

Pics of the fisherman on their boat who are preparing to set drum lines off Dunsborough. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

Anti-cull campaigner Simon Peterffy, who has formed a "marine response unit'', yesterday pledged: "We'll be stopping the hunt, we will be neutralising these drums and we'll be doing rescues of dolphins and other by-catch.''

Before setting to work, the professional fisherman doing the job cooled off with a quick swim in the sea in his undies.

In his only interview from the back of his boat, the fisherman - whom The Sunday Times has decided not to name - said he used mackerel to bait the "very large" hooks but from next week he would be using "really good bait", salmon from South Australia.

He said Water Police and Fisheries officers were on standby to protect him against protesters "but only if necessary, and so far it hasn't been necessary".

"We are worried about what they might do, what they might throw at us or the extreme things they might do," he said.

The fisherman on theboat as they set drum lines off Dunsborough. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

The fisherman said the drum lines "might make the beaches safer".

"But I'm more interested in the research we can contribute to," he said.

The fisherman, a South-West resident for 40 years, said he was "spooked" by the spate of shark attacks and the anecdotal increase in great white numbers.

If he caught a shark over 3m, he said: "We'll destroy it. We will shoot it and take it well offshore and dispose of it. We will puncture the gut cavity so the lice can get in."

He said by-catch would be unlikely because of the large size of the hooks used.

"We're targeting large sharks, the big ones. I doubt we'll catch anything else," he said.

Sharks under 3m would be released.

"We'll have to be very careful and we're still developing a procedure. We'll have to grab them and we've got a mesh glove for that. You don't want to put your hand down its mouth, that's for sure," he said.

"We're dealing with a wild animal that I have every respect for, and I really mean that, I have every respect for these animals and I take that very seriously."

The boat with the drumline equipment. Picture: Theo Fakos Source: News Limited

Earlier threats from activists prompted some fishermen who had tendered for the Perth contracts to pull out.

As a result, Fisheries Department staff will now bait and monitor hooks off the five locations near metropolitan beaches.

More anti-cull rallies are planned for Saturday, including another one at Cottesloe.

Organiser Natalie Banks, hopes for an even bigger crowd than the 4500 who attended the first rally earlier this month.

"We know that the majority of people are frustrated with this initiative," she said.

Premier Colin Barnett has not responded to an invitation to attend.

Great whites are protected but Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt this week granted the State Government a temporary exemption from national environment laws.

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Serco spy games: Escapees' ultimatum

The Yongah Hill Immigration Detention Centre. Source: News Limited

ASYLUM seekers who escape detention would be sent offshore for processing under tough new measures to deal with breakouts.

Detainees would also undergo a vetting process used to identify potential terrorists to weed out high-risk individuals.

Documents leaked to The Sunday Times show Serco, the embattled private contractor that runs most of the country's detention centres, is desperate to overhaul safety procedures.

It comes after a spate of breakouts - including 24 detainees escaping in 13 separate incidents since July last year.

Last week, The Sunday Times revealed how three asylum seekers took just 45 seconds to escape from a Northam detention centre on January 12 using nothing more than padded socks.

Serco has come under increasing pressure from authorities to lift their performance.

The documents show Serco wants to transfer detainees who attempt escapes to more secure facilities. It suggests offshore centres such as Manus Island and Christmas Island.

Serco also calls for the current security risk assessment process for detainees to be replaced by the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation's T4 Threat Methodology.

Currently, detainees are only assessed after they commit a misdemeanor.

Even then, their risk rating does not affect how they are monitored.

T4 is the group within ASIO - the country's spy agency - that provides security advice on potential threats of espionage, sabotage and politically motivated violence.

Under this process, detainees would be assessed on arrival and their threat level determined by other information such as their resourcefulness and ability to escape.

Serco also recommends escapees face criminal charges to deter copycat attempts or ¬repeat breakouts.

It also calls for facilities, such as the Yongah Hill Detention Centre in Northam, to be altered to include extra fencing to prevent escape bids.

Immigration Minister Scott Morrison this week demanded Serco lift its performance.

A spokesman for Mr Morrison yesterday said he would not comment on risk assessment processes for "operational reasons" but that all "illegal maritime arrivals" were "eligible" to be sent offshore.

He said in light of recent escapes at Yongah Hill, the government was upgrading the facility and moving medium to high-risk detainees.

The spokesman said the Minister was also "examining stronger sanction options" for escapees.

Refugee advocates have condemned the recommendation to send escapees offshore.

"I don't think any of those measures are going to help," Case for Refugees chief executive Shayla Strapps said.

"Perhaps the Minister should consider why these people are escaping."

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Aussie of the Year a Goodes choice

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire cautions against hysteria in the matter of a racial slur directed at Swans champ Adam Goodes, allegedly from a teenage Pies fan.

AFL star and Australian of the Year finalist Adam Goodes. Source: News Limited

AFL player and Aboriginal leader Adam Goodes has been named Australian of the Year for 2014.

Goodes was honoured for his leadership and advocacy in the fight against racism both on the sporting field and within society more broadly.

An indigenous Andyamathanha man, Goodes is a champion AFL player with the Sydney Swans.

He holds an elite place in AFL history, with two Brownlow Medals and two premierships.

``Thank you Australia for this award. This is a huge honour,'' Goodes told the crowd at the ceremony in Canberra.

Goodes said growing up as an indigenous Australian he had seen his fair share of racism.

``I believe racism is a community issue which we all need to address and that's why racism stops with me,'' he said.

Last year, the focus shifted momentarily from Goodes' outstanding playing ability to a racial slur on the field.

In a Swans match against Collingwood last May, a teenage girl called Goodes an ``ape'' from the grandstand.

Goodes said he turned the incident into an educational tool to teach indigenous Australians and minority groups to say no to racism.

The 34-year-old is a four-time All-Australian, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, and has represented Australia in the International Rules Series.

He is actively involved with several indigenous sport and community programs, and has spent time working with troubled youngsters, including in youth detention centres.

RELATED: Hey, true-blue Aussies - let's take an Australia Day stand

Together with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin, he established the GO Foundation which seeks to empower the next generation of indigenous role models.

Goodes made it clear he would have racism in his sights over the coming year.

``My hope is that we as a nation can break down the silos between races, break down those stereotypes of minority populations,'' he said.

``I hope we can be proud of our heritage, regardless of the colour of our skin and be proud to be Australian.

``The ultimate reward is when all Australians see each other as equals, and treat each other as equals.''

Goodes' mother Lisa, a member of the Stolen Generation, was among those in the crowd for the announcement.

Goodes receives his award from Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Source: AAP Source: Supplied

Australian of the Year 2014 - Adam Goodes (NSW)

- Joined Sydney Swans in 1997

- Dual Brownlow medallist

- Two AFL premiership victories

- Mentor to indigenous kids, establishing Go Foundation with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin

Jacqueline Freney from New South Wales at a morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited

Jacqueline Freney is no stranger to a podium but usually it's right beside a swimming pool.

On Saturday it wasn't another gold medal for the the Paralympic swimmer but instead a national honour, as the 21-year-old was named Young Australian of the Year for 2014.

``This is a significant day not only for me but for also for the Paralympic movement as it reflects the unique role Paralympians play in society,'' the Brisbane-born athlete said as she accepted her award.

Cerebral palsy has not stopped Freney achieving sporting success, and at the London 2012 Games she won eight gold medals - the greatest haul by any athlete in the Australian team.

In fact, she won a gold medal for every event in which she competed and set two world records.

The performance earned her the crown as Australia's 2012 Paralympian of the Year.

``Please understand that I'm just a country girl who was born with extra life challenges,'' Freney told the Canberra crowd.

``I'm an example of how a child with special needs can develop and achieve with support, guidance, encouragement and opportunity.

``I ask that all Australians respect each other's diversity and acknowledge their ability to contribute to this great country.''

Freney's efforts have continued out of the pool, working with Swimming Australia as a motivational speaker to inspire other athletes with disabilities.

Freney's current focus is training for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.

Young Australian of the Year 2014 - Jacqueline Freney (NSW)

- Aged 21

- Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer

- Most successful Australian of the London 2012 Paralympic Games

* * *

Senior Australian of the Year Fred Chaney AO, at a morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited

Former federal politician Fred Chaney's contribution to Australian society remains resolute, as does his championing of indigenous rights since his departure from parliament in 1993.

The one-time Liberal senator and lower house MP for Western Australia, 72, has been named Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his commitment to reconciliation and human rights.

Stepping up to accept his award in Canberra on Saturday, Mr Chaney voiced his hope that Australia will soon achieve constitutional recognition for indigenous people.

``I have one learning I've taken from the past 50 years and that is for the prime minister to meet his ambition, for all of us to meet our ambitions to close the gap and to do the right thing by Aboriginal people,'' Mr Chaney said after stepping forward to accept his award on Saturday.

``We have to work in partnership with Aboriginal people ... and if we do that then the political firepower that's being directed, the bureaucratic firepower and the community firepower will enable the Aboriginal people of Australia to have their rightful place in this country.''

Mr Chaney served as minister for Aboriginal affairs in the Fraser government but his commitment to indigenous rights began earlier.

He was an early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights in the 1960s and he later helped establish the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.

Earlier on Saturday he recalled the ``brilliant campaign'' leading up to the 1967 referendum which allowed indigenous people to be counted in the census and for parliament to make laws concerning them.

He hopes a similarly strong momentum will build ahead of a planned referendum on recognising Aboriginal people in the constitution.

``In all his leadership roles, Mr Chaney inspires others to work collaboratively, respectfully and ambitiously to overcome the barriers that inhibit people's full economic and social participation in Australian society,'' a statement from the National Australia Day Council said.

Mr Chaney has served in a senior role with the National Native Title Tribunal and other advocacy groups, including the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation, which supports young indigenous people to reach their full potential.

The father of three, who trained as a lawyer, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997 for his service to parliament and the Aboriginal community.

Senior Australian of the Year 2014 - Fred Chaney (WA)

- Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in Fraser Government

- Early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights

- Founding co-chair of Reconciliation Australia

* * *

Local Hero, Tim Conolan, at the morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited

Tim Conolan has been a hero for millions of sick children over the past 15 years and now the title is official.

The Victorian founder and boss of children's charity TLC For Kids has been named Australia's Local Hero for 2014 by the National Australia Day Council.

``To say that I'm overwhelmed is a complete understatement,'' the 44-year-old said as he accepted the honour in Canberra.

He says he set up TLC for Kids because of a lack of services for sick children.

``I believe that any sick child, regardless of their illness, has a right to support,'' he said.

And all sick children should have the opportunity to smile, he said.

``I believe that we are living in the best country in the world and with enough support and everyone getting behind us we can all make a difference. So let's make 2014 the year of the smile,'' he said.

He said the real heroes were the sick children, their families and the hospital staff that help them everyday.

Started in 1998, Mr Conolan's charity offers practical and emotional support to ill youngsters and their families at hundreds of hospitals across the country.

One of TLC's programs includes supplying therapeutic toys and items used by health-care professionals to guide children through frightening and painful procedures.

As a young man Mr Conolan was asked to address a cancer support group as a motivational speaker, where he was inspired to help some of the seriously-ill children he met.

Since then the entrepreneur has made it his mission to ensure all children in hospital have the support they need.

Australia's Local Hero 2014 - Tim Conolan (VIC)

- Set up charity TLC for kids in 1998

- Has helped more than four million sick children and their families

- Former DJ

* * *

THE FULL LIST OF AUSTRALIANS OF THE YEAR

2014 - Adam Goodes

2013 - Ita Buttrose

2012 - Geoffrey Rush

2011 - Simon McKeon

2010 - Prof Patrick McGorry

2009 - Prof Mick Dodson

2008 - Lee Kernaghan

2007 - Prof Tim Flannery

2006 - Prof Ian Frazer

2005 - Dr Fiona Wood

2004 - Steve Waugh

2003 - Prof Fiona Stanley

2002 - Pat Rafter

2001 - Lt Gen Peter Cosgrove

2000 - Sir Gustav Nossal

1999 - Mark Taylor

1998 - Cathy Freeman

1997 - Prof Peter Doherty

1996 - Dr John Yu

1995 - Arthur Boyd

1994 - Ian Kiernan

1992 - Mandawuy Yunupingu

1991 - Archbishop Peter Hollingworth

1990 - Dr Fred Hollows

1989 - Allan Border

1988 - Kay Cottee

1987 - John Farnham

1986 - Dick Smith

1985 - Paul Hogan

1984 - Lowitja O'Donoghue

1983 - Robert de Castella

1982 - Sir Edward Williams

1981 - Sir John Crawford

1980 - Manning Clark

1979 - Harry Butler, Senator Neville Bonner

1978 - Alan Bond, Galarrwuy Yunupingu

1977 - Sir Murray Tyrrell, Dame Raigh Roe

1976 - Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop

1975 - Major General Alan Stretton

1975 - Sir John Cornforth

1974 - Sir Bernard Heinze

1973 - Patrick White

1972 - Shane Gould

1971 - Evonne Goolagong

1970 - Cardinal Sir Norman Gilroy

1969 - Richard Gardiner Casey

1968 - Lionel Rose

1967 - The Seekers

1966 - Sir Jack Brabham

1965 - Sir Robert Helpmann

1964 - Dawn Fraser

1963 - Sir John Eccles

1962 - Alexander 'Jock' Sturrock

1961 - Dame Joan Sutherland

1960 - Sir Macfarlane Burnet

Source: National Australia Day Council. No award given in 1993

###

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Li Na's hilarious victory speech

Gracious winner.. Picture: AP Source: NewsComAu

SHE won the Australian Open, then she won the crowd.

Chinese tennis superstar Li Na had Melbourne Park fans in stitches after her straight sets victory over Slovak Dominika Cibulkova.

She thanked her agent... for making her lots of money. "Max, agent, make me rich, thanks a lot" she said.

Then she paid a unique tribute to her husband of eight years.

"Now, of course, my husband, you're famous in China. Thanks (to) him with everything, travelling with me as my hitting partner. (He) fixes my drink, fixes my raquet...

"So thanks a lot, you're a nice guy ..."

"Also, you're so lucky".

FROM CHOKER TO CHAMPION: Li Na wins Australian Open

Classic. The hashtag #funniestspeechever proved quite popular on Twitter. People from sports stars to media personalities labelled it the "best speech ever":

It was the third time lucky for Na at the Australian Open. She famously choked against Kim Clijsters in 2011 and was runner-up to Victoria Azarenka last year.

In her triumphant speech, Na also said the Australian Open was her favourite tournament. "I cannot wait. Looking forward to come back."

You're welcome anytime, Li.

A legend on and off the court. Picture: AP Source: Getty Images

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Brit flees facebook fury to Perth

Anton Casey with his wife, former Miss Universe Singapore Bernice Wong, has been forced to apologise after disparaging remakrs about "poor people" on public transport. Source: Supplied/Facebook Source: Supplied

A BRITISH wealth fund manager has sought refuge in Perth after receiving death threats in Singapore for apparently mocking "poor people" on Facebook.

Anton Casey reportedly fled to Perth on Friday with his wife, a former Miss Singapore, and young son after his remarks provoked a social media storm this week.

It erupted when the 39-year-old posted a photograph on his personal Facebook account of his son sitting on a train with the caption: "Daddy where is your car & who are all these poor people?"

A second photograph showing his convertible Porsche said: "Ahhhhhh reunited with my baby. Normal service can resume, once I have washed the stench of public transport off me FFS!" (A popular abbreviation of For F---'s Sake).

One of Anton Casey's offensive posts. Source: Supplied

A post from last year in which he said a cabbie deserved a "retard award" for wearing arm warmers, mittens and a towel even though it was 37C outside also emerged.

Screengrabs of Mr Casey's posts went viral online on Monday after they appeared on several Singaporean websites, prompting a torrent of abuse and making international headlines.

The expat issued an apology "to the people of Singapore" on Wednesday as even the country's Law and Foreign Affairs Minister weighed into the controversy, describing the remarks as "deeply offensive, wrong, and unacceptable". Mr Casey said his family had suffered "extreme emotional and verbal abuse online" due to his "misguided attempt at humour" and a security breach on his Facebook page.

He said a YouTube video which was misunderstood to be a dismissive reaction to the furore was made weeks ago and was not a response to the recent events.

Singapore's national newspaper, The Straits Times, yesterday reported Mr Casey had fled to Perth with his wife, Bernice Wong, and son on Friday.

In an email to the newspaper, Mr Casey said: "I hope the people of Singapore will allow me to volunteer my time and resources to community projects in order to make amends. I also hope the people of Singapore, my adopted home, will forgive me."

On Friday night his firm, Crossinvest Asia, said on its Facebook page that it had parted ways with Mr Casey "with immediate effect".

In a post "liked" more than 800 times, the wealth fund management firm said it was "deeply concerned" by the comments which had "caused great distress among Singaporeans".

"Those comments go against our core corporate and family values that are based on trust, mutual understanding and are respectful of diversity," the statement said.

"Crossinvest Asia is a family business which has been built here in Singapore. The online comments made by Mr. Casey do not represent the culture that we have built over many years."

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Kwinana bushfire downgraded

A bushfire emergency in the Kwinana area has been downgraded, but homes are still under possible threat as crews battle two blazes just 4km apart.

Fire crews battle an out of control bush fire threatening homes in Kwinana. Picture: Kirsty Little/Twitter Source: News Limited

Bushfire as seen from Sloan Drive in Leda. Picture: Nine News/Twitter Source: Supplied

THE threat from this afternoon's bushfire emergency in Perth's south has lessened, but homes are still under possible threat as crews battle two blazes just 4km apart.

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services has downgraded its emergency alert to a watch and act for the bigger of the two fires - in Leda, Calista and Medina in the Kwinana area.

A fire in bushland in Kwinana is a possible threat to homes. Picture: Justin Benson Cooper Source: News Limited

Tonight, the medium-level alert remains for people west of Medina Avenue in Medina, west of Calista Avenue in Calista and the northern part of Leda in the City of Kwinana.

There is a possible threat to lives and homes as they are approaching the area and conditions are changing. People need to leave or get ready to actively defend.

The fire is contained but not controlled.

A bushfire advice warning was tonight in place for the second blaze, affecting people in Kwinana Beach, east of Rockingham Road and Patterson Road to the railway line.

The fire is bounded by Thomas Road, Abercombie Road, Hope Valley Road and Rockingham Road in Kwinana Beach and Naval Base in the City of Kwinana.

The fire started in bushland north of Thomas Road near Ratcliffe Road.

DFES believes the now small controllable blaze was deliberately lit.

The cause of the bigger fire is unknown at this stage.

Although there is no immediate threat, people should stay alert for any updates.

Fire crews battle an out of control bush fire threatening homes in Kwinana. Picture: Kirsty Little/Twitter Source: News Limited

In regards to the Leda, Calista and Medina blaze, a wind change saw the fire shift to a north westerly direction this afternoon. The fire is now burning towards Mandurah Road. Eighty five firefighters are battling the blaze.

A second out of control fire has been sparked nearby, prompting another evacuation plea.

A watch and act alert has been issued for people in an area bounded by Thomas Road, Abercombie Road, Hope Valley Road and Rockingham Road in Kwinana Beach and Naval Base in the City of Kwinana.

The fire started in bushland north of Thomas Road near Ratcliffe Road. It is burning towards Rockingham Road.

The Kwinana Golf Club has also reportedly been evacuated.

The sense of urgency was heightened because the fire is close to the Dampier to Bunbury gas pipeline. A DFES spokesman said fire crews were doing their best to protect that asset.

The fire started between Gentle Road and Wellard Road. It is burning towards the Kwinana Golf Club.

Burning embers are likely to be blown around your home. Spot fires are starting up to 50m ahead of the fire.

About 49 hectares have been burnt.

A fire in bushland in Kwinana is a possible threat to homes. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

Locals watch as fire edges closer

Residents along Porter Gardens in Leda have lined up in front of Sloan's Reserve watching as smoke comes closer to houses.

Martin Montgomery, who lives on Porter Gardens, said it was the first time in years that Sloan's reserve has been on fire.

"I'd say there is a fire bug about because there was a fire here last night that they put out really quickly," Mr Montgomery said.

Mr Montgomery said he was unsure if he would stay and defend or evacuate. But he said his family evacuated the home about three hours ago.

Anthony O'Bree has lived in Kwinana for 14 years and his house is about 1km away from the fire.

"I'll fight, I'll even come down and help people out," he said.

"I've had a couple of mates evacuate from Medina."

Eighty five career and volunteer Fire and Rescue Service and Bush Fire Service firefighters from 20 stations and brigades are on the scene, and aerial support has been sent to assist ground crews.

A temporary evacuation centre has been set up at the Kwinana Town Council building on the corner of Sulphur Road and Gilmore Avenue in Kwinana.

Text and voice messages have been sent to people in the area warning them of the danger.

The cause of the fire, reported at about 12.30pm, is unknown.

Fire crews battle an out of control bush fire threatening homes in Kwinana. Picture: Kirsty Little/Twitter Source: News Limited

WHAT TO DO:

•If you are not prepared or you plan to leave, leave now if the way is clear.

•There is ember attack ahead of the fire, so close all doors and windows, and turn off evaporative air conditioners, but keep water running through the system if possible.

•If you are well prepared and plan to actively defend your home, make final preparations now.

•Do not rely on mains water pressure as it may be affected. If you have access to a water tank and plan to defend your home, start patrolling with your hose and put out spot fires.

•If you are not at home, do not try to return as conditions in the area could be very dangerous.

SAFEST ROUTE:

If you live in the eastern part of Calista or Leda leave in a northerly direction. Do not travel along Wellard Road between Gilmore Avenue and Mandurah Road.

A fire in bushland in Kwinana is a possible threat to homes. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: News Limited

ROAD CLOSURES:

Avoid the area and be aware of fire and other emergency services personnel working on site.

A number of roads have been closed including:

•Wellard Road

•Gentle Road

•Stanyford Way

Vehicle control points have been set up along Mandurah Road at the following locations:

•Day Road

•Office Road

•Beach Street

•Richardson Road

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Teen gets seven years for rape

A 16-year-old boy who raped and threatened to kill a young woman in her Perth home last year has been sentenced to seven years' detention. Picture: File image Source: News Limited

A 16-YEAR-old boy who raped and threatened to kill a young woman in her Perth home last year has been sentenced to seven years' detention.

The teenager was armed with a knife when he broke into the woman's southern suburbs home in late September in the early hours of the morning and sexually assaulted her.

The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated sexual penetration without consent, one count of aggravated burglary and one count of create a false belief.

Today in the Perth Children's Court he was sentenced to a total of seven years immediate detention.

Harrowing details of the incident were read out in court today by Children's Court president Denis Reynolds, including how the woman grabbed the knife off her attacker and sustained cuts to her hands in the process.

The court heard how the victim was "convinced she was going to die."

The court was told the teenager broke into the woman's home via a window before entering her bedroom with a 30cm kitchen knife, threatening to kill her if she screamed before raping her.

The court heard the young woman grabbed the knife off him before the teenager grabbed it back again. She then managed to flee the house but the armed teen chased after her.

Realising there were people in the area outside, he fled the scene, but left many of his belongings behind.

Judge Reynolds labelled the teenager's actions "shocking, appalling and horribly wrong". He said the public would be "outraged" if he did not sentence the teenager to detention.

"The offending by you is right in the upper echelon of seriousness," Judge Reynolds said.

"There is a likelihood the impact of your offending will be long lasting on her (the victim).

"What you did was just so shocking, so appalling … horribly and seriously wrong."

Judge Reynolds said he did not believe the teenager had shown enough remorse for what he did. He said such attacks on young women had to be dealt with "firmly" by the courts.

"I don't expect you are nowhere near as remorseful as you should be," he said.

Sections of the young woman's victim impact statement were read out today in court. In part it read: "I was convinced I would die a lonely death."

The court heard the victim now suffered from panic attacks, nightmares and had sustained permanent scarring as a result of the attack.

Judge Reynolds noted the scars on her hand from being cut with the knife would remind her daily of what happened to her.

"Those scars will be a constant reminder," he said.

When the teenager appeared in court last month it was revealed that he had concocted a number of false stories to police during his interviews with them.

One such lie was that he was forced to break into the victim's home by a group of men who then forced him to commit the sexual assault.

All of the stories were proved false, hence he was charged by police with the offence create a false belief.

The teenager will be eligible for supervised release after serving half his sentence.

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Triple January rainfall in one day

Heavy rainfall has resulted in roads in the Kalgoorlie/Kambalda area being flooded. Picture: Travis Anderson Source: News Limited

INLAND parts of WA have received unseasonal and record-breaking rainfall, bringing floods to parts of the state that are normally parched.

The Bureau of Meteorology has observed a deep tropical low that moved inland overnight.

Coupled with a cloudband streaming to the southeast, it brought rain and thunderstorms to large parts of the state's inland areas.

Kalgoorlie-Boulder was drenched with 103mm in the 24 hours to 9am this morning, while 117.8mm fell at Leonora.

Heavy rainfall has resulted in roads in the Kalgoorlie/Kambalda area being flooded. Picture: Travis Anderson

A severe weather warning was in place this morning for areas between Israelite Bay, Laverton and Eucla, after earlier reaching to the Wheatbelt and Goldfields, including Kalgoorlie.

Flood warnings are in place for the De Grey River catchment and the Goldfields District, and people in towns including Laverton, Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie have been warned to take action.

Yesterday, Mingah Springs in the Gascoyne recorded 183.3mm, easily the biggest single-day deluge since the station was established and more than triple its entire January average.

Heavy rainfall has resulted in roads in the Kalgoorlie/Kambalda area being flooded. Picture: Travis Anderson

The previous record was 106.6mm in March 1999.

Broome wasn't far behind, copping 171mm to 9am yesterday, in its wettest January day for almost 17 years.

Other wet spots included Doolgunna (151mm) and Ned's Creek (110.4mm), which have average January rainfalls of less than 30mm.

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Officers suspended over unlocked cell

Five youth custodial officers have been suspended over allegations a cell was left unlocked at WA's only juvenile detention centre. Picture: File image Source: News Limited

FIVE youth custodial officers have been suspended over allegations a cell was left unlocked at WA's only juvenile detention centre.

The Department of Corrective Services has confirmed that it is conducting an investigation into the alleged incident which took place at Banksia Hill this week.

A spokesman told PerthNow an occupied cell had allegedly been left unlocked on Monday night.

He said five youth custodial officers had been suspended while the inquiry was being carried out.

It is understood no damage was caused to the cell or the detention centre.

The alleged incident comes exactly one year after more than 70 young offenders went on a violent rampage at the facility.

The incident caused around $400,000 worth of damage and led to more than 150 teenage boys being moved to Hakea prison, an adult facility for prisoners on remand or who had just been sentenced.

A report into the January 21 riot by the Inspector of Custodial Services Neil Morgan found the incident was "entirely predictable" saying there were warning signs that a serious incident could occur 18 months before it took place.

His report said moving juvenile offenders into a single facility led to the problems at Banksia Hill.

The Barnett Government shut down the Rangeview Remand Centre in 2012 to make way for the Wandoo Reintegration Facility which is run by private contractor Serco.

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Celebrities back 'anti-shark cull' campaign

Ricky Gervais is one of several UK celebrities publicly urging the WA Government to stop the planned shark catch-and-kill policy. Picture: Natalie Banks/Twitter Source: Supplied

RICKY Gervais and a host of other British celebrities have backed a campaign to stop WA's plan to catch-and-kill sharks.

The world famous comedian and prominent animal rights advocate was pictured holding an anti-cull sign at today's National TV Awards in London.

Olympians Rebecca Adlington and Tom Daley, comedians Keith Lemon and Alan Carr and reality show star Mark Wright were also photographed on Twitter weighing into the debate.

The high profile message to the Barnett Government said: "Listen to facts. Listen to science. Listen to reason. Stop the shark cull. #nosharkcull."

Gemma Care, who organised the stunt, tweeted: "Went to @OfficialNTAs tonight & got hugely appreciated celeb support for #NoSharkCull Campaign!"

Gervais has more than 5.4 million followers on Twitter, while Lemon is followed by over 1.2 million people.

Federal Environment Minister Greg Hunt this week granted the State Government a temporary exemption from national environment laws protecting great white sharks.

Up to 72 drumlines are due to be deployed after the government announced Fisheries staff would bait and monitor the hooks in Perth and a fisherman had been contracted to patrol the South-West.

More than 4000 people protested against the plan earlier this month and a second rally is planned for Cottesloe Beach at 10am on February 1.

The proposed policy has attracted worldwide media attention, with the Wall Street Journal among many overseas publications to pick up on the story.

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