ABA Brave Youth Of The Year 2019

William Kelly

Citation:

Mr William John KELLY, WA

On the afternoon of 16 January 2017, Mr William Kelly went to the assistance of two women who were being attacked by a man in Western Australia.

William, then aged 12 years, was playing on the trampoline in the backyard of his home, while his mother and a friend were sitting on the home's front deck. His mother became aware of an unknown man in the front yard. She called out to the man telling him to leave, but he continued to stay in the yard.

William's mother then went into the garage where the man charged at her and began assaulting her. Ms Kelly's friend ran to her and attempted to pull the offender off, but the offender grabbed both women and began to drag them down the gravel driveway. He grabbed a rock and struck the woman, before continuing to assault Ms Kelly.

Concerned for the safety of his mother and her friend, William quickly jumped on the man to try and stop the attack. He then grabbed a small branch and struck the offender on the head. Diverted from the assault, the offender began chasing William around a car while shouting threats.

Using a mobile phone, William called police and stayed on the line for over 30 minutes, providing details of the offender and the assault. With the offender distracted, William's mother and her friend managed to make it to the safety of the house and William joined them a short while later.

For his actions, Mr Kelly is commended for brave conduct.