A Gold Coast shopkeeper allegedly hit a 13-year-old girl who stole ice cream.
Xing Qian chased the girl at his Lucky 7 convenience store in Southport before allegedly beating her in front of witnesses, who said she was shocked.
"he slammed her head and body and grabbed her hair." Sheriff Tony Womard (Tony Wormald) said.
Xing replayed the store`s surveillance footage showing the two girls acting in his shop, and then he started chasing her.
Video shows the girl`s companion distracting Xing, while the 13-year-old appears to be hiding an ice cream under her shirt.
The frustrated shopkeeper reported to the police that the girl had stolen, but when the police arrived, he was accused of assaulting, causing bodily injuries.
Xing said his shop had been the target of thieves, adding that he had been beaten a few months ago while trying to stop another pickpocket from stealing.
The 13-year-old was taken to hospital with an elbow injury. She showed great remorse, and the police gave her a warning.
"I spoke to the victim behind the ambulance, and she made it clear that something had changed in her heart, and she knew it was wrong." Said Sheriff Tony Womard.
