By PETER ROWE

The man who cable-tied three children in WA’s north in March has appeared before Broome Magistrate’s Court where his lawyer argued his client had carried out a “lawful” citizen’s arrest.

Matej Radelic, 46, had pleaded not guilty to three counts of aggravated common assault when he appeared in court in April.

Mr Radelic claimed he had restrained three children after he had discovered them on his property swimmming in his pool, before calling police.

Police prosecutors called the man’s acts as “dehumanising”.

Mr Radelic admitted he cable-tied the children’s hands together before phoning police but facts agreed by both prosecution and defence stated the children’s actions constituted “trespass and criminal damage” to the Cable Beach property.

The trial however, focused on whether the force Mr Radelic used against the children was reasonable and necessary.

Later Seamus Rafferty argued it was, while Mícheál Gregg argued it was excessive.

After listening to the evidence, Magistrate Potter said he would reserve his decision on the matter and Mr Radelic was granted bail, to reappear on October 4.