When I think of backwards Australians attacking backpackers, the movie Wolf Creek always comes to mind (or Cargo, if you’re a fan of a more modern take).

Then again, with that 60 Minutes segment on the Henri van Breda attacks airing Down Under this past weekend, I guess South Africans can’t be too judgmental.

The latest Ozzie real-life horror story comes out of Western Australia, where two Finnish hikers were attacked by 36-year-old local Matt Whittaker.

Details via ABC:

[He] has been charged with one count of attempting to unlawfully kill a person, in relation to the incident, which took place on Saturday.

The incident happened not far from Perth in Paulls Valley, about 30 kilometres from the city centre and near the suburb of Kalamunda, where the trail — which runs 1000km from Perth to Albany — begins.

Police said a man and a woman from Finland, both aged 33, were walking the track when a driver ran down the man with his ute, before getting out and attacking him with a shovel.

According to police, the driver then “turned his attention” to the hiker’s female companion. Despite his injuries police said her partner managed to get up and struggled with the attacker, dragging him to the ground.

Police said the attacker only let go once the woman picked up the shovel and struck him. A passer-by stopped to help and the three of them restrained the driver until police arrived.

The male victim, his female companion and the driver of the vehicle were all taken to hospital.

Whittaker has been charged with making an unlawful attempt to kill.

Is that a fancy way of saying attempted murder?

The BBC spoke to a local guide, who was in shock:

Steve Sertis, a lead guide on the track, said he was shocked to hear about the incident.

“It is a very horrifying and random event – definitely not what we’d expect to see happen on the Bibbulmun Track”…

“Generally the track is a very safe place to be and to walk along, particularly around that area, which is not far from houses and quite a touristy location.”

He said the walking track was not designed for vehicle use, but was open to road access at some points.

Truth be told, it’s hard to protect against batshit crazy.

The suspect appeared briefly in court today, and he was not required to plead.

The court heard there were two stealing charges also to Mr Whittaker’s name, and the matter was adjourned until August 8.

[sources:abc&bbc]