A relation of the teenage boy killed in Boulder has been lauded for her bravery and courage after an image of her standing between police and protesters during a violent riot in Kalgoorlie emerged on Tuesday.
Hundreds of protesters pelted rocks and bottles at police officers standing guard outside court on Tuesday morning where a 55-year-old man charged with the manslaughter of a 14-year-old Indigenous boy was due to face Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court.
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Kalgoorlie Riots: Police under pressure
Protesters clash with police and storm the Kalgoorlie courthouse, over the death of a 14-year-old boy. Vision: Nine News Perth
Teenager Elijah Doughty died on Monday morning after the scooter he was riding, which was reported stolen on Sunday and was linked to the accused, was involved in a crash with the 55-year-old accused's Nissan Navara.
Dozens of protesters are expected to be charged over the Tuesday riots which forced court proceedings to be cancelled and the court room evacuated.
But one woman, Hayley Garlett, has been praised for her efforts to try and stem the violence.
Ms Garlett, who said she is a cousin of the deceased teenager was captured on video during the altercation standing between police and protesters with her arms held up.
After a photo of her courageous act was shared on social media, Ms Garlett was commended for her maturity in the face of an ugly and violent situation.
"This young lady deserves every recognition and commendation she can get for her act of bravery and maturity amongst scenes of violence and chaos," the post sharing the photo of Ms Garlett read.
![Indigenous woman Hayley Garlett puts herself in harms way.](/web/20160901175227im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/4/z/g/w/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gr4zk6.png/1472628022870.jpg)
"To stand between the police and her own people in an effort to keep the peace and prevent further harm is something that needs to be shared."
After, it was pointed out that a second woman had stepped forward to stand side by side with her, Ms Garlett identified herself and the other woman.
![Ms Garlett is joined by her mother between rioters and police in Kalgoorlie.](/web/20160901175227im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/4/z/g/x/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gr4zk6.png/1472608592889.jpg)
"Yes that was me and my mother," she said.
Ms Garlett said she and her mother stood strong to try and stop what was meant to be a peaceful protest from turning violent.
![Ms Garlett said she was trying to stop a peaceful protest from turning violent.](/web/20160901175227im_/http://www.watoday.com.au/content/dam/images/g/r/4/z/g/v/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gr4zk6.png/1472608592889.jpg)
"We really didn't want it to come to that, it was supposed to be a peaceful protest, I just don't understand how it got so out of control," she said.
However while tensions boiled over, resulting in up to 200 - mostly young people - attacking police, police vehicles and neighbouring businesses, Ms Garlett's actions, and those of her mother, were widely praised.
"Hayley Garlett, you showed maturity beyond your years. I saw this on the news and I shed tears because you were strong enough to stand tall and be a role model in all this hate. Well done, you will go far with a spirit like that.," wrote one commentor.
"Hayley you are an inspiration to women indigenous or otherwise," said another.
The man accused of killing Elijah Doughty will appear in Stirling Gardens Magistrate Court in Perth on Wednesday via video link from an undisclosed location following the riots.