Steven James Naoum, a Perth orthodontist, has had a choking charge against him dropped following an apology to the victim, an 11-year-old boy he allegedly choked during a junior soccer match. The charge, which stemmed from an incident in May, was dismissed by the Perth Magistrates Court after prosecutors indicated they would discontinue the case due to the apology issued by Naoum. Magistrate Gregory Benn acknowledged the resolution of the matter through the letter of apology.

The incident involved Naoum approaching the young player during the match and allegedly applying pressure to his neck, which led to the charge of impeding the boy's normal breathing or blood circulation. Having pleaded not guilty, Naoum had been preparing for the case to go to trial before the charge's subsequent discontinuation. His release from court marks a significant turn in a case that had stirred public interest, especially among the local soccer community.

The ruling highlights the role of apologies in legal contexts, especially in minor criminal matters, where resolutions can sometimes be reached without proceeding to trial. Naoum's case reflects broader societal issues regarding the behavior of parents at youth sports events, underlining the necessity for maintaining sportsmanship and appropriate conduct, particularly among adult participants and spectators in potentially heated situations.