Two youths, 12 and 14, arrested and charged with threatening to kill after firearm incident at Westfield Marion

A 12-year-old boy and 14-year-old girl have been charged with threatening to kill someone at Westfield Marion and one showed a security guard a firearm, a court has heard.

Two youths charged after an alleged firearm incident at Westfield Marion will stay behind bars, after a court heard one of the defendants “sought out” the victim.

A 14-year-old girl and 12-year-old boy both appeared in the Adelaide Youth Court on Thursday via video link where the “violent and brazen” details of the alleged attack on Wednesday night were heard.

Magistrate Alison Adair refused the Mitchell Park boy’s application for bail, saying that she was “concerned”.

“I’m concerned that you might reoffend, I’m concerned that you will breach your bail conditions, I’m concerned about the safety of the alleged victim, I’m concerned because of the very serious nature of these offences (and) I’m concerned that the weapon, which has not yet been located … may be interfered with,” she said.

“At this point in time it is not appropriate that you be granted bail.”

Prosecution alleged the boy appeared to know the victim, and highlighted the importance of their safety.


“When (the defendant) yelled out to the victim and said ‘hey I know you’, the victim then recognised the defendant,” prosecution alleged.


“We say that while the offending may have been opportunistic, there’s a strong possibility that the victim was sought out.

“This was a violent and brazen attack in public. “


They also alleged CCTV from Westfield Marion showed the male defendant travelling down an escalator with the firearm in hand, as well as lifting up his shirt to show the firearm to security guard.


His co-accused, a 14-year-old Seacombe Gardens girl was ordered a home detention report after prosecution stated they viewed both youths could impede the investigation.


The boy was denied bail, to which he replied “why?”, prompting Ms Adair to read out a comprehensive list of her concerns.


Westfield Marion Shopping Centre. Picture Mark Brake

In response to the missing firearm, the boy said “well I hope you don’t find it and goodbye”, before exiting the room.


Both youths will face court next month.

Anyone who locates the firearm is urged not to touch it and to contact police immediately on 131 444.

Any person with additional information regarding this incident is requested to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000.