Boy, 16, in court for Jay Jays Gladstone theft, assault

A woman working at a Central Queensland clothing store chased after a young thief who turned around and assaulted her while making a derogatory comment.

A 16-year-old boy has faced Gladstone Children’s Court after stealing from Jay Jays Gladstone and assaulting a worker there. Generic image.

A teen boy has faced court after assaulting a clothing store worker and verbally abusing her during a brazen theft.

The 16-year-old boy pleaded guilty in Gladstone Children’s Court to assault and stealing.

The court heard that on August 27, the boy went to youth clothing store Jay Jays Gladstone with a co-offender.

Police prosecutor Kelvin Boyd said a short time later, the two offenders left the store - the 16-year-old boy with multiple clothing items he did not pay for.

Mr Boyd said the boy ran towards the automatic doors to exit the shopping centre but “in his hurry” he dropped some of the clothes.

The prosecutor said a female employee of Jay Jays chased after the boy.

“The defendant child (boy) stopped at the automatic doors of the shopping centre, turned to face (the female employee) and threw an article of clothing at her, striking her in the torso,” Mr Boyd said.

Gladstone Courthouse.

The employee picked up the thrown clothes and started walking back to the store.

“The co-offender walked towards (the employee) as she walked back to Jay Jays carrying the stolen clothing,” Mr Boyd said.

“The co-offender has turned towards (her), shoved her with two hands on her back, causing (her) to stumble forward.”

Mr Boyd said the 16-year-old boy then called the employee a “f***ing dog.”

A group of young women then confronted the two offenders and ushered them out of the shopping centre.

The court heard the boy had no offending history and Mr Boyd submitted a good behaviour order would be appropriate.

Solicitor Stephen White said the boy had been without a father figure in his life since birth and his mum was in court to support him.

Mr White said the boy was “remorseful and embarrassed” for his actions and the language he used on the day of the offending.

“He (boy) has indicated to me he’s very keen to finish (current year) at high school,” Mr White said.

“To his credit... he has embarked on a ready for work program.”

Magistrate Mary Buchanan placed the boy on a six-month good behaviour order and no conviction was recorded.