Boy, 14, sentenced in Rockhampton court for attempted carjacking

A single Queensland mum attacked by a group of teens in a violent attempted carjacking has pleaded with one of the boys involved to become “a good person” as the devastating impact of the crime on her life was laid bare.

Leonie Mulheran was in Rockhampton where she was dragged from her car and put in August, 2023. Picture: Nigel Hallett

A single mum who was attacked by a group of juveniles in a “terrifying” attempted carjacking in Rockhampton says while she forgives one of the young boys involved, she wants him to understand the pain he has caused.

A 14-year-old boy, who by law cannot be named, was sentenced in the District Court in Rockhampton on Monday for his role in the violent offending on the evening of August 3, 2023.

Crown prosecutor Cameron Keast said the boy, who was 13 at the time, was a passenger in a stolen Toyota Corolla with a group of other children, including a 16-year-old girl.

Mr Keast said they pulled up alongside a woman at a set of lights and then attempted to “veer her off the road”.

“There was some cat and mouse,” he said.

Mr Keast said after stopping at the Moores Creek Rd intersection, the woman was pulled out of her car.

He said the teens could not start her car and demanded the victim help them.

She was grabbed by her hair and hit by the girl, who eventually fled with the boy back to the stolen Toyota Corolla.

Mr Keast said the boy, who has been in the Department of Child Safety’s care since his mother relinquished care of him about four years ago, stole confectionary from the Duaringa Service Station on their way to Woorabinda, where they were found the next day.

Leonie Mulheran was caught up in a terrifying carjacking ordeal at the hands of youths. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Judge Jeff Clarke said the boy’s offending had a terrible effect on the woman, Leonie Mulheran, who provided an impact statement.

Ms Mulheran has been so traumatised she can no longer work “fully” but must spend “a lot of money to get her treatment”, the court heard.

“This must have been a truly terrifying experience for this lady,” he said.

“She needs treatment for the problems with her mental health that she experiences as a consequence of being confronted with this.

“It is commendable that she prays for you, that she forgives you, but she wants you to understand the pain you have caused and to be a good person.”

The court heard the 16-year-old girl had been sentenced to 14 months detention.

Mr Keast said the boy, whose offending breached a probation order, had already served 79 days in detention.

He said the teen had a five-page criminal history, which comprised of mostly property and dishonesty offences.

“This offending is a serious escalation,” he said.

Defence barrister Liam Kennedy said although his client was not the ringleader, he was a willing participant.

“He didn’t actually inflict any violence to the victim,” he said.

Mr Kennedy said being in custody for the first time was an “eye-opening experience” for his client and that he was now more willing to engage in the support offered to him to address the issues that led to him committing offences.

The court heard the boy was exposed to alleged domestic violence and substance misuse as a child.

The boy pleaded guilty on February 25 to one count each of unlawful use of motor vehicle, attempted robbery in company and stealing.

Judge Clarke ordered him to 18 months probation.

No criminal conviction was recorded.