Teen boy in Rockhampton court over drug driving stolen car

A juvenile offender has been busted – thanks to his co-offender leaving behind crucial damning evidence at the crime scene – of a shocking dangerous stunt.

generic car headlights. Picture: Istock

A juvenile has been busted driving a stolen car with no hands while smoking a bong thanks to his co-offender leaving behind crucial evidence of the dangerous stunt at the crime scene.

The 17-year-old fronted Rockhampton Childrens Court this week charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle and two breaches of bail after being taken into custody and spending time in watch house custody.

Police prosecutor Mirren Smith said the keys to the victim’s vehicle were stolen after someone forced their way into the victim’s Norman Gardens residence on October 14.

She said the stolen vehicle was spotted being driven several times that night before it was located and recovered on Farm St at 7.30am the next day.

Ms Smith said the co-offender had taken photographs and videos during the joy ride and left the phone they were recorded on in the stolen car.

“In these videos, the defendant child is driving the stolen vehicle,” she said.

“While in control of the moving car, the defendant child removes both hands from the wheel to smoke a bong while the co-offender holds the steering wheel.

“It’s a very dangerous version of unlawful use of a motor vehicle.”

The child was arrested on October 28 and charged for the unlawful use and two breaches of bail where he breached curfew twice.

Defence lawyer Rebecca Winning said her client, lived with his older sister and her children as their parents died when they were quite young.

She said the defendant was working on the ring road project with Darumbal youth services prior to this offending.

“He was doing well and has unfortunately reoffended,” Ms Winning said.

Magistrate Philippa Beckinsale sighed with disappointment as she asked the child to stand for sentencing.

“Your sister must be tearing her hair out,” she said.

“She’s offering stability and a home.”

Ms Beckinsale told the child that her children would be looking up to him as he was older and he should feel some responsibility to behave.

The child pleaded guilty to the three offences and Ms Beckinsale placed the defendant on a 12-month probation order and no convictions were recorded.