Balin Stewart’s alleged murderer released on bail

A boy, 17, accused of murdering popular Buddina teen Balin Stewart has been granted Supreme Court bail the same week a campaign to end knife violence kicks off.

The teen accused of the stabbing murder of much-loved Buddina teen Balin Stewart has been granted Supreme Court bail.

The boy, 17, who was charged with murder after Balin’s death outside his Iluka Ave home late Thursday, January 20, was granted bail in Brisbane on Thursday.

It was understood standard conditions had been applied to the boy’s bail including residential curfews and non-contact of prosecution witnesses.

A Queensland Corrective Services spokesman confirmed the accused was not in their custody.

Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer in charge Detective Senior Sergeant Phil Hurst said his team would “monitor and manage him while on bail”.

Family and friends of Balin Stewart took to his home beach at Buddina this week to pay tribute. Picture: Lachie Millard

The boy’s matters were first heard in Maroochydore Childrens Court on January 21 and were adjourned until March 30.

It comes as Balin’s heartbroken family and friends launched a campaign this week to bring an end to knife violence.

The #BinthebladeforBalin campaign kicked off this week with a website launching to urge youths to ditch the blades.

Balin’s father, Michael, earlier this week spoke out after the tragedy and revealed he’d implored Balin’s friends not to take matters into their own hands and to support the boy alleged to have murdered his son.

“I hold absolutely no malice towards the other kid,” Mr Stewart said earlier this week.

“Both kids are good kids.”

Police claim a fight outside Balin’s Iluka Ave, Buddina home took a tragic turn just after 11pm when a 17-year-old boy allegedly stabbed Balin in the torso.

Family, neighbours and paramedics tried desperately to save the popular Sunshine Coast Grammar School Year 11 student’s life but he died at the scene.

Mr Stewart said the boy, 17, who was charged with murder was distraught after the incident.

The alleged stabber – who was known to Balin – rang the police and ambulance immediately after the alleged incident.

Mr Stewart this week said they’d launched the campaign to ensure something positive came out of their son’s death.

“We want to rid the youth culture of today of the need to carry a knife,” Mr Stewart said.

“We want to make the Sunshine Coast a safer place.”

A celebration of Balin’s life will be held at Sunshine Coast Stadium, Bokarina, at 10am on Thursday, February 3 with attendees asked to wear a white shirt.