Media denied access to alleged Tewantin teen torture case
Media have been denied access to court proceedings involving three teenagers who are alleged to have held another teen hostage and tortured her for several hours. Here is why.
Police & Courts
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Media outlets have been barred from attending court proceedings of three teenage girls who allegedly tortured another girl at a Tewantin home.
The Sunshine Coast Daily, 7NEWS, Nine News and ABC News applied in the Maroochydore Childrens Court on Thursday, April 6, to be present in the courtroom for matters involving three girls, aged 12, 13 and 14.
They have been charged with a number of serious offences over the alleged assault - captured on video - of a 13-year-old over a period of hours after she was lured to a Tewantin home.
Outlets argued journalists should have access to the courtroom for all mentions and hearings under the principle of open justice, and because it would not prejudice the children’s interests.
But defence barrister Laura Reece, who appeared as counsel for the girls, said media presence in the courtroom would be prejudicial to their interests.
Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist denied all four applications on the grounds there was too much outrage in the community over the alleged torture.
He said there was already enough content about the events for the public’s interest, including recent reporting of the Tewantin home where the alleged torture took place being burnt down.
He approved an order to allow the media outlets to report on the decision and why it had been denied.
Mr Stjernqvist said the girls’ charges before the court were serious, but the fallout over the matter in the community outweighed the community punishment.
He referenced the court proceedings regarding the Peregian Beach bushfires in 2019 - which involved a child - as a similar matter.
The 12 and 13-year-olds were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company, deprivation of liberty, enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, armed robbery while in company used personal violence, and unauthorised dealing with shop goods. The 13-year-old was also charged with common assault.
The 14-year-old faces four charges of assault occasioning bodily harm, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company, deprivation of liberty, enter dwelling and commit indictable offence, armed robbery while in company used personal violence and wilful damage.
Under Queensland law, Childrens Court matters are held before a magistrate in closed court unless permission is granted for media to attend.
Barrister Hamish Cliff represented 7NEWS and ABC, while Nine News and the Sunshine Coast Daily represented themselves.
Media can be given entry only if the court believes it would not prejudice the child’s interests. That is on top of laws making it an offence to identify children in the proceedings.
The girls are expected to be committed to the District Court at a later date.
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