Teen accused of trying to hijack Jetstar flight tested for psychiatric conditions

Medical testing for psychiatric conditions has commenced for the 17yo boy accused of trying to hijack a Jetstar flight with a gun and a bomb.

A teenager accused of trying to hijack a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport armed with a gun and a fake bomb has undergone medical testing amid concerns about his mental health. Picture: AFP

A teenager accused of trying to hijack a Jetstar flight at Avalon Airport armed with a gun and a fake bomb has undergone medical testing amid concerns about his mental health.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, allegedly entered through a hole in a fence, crossed the tarmac in high-vis gear and boarded the plane while carrying a loaded firearm on March 6.

On Tuesday, he faced a children’s court, where his lawyer revealed her client had recently undergone brain scans and would be assessed this week by a forensic child psychologist.

While there was no formal diagnosis, she said the teen could have underlying psychiatric conditions and further medical appointments were scheduled for later this year.

The teen was facing 12 charges including commonwealth charges of prejudicing the safe operation of an aircraft with intent to kill, attempted hijacking and assaulting an airline crew member.

The teen was restrained by passengers and staff. Picture: 7NEWS,

Four of those charges were formally withdrawn on Tuesday, including being a non-prohibited person in possession of a long arm, theft of two 12-gauge shotguns and a rifle, possessing cartridge ammunition while unlicensed, and driving as a learner while unsupervised.

Australian Federal Police were previously granted a suppression order prohibiting the identification of any “foreigner or foreign entities” linked to the teen after citing national security concerns.

A magistrate extended the order for a further three months, until the teen’s next substantive court hearing.

About 160 passengers were on the Sydney-bound flight when the boy allegedly walked up the stairs and boarded the plane while armed before he was tackled and restrained.

“I’ve got bombs in my bag,” he allegedly said.

The teen, who remains in custody, will return to court in October.

Originally published as Teen accused of trying to hijack Jetstar flight tested for psychiatric conditions