Queensland teens charged in excess of 200 offences appeal bail for second time

A 16-year-old charged with more than 100 offences will likely escape jail time if sentenced following an alleged four day crime spree.

Picture: File

Two teens alleged to have embarked on a four day crime spree across Queensland have sought bail for the second time.

A 16-year-old Inala boy and 17-year-old Warwick boy both appeared via video link in Toowoomba Children’s Court on September 19 to appeal for bail after being charged with a combined 223 charges following an alleged four day crime spree across Brisbane and the Darling Downs.

The two boys along with another juvenile co-accused allegedly travelled around Greater Brisbane and through to Gatton over four days breaking into various businesses, unlawfully using and driving multiple vehicles, taking extensive property and causing serious damage to property.

Both boys were additionally charged with offences alleged to have been committed earlier this year.

They were apprehended in Warwick on September 5 and have remained in custody since that time.

Solicitor for the 16-year-old Phil Stainton from Legal Aid Queensland argued it was unlikely his client would serve real jail time for the offences, given a lack of criminal history in Queensland, and therefore a risk of unjust incarceration was evident.

“It’s my submission that he’s not ultimately looking at an actual period of detention, even though there are a large number of offences,” he said.

Mr Stainton added the risk of reoffending would be safely reduced if his client were put under conditions to not contact the co-accused and be placed under a 24-hour curfew.

“All of the (alleged) offending occurs when he is with (the co-accused); there’s no indication that one is leading the other it’s just when the two of them are together,”

“No other offending has occurred with other young people, it’s just that one person,” he said.

Magistrate Kyna Morice countered there was evidence to suggest the alleged spree was somewhat calculated.

“At least for some of the offences there were (accusations of) balaclavas … implements to break windows,” she said.

“It’s a strong crown case, there is extensive evidence by way of CCTV footage, forensic evidence and social media posts.”

A solicitor for the Warwick teen said the boy would be supported by family if released on bail.

“He’s done about two weeks in custody for the first time in his life, which he is finding a very challenging experience.

“He has a very supportive family … his mother has made it very clear that co-offending young people involved with (his alleged) criminal offending are not welcome at her home anymore.”

Ms Morice denied bail on both occasions, ultimately deciding the risk to the community was too severe.

“There may not be any offences before the court where it is alleged people were harmed or injured or threatened; however the nature of these offences, the manner in which they are alleged to have occurred … places the community in danger.”

The Inala boy was charged with 111 offences and will appear back in Toowoomba Children’s Court on October 3.

The 17-year-old teen was charged with 112 offences and will appear in Toowoomba Children’s Court on October 10.

Originally published as Queensland teens charged in excess of 200 offences appeal bail for second time