Teenage accomplices seek release in Toowoomba

Two young men accused of targeting seniors in a string of armed and violent robberies sought release ahead of Christmas holidays.

Picture: File

Two teenagers accused of threatening elderly people in their homes have faced court on dozens of charges between them.

A 19-year-old and a 16-year-old Toowoomba boy appeared in Toowoomba courts on Thursday December 5 after police alleged the pair targeted multiple senior citizens in a string of violent home invasions.

The 19-year-old appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court seeking bail on 19 charges including burglary and two counts of robbery with actual violence armed and in company.

The 16-year-old was separately charged in Toowoomba Childrens Court with aggravated robbery and more than 26 other property offences.

In a bail application to the court, the 19-year-old’s solicitor Nick Bennett argued his risk of fleeing was low, with no history of breaching bail.

“There is no sensible suggestion he is a failure to appear,” he said.

Mr Bennett argued a condition to remain in his hometown, just across the New South Wales border, and a ban on entering Toowoomba would ensure his client’s good behaviour.

“(His mother) confirmed the suspicion that I held which is that when he is at home with his family (in New South Wales) there are no problems and he doesn’t find himself getting into trouble.

“The trouble seems to be when he comes to Toowoomba he finds himself in the company of other persons and he allegedly commits offences in their company.

“The key to reducing his risk of reoffending to acceptable levels is two fold: firstly keeping him in his home community and secondly, keeping him away from Toowoomba.

Prosecution claimed the man was an unacceptable risk to the community, having previous criminal history and outstanding matters in other jurisdictions.

“There are no conditions to mitigate the risk,” the prosecutor said.

“The condition put forward for the interstate address is entirely unsuitable.

“Interstate addresses cannot be enforced by Queensland Police, there is no capacity to monitor compliance with bail interstate.”

Magistrate Michelle Dooley ultimately refused bail, stating his proposed interstate address caused concerns for adequate monitoring.

“Sadly there is very little collaboration between Queensland and New South Wales police,” she said.

“(The alleged victims) are vulnerable persons, this is in every way a matter of great concern.

“My concerns are an unacceptable risk of failing to appear and committing further offences.”

In Toowoomba Childrens Court, the 16-year-old boy requested a week adjournment to sort a suitable bail address, despite his solicitor Michael Corbin conceding bail would be unlikely.

“I have already expressed my advice on the prospects of bail to (my client) so he’s aware,” Mr Corbin said.

He will appear in Toowoomba Childrens Court on December 12 for further mention.

Originally published as Teenage accomplices seek release in Toowoomba