Teen sentenced over shopping centre stabbing charged after machete home invasion at Manly West
A teenager who only weeks ago was released after being sentenced for stabbing an army veteran in a shopping centre, has been hit with new charges following a violent home invasion.
Police & Courts
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An 18-year-old, previously sentenced for stabbing an army veteran in a shopping centre attack, has been arrested again just weeks after being released on a conditional release order.
This time the teen, whose identity remains suppressed under Queensland law due to prior juvenile proceedings, was charged with offences related to using a machete during a home invasion this week.
He appeared in Cleveland Magistrates Court on Thursday, to face the fresh charges which included entering a dwelling with intent, wilful damage, and robbery.
Police alleged the teen was involved in a break-in at a Manly West property on March 28, while a family including a 10-year-old girl was at home.
A 27-year-old Capalaba man was also charged in connection with the incident and is set to appear in court on April 28.
Police charged the teenager with assault occasioning bodily harm while armed in company, enter dwelling with intent at night while armed in company, robbery with actual violence while armed in company, and four counts of wilful damage.
The latest arrest comes just weeks after the teenager was sentenced for a violent attack on army veteran Chris Sanders in December 2023.
The Brisbane Children’s Court heard in March that the teen, who was homeless at the time, had a history of violent behaviour and was born addicted to drugs.
During Thursday’s hearing, Magistrate Deborah Vasta acknowledged the teen’s return to court, stating that the situation was disappointing.
“You have no control over what people say about you ... you do have control over the rest of your life,” she told the teen.
The teenager remains in custody and did not apply for bail.
Chris Sanders, 50, who was stabbed near the heart in the December 2023 Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre attack, was present in court.
He described himself as “gutted” over the court proceedings, expressing frustration with the justice system.
“I’m still struggling after the stabbing,” he said. “It’s hard to get my life back on track.”
State politicians have also weighed in on the case.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington lodged an application to the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal the March sentence.
Capalaba MP Russell Field, whose son and daughter-in-law died when hit by a teen driving a stolen car, also voiced his support for harsher penalties and the state government’s move this week to strengthen its Adult Crime, Adult Time laws to cover 33 additional youth offences.
“These won’t be the last changes, as it will take time to unwind previous laws,” he said, referencing this week’s amendments to Queensland’s youth justice policies.
The teenager’s next court appearance for the latest charges is scheduled for May 29 at Cleveland Magistrates Court.
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