Sawtell: Teen refused bail by Coffs court over alleged beach party stabbing

A teenager accused of stabbing a 16-year-old at a huge beach party in Sawtell has faced the children’s court in Coffs Harbour.

Bottles on Sawtell beach after the huge party which ended in violence on Sunday night.

A Coffs Harbour teenager accused of stabbing a 16-year-old boy at a massive beach party in Sawtell on Sunday night has appeared in court for the first time since his arrest.

The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested roughly 200km away at Lismore Police Station on Tuesday morning.

He was charged with affray and wounding a person with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The boy, aged 16, appeared in Coffs Harbour Children’s Court on Wednesday morning and was formally refused bail by Magistrate Ian Rodgers. He will appear before the court again on October 12.

Police allege that there were up to 100 people at the gathering at Murrays Beach on Sunday night when a fight broke out.

Chief Inspector Brendan Gorman urged the teen to come forward. Picture: Janine Watson

Police claim the alleged victim was stabbed multiple times during the fight and was rushed to Coffs Harbour hospital for treatment. He underwent surgery for the wounds and remains in a serious but stable condition.

Detectives established Strike Force Duper to investigate the incident, and inquiries are continuing.

The teenager’s arrest in Lismore came a day after Coffs Harbour police officer Chief Inspector Brendan Gorman fronted media, urging him to come forward.

Insp Gorman said police had a “large amount of video footage” including Snapchat videos which they were reviewing.