Boy, 14, bailed on culpable driving causing death charge after Joshua Stewart, 19, dies in alleged stolen car crash at Canberra

A child has been granted bail after allegedly running a red light before a stolen car crash in the ACT which claimed the life of a 19-year-old man and critically injured another boy. Here’s the latest.

The scene of the crash. Picture: Supplied

A 14-year-old boy has been accused of running a red light before a stolen car crash in the ACT which claimed the life of a 19-year-old man and critically injured another teenage boy.

The accused boy spent his first night in custody on remand after the crash at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Clarrie Hermes Drive at Spence about 11.50pm Wednesday.

It’s alleged the boy was driving a Toyota Avalon sedan which ran the red and was struck by a Toyota HiLux ute.

The aftermath. Picture: Supplied

Joshua Stewart tragically died in hospital, while a 14-year-old male passenger was treated for critical injuries. Paramedics also treated two occupants of the ute, but they dodged serious injury.

The child driver has been accused of driving a motor vehicle without consent, culpable driving of a motor vehicle causing death and two counts of culpable driving causing grievous bodily harm.

Court documents allege the 14-year-old stole the 2003 Avalon from Chisholm about 9.15pm on Wednesday.

Less than three hours later, the sedan was left a crumpled mess at the intersection.

The documents allege witnesses at the scene heard the young driver utter words to the effect of “I’m going to jail” and “I’ve just killed my mate” following the crash.

Mr Stewart was cut out of the Avalon, but succumbed to his injuries in Canberra Hospital

The 14-year-old boy has been described as in an unstable condition, likely fighting for his life.

Another 14-year-old Avalon passenger avoided serious injury.

During a bail application in ACT Childrens Court on Friday, defence lawyer Sam Lynch pushed for the boy’s release on strict conditions.

Police have charged the boy with four offences. Picture: ACT Policing

The boy recently came into the care of his mother in October 2023, after he spent time living with other family members, the court heard.

A case worker who spoke in court said the boy’s school attendance dropped due to distance.

She said the boy spent time “out and about” with his friends since moving.

Mr Lynch told the court the boy’s mum had criminal history – but “people absolutely can change”.

He provided a letter from Anglicare, which he said offered an “extremely positive” view of the woman’s parenting.

Prosecutor Mark Dyason opposed bail and claimed the crash was the “climax of an escalating pattern of behaviour”.

Mr Dyason said it painted a picture of a teenager who lived “the way he wants”.

Magistrate Glenn Theakston granted bail and said the boy had no criminal history. He effectively placed the child on house arrest.

Mr Theakston expressed concern that authorities had not made arrangements for the boy to be enrolled in a new school, despite moving several months ago.