Boy, 12, set to receive youth caution after knife produced in playground brawl

The boy had been on bail on an unrelated charge for less than 24 hours when he arrived at the school, armed with a knife, court documents said.

A 12-year-old boy who threatened another student with a knife during a brawl at a Campbelltown high school is expected to be let off with a youth caution, a court has heard.

The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been on court bail on an unrelated charge for less than 24 hours when he arrived at Airds High School on the afternoon of August 6, armed with a large knife.

According to court documents, the boy produced the weapon and threatened another student during a confrontation just before the end of the school day.

A physical altercation occurred between the boy and a witness to the incident who had tried to disarm him, the court heard.

Police were called to the scene but the boy fled before they arrived.

He was arrested a short time later at his home and taken to Campbelltown Police Station where he was charged with breaching his bail.

The court heard the boy was remanded in custody overnight but released under the conditions of his previous bail by a children’s court magistrate on Wednesday, despite objections by police.

Court documents said the teen made admissions about his role in the knife incident when interviewed by police, who determined to dispose of the matter with a formal youth caution at a later date.

Under NSW legislation, police officers can give formal cautions to juvenile offenders if they admit their crimes.

The boy’s lawyer told the court his client had “learned his lesson” after spending the night behind bars.

The boy sat quietly with his hand in his pockets during the proceedings as he was flanked by two juvenile justice officers.

His mother was not present in court due to child care commitments but dialled into the proceedings via telephone.

Magistrate Cathy Tawagi noted the boy’s “tender age” and limited criminal history in deciding to grant bail.

“The alleged offending that occurred at the school is serious,” she said.

“I’m hoping that the caution you will receive will help you understand how wrong it was to do what you did at the school.”

As part of his bail, the boy must live with his family and abide by a nighttime curfew.

The case will return to court later this month.