Lane Cove: Boy, 15, makes bid for bail after allegedly ram raiding car in tobacco shop

A teenage boy who was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen car that ram raided a tobacconist on Sydney’s north shore was on bail for similar offences at the time of his arrest, a court has heard.

The tobacconist on the corner of Rosenthal Ave and Longueville Rd at Lane Cove. Picture: Richard Dobson

A 15-year-old boy – who is accused of being behind the wheel of a stolen car used in the ram raid of a tobacconist at Lane Cove – was allegedly on bail for similar offences at the time of his arrest.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was arrested at Werrington early on Wednesday, February 5, after he allegedly stole a Nissan Qashqai from an Emu Plains address and used it to ram raid a TSG Tobacco Station in Lane Cove about 4am that day.

He and a 16-year-old girl were arrested after police spotted the stolen car in St Marys and a chase ensued when the driver allegedly failed to stop the car.

The boy was charged with 11 offences – aggravated break and enter with intent while armed, take and drive conveyance without consent of owner, steal motor vehicle (two counts), enter dwelling with intent to steal, aggravated break and enter, police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously, damage property, enter enclosed lands without lawful excuse, use offensive weapon to prevent lawful detention and breach of bail.

The girl was charged with six offences – be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner (two counts), enter vehicle without consent of owner, stealing, aggravated break and enter and goods in custody.

The ram raid occurred about 4am on Tuesday. Picture: Richard Dobson

Both teens were refused bail and face the Children’s Court at Parramatta on Thursday.

During the boy’s appearance, where he made a bid for bail, the court was told he was on bail for similar offences at the time of his arrest.

The court was told the boy was subjected to the most strict bail conditions that could be imposed, and he was essentially under house arrest at the time of the alleged offences.

Bail was opposed by the police prosecutor, with concerns raised about the safety of the public and concerns the boy would continue to offend while on bail.

The boy’s lawyer told the court her client was already vulnerable, with a cognitive impairment and a history of instability.

Smashed glass litters the footpath outside the shop. Picture: Richard Dobson

She said her client was likely to be influenced by other young people in custody, which would have negative impacts on the community upon his release.

She suggested bail conditions including her client living at a certain address and being banned from interacting with any witnesses or co-offenders, and not be allowed to leave his address without the supervision of NDIS workers or Youth Justice.

However, the boy was denied bail and bail was revoked on earlier charges against him.

He then pleaded not guilty to all the fresh charges against him.

He is next expected to face court on February 20.

The girl was granted bail.