Darwin Local Court told Anglicare unable to take in 19-year-old alleged rapist
A teenager accused of raping a five-year-old boy has been denied bail after requesting a spot in a homelessness shelter also catering to children.
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A teenager accused of raping a five-year-old boy has been denied bail after requesting a spot in a homelessness shelter also catering to children.
On Monday Darwin Local Court judge Giles O’Brien-Hartcher quickly dismissed a bail application for the 19-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons.
It is alleged that the teenager sexually assaulted his young relative while in a remote community on February 4, 2025.
He was charged with sexual intercourse with a child under 10, and gross indecency with a child under 14.
The court has previously heard that the teenager had no criminal history, and did not have the financial means to return to the remote community if he were to be released on bail.
Last month Mr O’Brien-Hartcher ordered a bail assessment to see if there were enough “protective factors” that could be put in place to allow a safe bail plan for the teenager.
On Monday defence lawyer Callum Rose said he could not proceed with the bail application as Anglicare was unwilling to take on the alleged rapist.
“With matters of this nature, they’re not in a situation where they can take on individuals such as my client,” Mr Rose said.
Mr O’Brien-Hartcher said even if the application was continued, he was unwilling to release the 19-year-old to Anglicare “where there are children”.
Mr O’Brien-Hartcher said Mr Rose could make a different bail application “if something becomes available”.
He will remain in prison on remand, with his next appearance set for April 9 for a preliminary examination in custody.
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Originally published as Darwin Local Court told Anglicare unable to take in 19-year-old alleged rapist
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