Teen, 13, indecently assaulted while in custody at Southport Watchhouse

A teenage boy has been charged over shock allegations made while they were both being held in the Southport Watchhouse. Find out what happened.

A teenage boy was allegedly indecently assaulted at the Southport Watchhouse. Picture: Jerad Williams

A teenage boy was allegedly “indecently treated” and punched by another boy while they were both being held in the Southport Watchhouse.

It comes after Bulletin revelations that Southport Police Station was running at half strength – but police said they had sufficient staff to ensure the safety of prisoners and staff at the watchouse.

The are also recruiting an additional 15 watchhouse staff.

A 13-year-old boy was left traumatised after a 14-year-old old allegedly indecently treated him and punched him about 1pm on February 12.

Both boys were being held in custody at the time.

The 14-year-old boy has been charged with indecent treatment of a child and assault occasioning bodily harm.

The matter is currently before the Southport Children’s Court.

The revelations of the assault, comes after a whistleblower report found the Southport Police Station was operating at half strength at times.

The confidential report recommended future police recruits be assigned to the Southport Watchhouse.

A whistleblower told the Bulletin: “We’re going to high-risk situations overnight without backup. Southport has become the runt of the Gold Coast.

“A lot of officers are going on stress leave. No-one wants to work here. We are 30 per cent busier than other commands.”

In December last year the Bulletin also revealed police were being pulled from the beat from June 2022 to help cover shifts at the watchhouse.

The shortages were put down to staff illness but police maintained the watchhouse had been adequately staffed.

Gold Coast District Acting Superintendent Scott Knowles said the QPS had sufficient staff and resources at the watchhouse “to ensure the safety and security of prisoners and staff”.

“The QPS has contingency measures in place to ensure adequate staffing at the Southport

Watchhouse, as the safety and security of prisoners and staff is of paramount concern,” he said.

“The Southport Watchhouse is supported by Gold Coast District resources, with additional staff assigned to the watchhouse should custodial demand dictate.”

Acting Supt Knowles said police were currently recruiting an additional 15 custody officers as a part of the state government’s 2025 commitment.

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