Some charges dropped against teen allegedly involved in Glen Eira abduction case
A teen boy allegedly involved in the abduction of a Glen Eira College student in a terrifying daylight attack has had some of his charges dropped as he was bailed again.
South East
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A teen boy involved in the alleged abduction of another child in a terrifying daylight attack in Glen Eira will have some of his charges dropped.
The 15-year-old boy and two other teens – none of whom can be named for legal reasons – are accused of abducting Glen Eira College student Benjamin Phikhohpoom before throwing him out of their car and running him over in broad daylight near his school in September last year.
15-year-old Benjamin was walking home from school in Glen Eira when he was allegedly pulled into a car by three people, stabbed and then dragged 150m, before being run over when he was hurled from the moving vehicle.
He was in an induced coma for almost a week with brain and spinal injuries and spent several weeks in the Royal Children’s Hospital.
On Monday one of the accused — a 15-year-old boy — fronted a children’s court where he sat in the front row, supported by a man believed to be a family member.
The magistrate said it was a “very, very serious” case and the stakes were “high”.
He said the boy’s case had been through eight or nine mentions and needed to progress to the next stage.
The prosecution told the court there was CCTV footage evidence and several witnesses who saw the attack, including high school students.
However, the defence lawyer argued the footage was not clear enough and therefore could not prove her client was involved.
After a brief adjournment, the defence told the court the boy would plead guilty to a reduced number of charges at his next hearing.
The teen’s bail was extended until he returns to court later this week.
After the attack Benjamin’s father, Kirati, said he was shocked teenagers were allegedly behind the brutal abduction.
“It’s really sad what happened … we haven’t slept for days,” he told the Herald Sun.
“I can’t believe this has happened. (My son is) a really good kid (that is) really smart.”