Teen basher used drugs during frenzied attacks
A teenager caught on camera stomping on a boy’s head outside Mornington McDonald’s was on illegal and prescription drugs and remembers little of the brutal attack. But as the 18-year-old awaits sentencing, his lawyer says he’s trying to turn his life around.
South East
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The lawyer for a violent teen who carried out two savage bashings in Frankston and Mornington says his client was using drugs at the time and doesn’t remember most of the vicious attacks.
Kieran Burke told Frankston Magistrates’ Court yesterday that Mitchell Loader, 18, was taking MDMA and Xanax tablets when he committed a series of brazen beatings and a car break-in last year.
Loader, who was on bail at the time, kicked, stomped on and shouted at a teenager in front of horrified onlookers at the McDonald’s carpark in Mornington in July. The frenzied attack was captured on CCTV.
A month earlier, he pulled a man to the ground by his ponytail at Bayside City Shopping Centre food court and repeatedly kicked him to the mouth in order to “teach a lesson” after the victim was allegedly involved in an altercation with Loader’s friends the previous day.
The court heard Loader was hospitalised in February for a drug overdose after he was arrested for allegedly stealing a car.
Loader, who has ADHD, has already spent 50 days in custody and was bailed on October 18.
Pushing for a corrections order, Mr Burke said his client had “severed all ties” with people who were also present at the time of the alleged crimes and that he had quit using drugs.
He said Loader had also joined the MAX Employment program.
“Time in custody was difficult for (Loader) given his mental health and that it was his first time in custody,” Mr Burke said.
“He spent a great deal of time reflecting on his conduct and why he was there.
“He has shown exceptional appliance to youth justice workers (and an) ability to comply with a corrections order.”
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But Magistrate Vicky Prapas said the teen’s offending was “distressing” and that the Bayside Shopping Centre food court attack was “up there” with Loader’s worst alleged offences.
“(The food court victim) is someone having his lunch in the presence of families and people,” she said.
“(Mitchell) inserted himself into other people’s problems and has acted violently against other people.
“(These) acts of violence with young men are prolific in the public.”
Loader has pleaded guilty to all charges and will reappear on January 23 for sentencing. Two others have been charged for their alleged part in the Mornington incident.