Judge gives no jail time for 16yo who punched Woolworths security officer and stole eight meat trays

A teen who, with two other youths, assaulted Woolies security and stole meat trays, has been sentenced. Why a Tasmanian judge didn’t give him jail time.

Youths target meat trays at Howrah Woolworths. Picture: supplied and Google Maps

A Tasmanian judge has granted a youth offender a release and adjournment order after he was found guilty of punching a Woolworths loss prevention officer while trying to steal trays of meat.

The teen, who was aged 16 at the time of the offending, pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated robbery.

He, alongside two other youths, targeted the Howrah Woolworths supermarket in May 2023, where he took eight trays of meat and concealed them in his backpack while the other youths took unknown quantities.

The Woolworths store in Howrah, where the aggravated robbery occurred. Picture: Google Maps.

Justice Kate Cuthbertson stated that all three teens were approached by loss prevention officers, and an altercation broke out, where the 16-year-old punched one officer “once to the face and body”.

She also heard from the officers, who expressed the mental toll the incident had on them, including that the assault made them want to leave the state.

Since working with the Youth Justice Service and maintaining employment, Justice Cuthbertson said the young man had made good steps toward “positive changes”.

“It seems to me the supervision and assistance provided by Youth Justice had not had sufficient time to start to make an impact in 2023 when you committed this offence,” Justice Cuthbertson said.

A young man, who at 16-years-old punched a security guard and stole trays of meat, has been sentenced. Picture: NewsWire / Monique Harmer

“It is clear to me that the input of Youth Justice and your own efforts have resulted in significant change.

“I am satisfied that in the circumstances there is no need to impose further community service or supervision from Youth Justice.”

Justice Cuthbertson ordered that the youth be released and his matter adjourned for a period of 12 months on the condition that he does not reoffend.

Originally published as Judge gives no jail time for 16yo who punched Woolworths security officer and stole eight meat trays