Teenager charged over Alice Springs baby attack re-arrested after allegedly breaching bail in Lajamanu

A teenage boy charged over a horrific attack in Alice Springs which ended with a baby’s skull being fractured has been arrested after a day on the run.

Alice Springs Supreme Court. Picture: Katie Hall

A teenager charged in connection to a horrific attack in Alice Springs – which required a baby to be sent interstate for treatment – is back in police custody after allegedly spending about 24 hours on the run.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested Thursday afternoon after he allegedly breached his bail and went on the run in Lajamanu.

He was in the community on bail to attend his grandfather’s funeral.

He was granted bail on Monday by Supreme Court Justice Meredith Huntingford.

Police said the youth was found by members from the fugitive taskforce within the community just after 12pm – less than 24 hours from when he is first to have alleged to have escaped.

Lajamanu, Northern Territory. Picture: Bushtel

Despite being subject to “strict bail conditions”, the teen and “another community member” ran into the bush after stopping at a residence to “collect personal items”, police alleged.

He allegedly escaped custody about 2.45pm on Wednesday, police said.

NT Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said it was “disappointing” bail had been granted despite the DPP opposing.

“Community expectations need to have greater weight when assessing bail,” she said.

“Our government will continue to strengthen the law to put the rights of victims and the community ahead of offenders.”

Police said the teenager had been under the care of the Department of Children and Families while on bail.

He would be charged later on Thursday, police said.

Previously, the teen was charged with aggravated burglary, aggravated robbery, unlawfully causing serious harm, aggravated assault and theft after his December 11 arrest in connection to a home invasion in Larapinta.

Police responded to an incident where a two-month-old baby was allegedly attacked on Bokhara St on Wednesday. The baby needed to be flown out of Alice Springs to Adelaide for treatment. Picture: Gera Kazakov

The teenager was arrested and charged alongside a 17-year-old.

During the home invasion, two-month-old Antonia Siguenza had her skull fractured.

She and her mother Nicole were flown to Adelaide hospital for treatment.

Prior to his appearance before Justice Huntingford on Monday, the teen was in the Alice Springs Local Court on February 13, where he was again placed on remand.

It was later revealed both had been granted bail a collective 35 times before being arrested in relation to Alice Springs home invasion.

More to come.