Alleged ramraiding juvenile bids for bail again in Townsville Children’s Court

A 16-year-old serial offender has applied for bail a second time, with her lawyer arguing she could stay away from Townsville to reduce her risk of reoffending.

Alleged ramraiding juvenile bids for bail again in Townsville Children’s Court

A “recidivist” juvenile offender, accused of a Townsville ramraiding, has applied for bail once again after she was knocked back last month due to the magistrate finding her an unacceptable risk of reoffending.

The 16-year-old girl appeared by video link from Cleveland Youth Detention Centre in Townsville Children’s Court on Thursday morning, having spent almost six weeks in custody.

In Queensland courts, juveniles are able to apply for bail multiple times, even after being rejected.

The girl has been charged with breaching bail and four offences of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, and originally applied for the bail on March 22 but it was rejected.

No pleas have been entered.

Her defence lawyer proposed bail conditions that could reduce her chances of reoffending, like remaining on Palm Island with a family member and not being able to visit Townsville where her alleged offending is said to have occurred.

Police prosecutor Tim Madsen opposed the bail request and said she was “very clearly a recidivist offender”.

“She was on bail for High Court matters while breaching bail for this offending,” he said.

He said three of the four unlawful use of motor vehicle charges were considered to be “serious offences” under the new laws.

Mr Madsen said the girl had a history of unlawful use of motor vehicles and dishonesty offences that were “concerning”.

“She has a very poor record and a 38 per cent compliance with bail rate,” he said.

He said the court could receive “no comfort” from any types of bail conditions to mitigate risks of her reoffending.

Magistrate Steven Mosch noted the girl was sentenced to 18 months’ probation in the District Court after pleading guilty to attempted robbery and unlawful use of a car but had remained in custody.

“She’s been sentenced to a restorative justice order, probation, community service orders and further probation,” His Honour said.

“Concerningly though, she has previously offended against the bail act, failing to appear in court although the last of that was 12 months ago.”

He highlighted that she had been convicted of 14 previous charges of breaching bail.

“It’s relevant to note it seems that on March 20, 2025 police issued a notice to appear for a breach of bail and five hours later with a further curfew check she was again in breach of her curfew,” he said.

His Honour also acknowledged the proposed condition for the girl to remain on Palm Island but said it was put forward that she often “skipped Palm Island” to attend Townsville.

“I’ve reached the same conclusion I reached on March 22, this young lady in my view remains an unacceptable risk of reoffending and endangering the community,” he said, ultimately refusing the girl’s bail application.

The charges were adjourned to May 13.

Originally published as Alleged ramraiding juvenile bids for bail again in Townsville Children’s Court