Boy, 13, granted bail after alleged crime spree across Brisbane’s south while on probation

An “out of control” youth on probation has been bailed to the same care facility he absconded from and embarked on an alleged crime spree throughout Brisbane’s south, a court has heard.

Police alleged the child was one of four people involved in the crime spree. Picture: Richard Walker

A young “out of control” youth on probation has been bailed to the same care facility he absconded from and embarked on an alleged crime spree, a court has heard.

The 13-year-old, who can’t be identified because of his young age, faced Brisbane Childrens Court on Saturday on about 20 offences ranging from car theft type charges to break and enters.

Police allege the child was one of four people who attempted to gain entry to several properties on Tweeddale Circuit, Drewvale at 3.30pm on April 21 and were unsuccessful.

They left in a black SUV and later that evening and into the following morning attempted to gain entry to several properties in Coorparoo, Carina, Camp Hill and Holland Park West, police allege.

Various property including keys, e-scooters at a few of the properties, a small amount of cash was allegedly stolen from a couple of properties, police said.

Police arrested the 13-year-old at Crestmead on Friday about 9pm.

Police Prosecutor Sergeant Matt Kahler opposed bail saying despite his young age the youth

“The defendant certainly has an unenviable criminal history. It seems every opportunity has been handed to try and get him to rehabilitate or comply with the law and it’s failed,” he said.

Sgt Kahler said the youth’s history included offences involving violence including two robberies that had seen him placed on probation that “clearly wasn’t working”. He mention the youth being involved in incidents where other people had held knives to victims’ throats.

“We have a string of offending here on the 22nd of April - a spree - of which there’s CCTV that captures him in this vehicle,” Sgt Kahler said.

“And then the two serious assaults by spitting at the youth detention centre.

“While he’s 13 years old he’s just an unacceptable risk to the community he’s just out of control.”

The boy faced the Qld Children's Court. . Picture: Supplied

Sgt Kahler said the youth, who was in the custody of Child Safety, had absconded from his care facility.

The court heard he was also on community service.

His Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service duty lawyer proposed bail conditions including a 24 hour curfew and no contact with any co-accused

“Given (he’s) young age, he’s only 13 years of age and while he does come before the court with a criminal history that is lengthy he has not been subject to any previous detention period before as a sentencing outcome,” he said.

The court heard the child, who has ADHD which is currently unmedicated, was educated to year 6 level but had expressed interest in returning to school where he should be in Yr 8.

Magistrate Bradforfd Taylor-Morgan said she was concerned about the child absconding from his care facility and his sentencing on April 4 for like offending and a breach of probation, which was extended for a further nine months along with a community service order.

Police allege he absconded from his care facility just two days later while Child Safety claimed he had only left for a few nights and stayed in contact with staff.

In relation to two probation orders he had reported on one occasion and failed to report on eight occasions, the court heard.

He had also failed to attend intake for the most recent probation order.

A Youth Justice solicitor suggested he be placed on a conditional bail program that would see him reporting to the department three to five days a week.

The court heard his co-accused - aged 14, 15 and 17 - were not living at the same care facility.

Ms Bradford-Morgan said she accepted police concerns but had been persuaded by the youth’s lawyer, Child Safety and Youth Justice, that the risks could be reduced to an accepted level with strict bail conditions.

“I am satisfied …that you should have an opportunity to be in the community awaiting these charges being finalised on strict conditions,” she said.

“You have placed yourself in a very difficult situation at a very young age.”

Speaking on the boy’s arrest Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Ben Henderson said everyone deserved to feel safe in their homes and neighbourhood.

“Police are dedicated to seeking justice for victims by holding perpetrators to account and strategically co-ordinate efforts to disrupt and prevent crime,” he said outside court.

Police are appealing for anyone that may have sighted this vehicle in those areas between 3.30pm on April 21 to 5am on April 22 to contact investigators.

Originally published as Boy, 13, granted bail after alleged crime spree across Brisbane’s south while on probation