Teenager sentenced in Rockhampton Court for grievous bodily harm

A boy has suffered “significant life changing injuries” in a violent, unprovoked attack by another teen who broke his nose, jaw and deformed his face.

Rockhampton Courthouse.

One Central Queensland teenager has suffered “life changing injuries” while another has walked free from court with no stain on his record.

Rockhampton District heard the victim, a boy aged 15-16, was sent to a Brisbane hospital for medical treatment and had to return due to complications.

The violent attack that changed this boy’s life occurred on April 24, 2023 when he was having fun with a friend at a car park, riding a bike and scooter.

Judge Jeff Clarke said the now 16-year-old offender, who by law cannot be named, was with others in a car when they pulled up and asked the boys if they had seen another child.

The boys responded they hadn’t and the victim’s friend called out to “have a good one” as the car drove away.

About five minutes later, the car returned and the teenager and others challenged the two boys about that comment.

Judge Clarke said without provocation or warning, the teenager then punched the victim to his face, knocking him to the ground and continued to kick him to his stomach, back and to the back of the helmet he was wearing.

“There was no need to do this,” he said.

“It was a gutless and mean-spirited thing to do.

“He offered no threat to you whatsoever.”

Judge Clarke said there was a problem with the victim’s medical treatment and other complications arose when he couldn’t eat solid foods.

He said the boy had become completely withdrawn and isolated and suffered significantly from anxiety and other mental health problems.

The boy had also been experiencing heart palpitations due to the fear and hypervigilance he was experiencing.

Judge Clarke said the teenage offender was unable to explain to police why he became so angry and attacked a stranger in such a violent way.

The teenager’s barrister, Liam Kennedy, said his client’s conduct was “reprehensible” but he was “truly remorseful for having caused that harm to this other young boy”.

Mr Kennedy said his client had no criminal history, it was his first time before the court, and he had not reoffended while on bail.

The teenager pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm.

Judge Clarke placed him on probation for 18 months.

No criminal conviction was recorded.

Originally published as Teenager sentenced in Rockhampton Court for grievous bodily harm