Teenager, 17, refused bail on rape, sexual assault charges on two young girls

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on serious sexual charges against two young girls where police allege he used his “very controlling nature” to isolate them from friends and family.

The teenager faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Tuesday by video from the watch-house. Picture: David Clark

A Sunshine Coast teenager has been refused bail after being accused of sexually assaulting two vulnerable young girls, with police claiming he used “controlling” behaviour to isolate them from friends and family.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be legally named, was granted bail on December 31 last year on charges of rape, sexual assault, choking, common assault and observation and recordings in breach of privacy.

He was arrested this week on a staggering 14 more charges.

The Maroochydore Children’s Court was told on Tuesday the fresh alleged offences included sexual and common assaults, with there now being two alleged victims.

Police prosecutor Jeanette Grigoris alleged the offences were “extremely serious” and objected to his conditional release due to him committing more offences while on bail.

Sergeant Grigoris said there was a real risk the 17-year-old would interfere with victims and witnesses, with the court hearing police statements were taken.

The court was told the second alleged victim disclosed what happened to her parents with her mother taking contemporaneous notes.

He applied for bail through the duty solicitor. Picture: David Clark

Police allege the young man had a “very controlling nature” where he would keep track of where one of the victims went, observed how far they were away and monitored their mobile phones.

“His behaviour involves isolating those victims from parents and peers … it appears he targets vulnerable female victims and uses controlling behaviour,” Sergeant Grigoris alleged.

She said if released on bail, the 17-year-old would allegedly continue to find vulnerable female victims and was a risk to young women.

Despite him living with his father and brother, Sergeant Grigoris believed there was not a lot of support for the young man, where police alleged the female victims would attend the teenager’s home.

Police allege there are two victims.

“He appears to be a defendant who has very concerning sexual tendencies … against young females,” the prosecutor alleged.

Duty lawyer Cherisse Breese pushed for the 17-year-old’s release, citing how the teenager had steady work and was willing to move to west of the Sunshine Coast if possible. He could also abide by other strict conditions, with Ms Breese stating the teenager had no criminal history.

In considering the teenager’s bail, magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist identified how the young man’s alleged offending stretched back to January last year and continued.

“The risks are palpable … protection’s paramount, bail’s refused,” Mr Stjernqvist said.

The teenager’s matters were adjourned to Wednesday.

Originally published as Teenager, 17, refused bail on rape, sexual assault charges on two young girls