Boy, 12, faces Maroochydore Children’s court charged with stealing mum’s car and crashing

A 12-year-old boy has faced court after police allege he stole and crashed his mother’s car in a dangerous joy ride on the Sunshine Coast at the weekend – with witnesses saying he nearly killed children playing in the park. DETAILS.

Police arrested 12-year-old boy at the scene of the crash.

A 12-year-old boy has faced court after police allege he stole and crashed his mother’s car in a dangerous joy ride on the Sunshine Coast.

Witnesses said he nearly killed children playing in a park.

Detectives from the Sunshine Coast Child Protection and Investigation Unit have arrested the boy after an alleged stolen car crash at Nirimba on Sunday November 3.

Police alleged the boy stole a vehicle from his mother at her home at 5.30pm before crashing into a light pole a short time later.

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman said no one was physically injured.

“The boy was taken into police custody at the scene,” she said.

Witnesses shared their outrage at the alleged stolen car joyride online.

The 12-year-old boy has been charged with burglary, unlawful use of motor vehicle, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlicensed driving and obstruct police.

The 12-year-old boy appeared at the Maroochydore Children's Court today, Monday, November 4.

The boys’ solicitor requested to exclude media from the courtroom, arguing that a video circulating on social media — depicting part of the alleged offence and leading to some individuals identifying the boy — could potentially harm him if media presence continued.

In response, this publication requested to remain in the proceedings, stressing they would not disclose the boy’s identity and outlining the measures they would implement to ensure the boys identity would not be disclosed.

The prosecution also noted the recent legislative changes allowing media access to children’s courts in the interest of public transparency.

Ultimately, the magistrate ruled to close the court to media, acknowledging the risks involved and the potential for further identification of the child.

Originally published as Boy, 12, faces Maroochydore Children’s court charged with stealing mum’s car and crashing