Police arrest prime offender in violent attempted robbery

A 15-year-old allegedly involved in a terrifying attempted home break-in has applied for bail, with his solicitor telling the court he isn’t a ‘seasoned offender’.

A teenager has been refused bail, accused of being involved in an alleged attempted home break in that saw the front door of a Glenvale home hacked with a machete.

A 15-year-old, who can not be identified for legal reasons, appeared in Toowoomba Children’s Court yesterday charged with threatening violence, two counts of attempted ­burglary, two counts of entering a premise with intent, attempted enter premise with intent and wilful damage.

Police allege the teen was part a group of juveniles who approached the Cinnamon Drive home shortly after 2.45am on Tuesday, but were disturbed by a man who lived at the address.

When confronted by the resident, the group ran away before two of the males allegedly chased after the victim, with one of the teenagers allegedly produced a machete-style weapon.

The court was told the man barricaded himself inside his home and phoned triple-0, with one of the teenagers then allegedly bashing the front door with the weapon.

In court on Wednesday police prosecutor Sergeant Natalie Bugden said police opposed the teen’s release on bail, citing that risk to the community of further offending was “quite high”.

“These are offences that are becoming violent, obviously the community is fed up,” she said.

In her bail application the teen’s solicitor Kirsty Smith said her client wasn’t a “seasoned offender” and that strict bail conditions could reduce the risk of further offending.

Acting magistrate Roger Stark said the teenager’s actions were “extremely concerning”, and refused his bail.

The teen will appear in Toowoomba Children’s Court again on Thursday.

Police investigations into the identity and whereabouts of the co-offenders continue and anyone with information about the offence should phone Policelink on 131 444.