Teen charged with 142 offences held on remand after arrest by specialist police

A Toowoomba magistrate struggled to physically carry the weight of a young girl’s voluminous court file during her appearance after her arrest by specialist police.

Two teens were arrested at a Gatton home on November 28, 2024.

One of the teenagers arrested during a dramatic exchange with specialist police in Gatton was at large in the community despite being charged with 138 offences, it can be revealed.

The 16-year girl was taken into custody at a Strong St home on Thursday, along with a 15-year-old boy.

Police will allege the pair had been sighted in a Toyota Kluger that was stolen from a Rangeville home on November 23.

There are unconfirmed reports that the vehicle was linked to several break and enter offences across Toowoomba in the past week.

The pair had their matters briefly mentioned in Toowoomba Childrens Court on Friday.

The court was told the girl’s charges now numbered 142 and acting magistrate Kay Ryan was seen to struggle as she lugged the voluminous file across her bench.

Included in the fresh charges from Thursday’s arrest were one count each of breaching bail, possessing drugs, possessing drug utensils and unlawful use of a motor vehicle

Defence solicitor Hamish Chapman did not apply for bail for his client, asking instead that the girl’s matters be adjourned to December 6, to marry with her existing case.

The boy is charged with 27 offences including seven burglary-type offences, two counts of unlawful use of a motor vehicle and one count each of possessing tainted firearms or ammunition, fleeing the scene of crash, dangerous driving and multiple drug offences.

His matters were adjourned to January 9.

Both alleged offenders will remain in custody.