Media shut-out of court mention for teen charged with attempted murder of Harris Scarfe employee

Members of the media were left shut-out of court as the teenager charged with the alleged attempted murder of a young retail worker had his matter mentioned before a magistrate.

A sign placed in the window of Harris Scarfe in Moonah after an alleged stabbing. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Members of the media were left shut-out of court as the teenager charged with the alleged violent attempted murder of a young retail worker faced a magistrate.

The 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder, aggravated armed robbery and assault after allegedly inflicting a stabbing attack on a young male Harris Scarfe employee at the Moonah store on February 10.

The employee suffered a stab wound to the abdomen and was taken to the Royal Hobart Hospital in a critical but stable condition.

A 15-year-old boy was also charged with aggravated armed robbery and assault over the same incident.

Both teens were set to appear in Hobart children’s court on Tuesday morning.

A 13-year-old boy was charged with attempted murder over an alleged stabbing at the Moonah store. Picture: Mireille Merlet

Tasmania Police earlier that morning put out a public call for information on the incident.

They asked potential witnesses who may have seen a dark grey 2007 Holden Calais in the rear Harris Scarfe car park at about midday on the day of the incident to come forward.

In a statement, Tasmania Police said they were keen to speak with people who may have dashcam footage of the incident.

Businesses who have CCTV and may have captured the vehicle driving along or near Albert Rd, Moonah are also asked to contact police.

In court, however, members of the media were told by court security staff that they would not be granted access to sit in on the mention of both matters.

Attempts by the Mercury to make a verbal application to the magistrate were unsuccessful.

A lawyer outside of the courtroom said a verbal application would not be approved.

Reporters were told to move on from a seating area by staff, who said it was a “youth area”.

Several adults were also present in the area, but were not asked to move on.

Information on the incident can be reported to Glenorchy CIB on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The pair will return to court in March.