Court halts bail for teenager after unprovoked mall attack on toddlers
An 18-year-old accused of unprovoked attack on toddlers remains in custody. A judge found his mother cannot safely supervise him.
An 18-year-old accused of knocking over two young brothers at Westfield Belconnen on August 14 has not been released on bail. The two-year-old suffered a broken nose.
The four-year-old brother had head injuries. Police allege it was an unprovoked attack.
The accused has an intellectual disability. His intellectual capacity is about 10 years old.
The ACT court heard he had over 40 police contacts since 2024. He has a history of impulsively running away.
The magistrate said his mother could not control him. The judge feared he would seriously injure another child if released.
The court adjourned the bail decision. It will hear evidence about whether proper carers can be arranged.
- 10 years old
- Intellectual capacity
- Over 40 since 2024
- Police contacts
- 2 and 4 years old
- Victims' ages
- Westfield Belconnen
- Attack location
Why it mattersThe case highlights the challenge of balancing child safety with care for young people who have serious disabilities and very limited impulse control.
AustraliaThe ruling affects how ACT courts balance community safety and duty of care for accused people with severe intellectual disabilities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
