Bail denied for man accused of kicking toddlers at Westfield Belconnen
An 18-year-old accused of kicking toddlers has been denied bail twice, over concerns about obsession with children.
An 18-year-old accused of assaulting two young brothers at Westfield Belconnen in August has been denied bail for the second time. The boys, aged two and four, were walking with their mother when he allegedly kicked them from behind.
The younger boy suffered a broken nose and his brother sustained head injuries. The accused applied for conditional release, saying he is vulnerable with significant mental impairments.
His lawyer proposed he live with his parents, stay five metres away from children, and only go out with two support workers. The magistrate refused.
He raised doubts about whether the teenager could understand or follow the child restrictions. He also questioned whether support workers could physically restrain him if needed.
- 2 and 4 years old
- Boys' ages
- Friday, August 14
- Attack date
- Westfield Belconnen, top floor
- Location
- 23 hours per day in cell
- Daily detention time
Why it mattersThe denial reflects courts' struggle to balance safeguarding children against duty of care for vulnerable offenders, with no clear resolution yet in sight.
AustraliaThe case raises difficult questions about how Australian courts protect children when accused people have severe mental disabilities.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 7 d ago
