Fifteen-year-old Kimberley boy charged over theft of two firearms, cash and vehicle

A 15-year-old Kimberley boy has been charged after allegedly stealing a car which contained a large amount of cash and two firearms — with the firearms and money still missing. Appearing in Broome Magistrates Court on October 10, the court was told the juvenile — who cannot be named for legal reasons — had been deemed not fit to stand trial for several prior alleged crimes due to his Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnosis. Magistrate Anthony Sullivan weighed the juvenile’s condition against the risk of re-offending as he considered whether to grant the teenager bail. “I am persuaded on the psychological report that I received that there are some significant cognitive concerns with him and with holding a young man like himself in custody,” Magistrate Sullivan said. “He should be given one last opportunity on bail to essentially engage with the supports on offer but that is very much a fine balancing act considering the significant risk of reoffending.” During the hearing, Magistrate Sullivan also lambasted the police prosecution for a line in their submission that stated the disabled teenager would not learn his lesson until he had been punished. Magistrate Sullivan said he would take “no consideration” to that part of the police submission but did accept their request to extend the teenager’s bail conditions. The teen was granted bail on a strict police requested curfew. He must remain at his mother’s house 24-hours a day unless engaging with support services or attending TAFE. The matter was adjourned until October 21.