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12-year-old Geraldton juvenile back in court on new charges after being released from custody on Friday

Lachlan AllenGeraldton Guardian
A 12-year-old Geraldton boy who was released from Banksia Hill Detention Centre on Friday after ‘two potential suicide attempts’ has reappeared in court on new charges.
Camera IconA 12-year-old Geraldton boy who was released from Banksia Hill Detention Centre on Friday after ‘two potential suicide attempts’ has reappeared in court on new charges. Credit: Anita Kirkbright / Geraldton Gua

A 12-year-old Geraldton boy who was released from Banksia Hill Detention Centre on Friday after “two potential suicide attempts” is in court again on new charges.

The boy appeared from custody in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday charged with possession of stolen property, using a vehicle on a road without a licence, not wearing a helmet and behaving in a disorderly manner.

He is on his second strike for aggravated home burglary, among dozens of other charges and breaches, but was spared more jail time last week and given a final chance to curb his offending.

During his previous court appearance, the boy’s lawyer said the 12-year-old had been in Banksia Hill’s intensive supervision unit after “two potential suicide attempts”.

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This week, the court was told the boy was in possession of a stolen Honda motorcycle on Monday in Karloo.

It is alleged he used the vehicle on a road without a licence and also wasn’t wearing a helmet at the time.

He was arrested and conveyed to Geraldton Police Station, where he spent the night and is alleged to have behaved in a disorderly manner.

The boy’s lawyer Georgia Keysers said he was home with his mum at the time of the alleged offending.

She claimed the motorcycle was left on their property and the boy and his mum thought it was their cousin’s.

The motorcycle was reportedly left on their property.
Camera IconThe motorcycle was reportedly left on their property. Credit: Facebook

His mum told him not to go on the motorbike and when he didn’t listen she called the police.

Ms Keysers said the boy was meant to attend school on Monday, as part of a plan to put positive things in place for him.

Magistrate Angus Hockton agreed to release the boy on bail, outlining the lesser nature of the charges.

“Everyone wants you to succeed,” Mr Hockton said.

He will reappear in two weeks with a plea expected to be entered on this occasion. Under his bail conditions, the boy must abide by a 6pm to 6am curfew.

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