14-year-old accused of obscene acts and sending 16 obscene pictures from stolen phone assessed for disability

A boy accused of performing obscene acts in public and sending nudes to the family who own a mobile phone he allegedly stole has been released on bail while the court waits on a learning disability assessment. The 14-year-old boy appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court from custody on Tuesday, charged with performing an obscene act, burglary, using a device to harass and stealing. He has not pleaded to the charges. The boy is accused of breaking into a home about 8.30pm and stealing an iPhone 5 and keys to the house and car. The court was told on Monday the accused captured 16 obscene pictures on the stolen device and sent them to the owner’s mother. Police prosecutor Sgt Ross Gray said the 14-year-old was arrested with the allegedly stolen phone, which also contained the lewd images. Defence lawyer Lauren Roycroft said there was a strong potential for the boy to be diagnosed with a learning disability, among other mental health issues, which if diagnosed would put him in an “incredibly vulnerable” position in detention. Ms Roycroft said there were safety plans in place to reduce potential harm to the community so the boy was able return to school two days per week. Magistrate Matthew Walton noted the accused had existing charges of performing an obscene act and ill treatment of an animal. He said the 14-year-old was showing a “thread of behaviour linked to significant mental health issues”. Despite “deep concerns” about the accused potentially causing harm in community, Mr Walton granted bail while the court waited for a report outlining any mental disabilities. Mr Walton said if the boy continued to do “rude things”, the reality was he would end up in detention. The 14-year-old is next due in court on Tuesday, May 7, when pleas will be entered.