16-year-old appears in Geraldton court after allegedly threatening man’s life in attack

A 16-year old boy who was previously denied bail for allegedly threatening a man’s life in an attack after stealing from a restaurant, has reappeared in court after his lawyer expressed concern his previous defence was not aware he had an intellectual disability.

The 16-year-old and an accomplice allegedly attacked a man who was laying intoxicated near the Geraldton Hotel on February 18, causing his head to swing back into a wall and threatening his life.

The alleged attack came after the two had allegedly broken into The Lemon Grass restaurant, stealing money and other items worth $138.

The boy appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday, charged with endangering the life, health or safety of a person, as well as aggravated burglary and stealing.

In a previous court appearance, a Northbridge magistrate denied his application for bail.

The boy’s lawyer Yassamin Olson said she was concerned his previous lawyer was not aware he had an intellectual disability, to the point that the boy was mostly non-verbal.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Paul White said he still believed bail should be denied, as the teenager had 16 pages worth of offences including burglary and dishonesty, although no violence offences.

Sen. Const White claimed the boy had told police in an interview that he “booted” the man because “he was mouthing off”.

Magistrate Angus Hockton said he would adjourn the bail application for a week to read the transcript of the previous magistrate’s decision and would come to a decision next Tuesday.

“It appears to be a strong case against you,” Mr Hockton told the teenager.

The boy’s 19-year old alleged accomplice, Glen Brett Calyun, appeared in Geraldton Magistrates Court on February 23 and was denied bail.

Mr Calyun will appear in court on March 30.