Five Geraldton youth in Banksia over alleged Easter burglaries, stealing

A group of Geraldton youths accused of taking part in a crime spree over the Easter weekend will remain behind bars until at least Tuesday, when a magistrate will reconsider their bail pleas. Police charged 11 children — the youngest just 12 years old — with burglary, stealing and trespassing offences related to incidents alleged to have occurred on April 14 and 15. Of those charged, six appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday to apply for bail or enter pleas to the allegations. Magistrate Angus Hockton decided five of the children were to stay at Banskia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre while secure bail conditions could be organised. Just one of the accused was allowed to remain on bail, with the 14-year-old pleading guilty to trespassing, aggravated burglary, stealing and two counts of stealing a motor vehicle. The court was told the stolen items included a $500 mountain bike, a charity donation tin, a box of fundraising chocolates, a cash register and a trailer containing about $40,000 worth of tools. The level of involvement the child had in the incident was not revealed in court, with Mr Hockton requesting several reports before he sentenced the teen next month. Mr Hockton was reluctant to keep a 12-year-old accused in detention, but the child told the court he would not stay with his mother in Geraldton, and requested to be bailed to Carnarvon to live with his sister. Another was remanded in custody after he admitted he would likely abscond from the youth bail hostel if released. At least one youth was already on bail for other charges when the alleged offending occurred at the weekend.