Geraldton boy, 13, accused of assaulting courthouse security guards with capsicum spray remanded in custody

A 13-year-old boy who was remanded in custody last week is facing new charges after he allegedly armed himself with capsicum spray and used it to assault two security officers. The boy appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday via video link from Banksia Hill Juvenile Detention Centre after he was refused bail on August 12 over an alleged high-speed police chase in a stolen vehicle. The teenager appeared on the new charges, which allegedly occurred on the same day he was taken back into custody. Magistrate Kelly Thompson read the charges to him, which allege he was armed with capsicum spray when he assaulted a male and female security guard. Both officers work at the courthouse. He was charged with two counts of assaulting a public officer, carrying a controlled weapon, and possessing cannabis. The teenager is also charged with two counts of burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, no authority to drive, reckless driving to escape pursuit, stealing, endangering life, possess a controlled weapon and failing to stop. He has not entered any pleas. The matter was adjourned until September 10. Bail was not considered.