Geraldton teens involved in high school attack on student and teacher following fire receive no punishment

Four teenagers involved in school attacks have escaped punishment, while a fifth teen has been referred to participate in a court program. Five juveniles aged 14, 15 and 16 appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday on charges relating to multiple attacks on school grounds on June 2, following a house fire the day before which claimed the life of a fellow student and left two others seriously injured. A video circulated on social media showing several girls beating up a student at her desk and assaulting a teacher who intervened. A 16-year-old girl, who was charged with aggravated assault, assault occasioning bodily harm and assaulting a public officer, accepted responsibility for the attacks and pleaded guilty to the charges in court on Tuesday. The others involved, including three girls aged 14, 15 and 16, and a 16-year-old boy, who were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm and aggravated assault, had their charges amended to common assault on Tuesday after the court was told they engaged positively in court conferencing sessions. All four juveniles received no further punishment. The court was told the 16-year-old assaulted three students and a teacher performing work duties at a high school. The defence lawyer said emotions were heightened following the fatal blaze and the 16-year-old had “close ties” with the family affected by the fire. It was heard there were negative comments that emerged across the community that led the 16-year-old to make a decision she wouldn’t otherwise make, the lawyer said. Magistrate Angus Hockton issued the 16-year-old girl with a court conferencing referral to complete, like the others had been. He said if she engaged in the program positively, there would be no further punishment. She will reappear in court on October 10.