Three of five teenagers charged over Rangeway robbery of senior Ruth O’Brien on bail after release of 12yo

One of the teenagers accused of being involved in a violent robbery in Rangeway, in which an elderly woman was allegedly beaten with a broom stick, has been released on bail. Five teenagers aged between 12 and 15 are charged over the alleged robbery of senior Ruth O’Brien, who was left bloodied and bruised after an attack in her own home with a broom this month. The alleged incident was part of a series of burglary and stealing incidents in Rangeway, Webberton and Waggrakine early on Tuesday, June 11. In the days following the alleged robbery, three teenagers, aged 12, 13 and 15, were refused bail, while two others, aged 14 and 12, were granted bail. In Geraldton Children’s Court on Tuesday, a 12-year-old boy appeared via video link from Banksia Hill juvenile detention centre to apply for bail. He is yet to enter pleas to six counts of burglary, three counts of steal motor vehicle, trespass, obstruct police and two counts of assault public officer. He was refused bail on Thursday, June 13 after defence lawyer Eva Svanberg admitted the boy was breaching his 24-hour curfew because there was violence in the home. This week, Ms Svanberg said a restraining order had been placed on the responsible parent’s partner, and believed without him around the 12-year-old could comply with his curfew and stay at home. Magistrate Kelly Thompson granted the boy bail with a 24-hour curfew condition. She indicated she would consider relaxing the conditions if he complied with the curfew. The matter was adjourned until July 30. The 14-year-old, who is accused of assaulting Ms O’Brien, was also due to appear in court on Tuesday, but the matter was adjourned by consent until Tuesday, July 9. His bail was extended. Three co-accused are due to face court at a later date. Previously in court, Sen. Const Thomas Potts said Ms O’Brien was confronted by a group of youths after her back door was broken down. He said the 14-year-old struck her to the face multiple times with a pole. Sen. Const Potts said the teenagers stole her keys, purse and mobile phone, and drove her car to a Waggrakine address where motorbikes were stolen. It was previously said in court one of the teenagers poured Ms O’Brien a glass of water and passed her a tissue for the facial bleeding after the alleged assault. When Ms O’Brien spoke out, she said she forgave the group, holding no malice against them. She said youth needed more access to support and stability in the community.