Teen accused of assaulting two toddlers at Canberra mall denied bail
An 18-year-old man facing charges for allegedly kicking two brothers, aged two and four, during an unprovoked incident at a shopping centre in Canberra has been denied bail.
An 18-year-old man facing charges for allegedly kicking
An 18-year-old man facing charges for allegedly kicking two brothers, aged two and four, during an unprovoked incident at a shopping centre in Canberra has been denied bail.
The attack occurred at a mall in the suburb of Belconnen on Thursday afternoon. Police allege the man approached the young children and kicked them without any prior interaction or provocation. The boys, who were with their family at the time, sustained minor injuries and were treated at the scene by paramedics.
Officers arrested the suspect shortly after the incident, following reports from witnesses who pointed him out to authorities. He was taken into custody and later charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, as well as a charge of common assault.
During a hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court
During a hearing at the ACT Magistrates Court on Friday, prosecutors argued that the man posed an unacceptable risk to the community, citing the unprovoked nature of the alleged attack and the vulnerability of the victims. The defence did not oppose the bail refusal, and Magistrate James Stewart formally remanded the man in custody.
A family spokesperson expressed relief that the boys were not more seriously hurt, but said the incident has left them shaken. The children are reportedly recovering at home with their parents.
The man is scheduled to appear in court again next month. Police have confirmed that they are not treating the incident as gang-related or terror-linked, and have urged anyone with further information to come forward.