Prolific child offender returns to Geraldton court with charges of rioting, stealing, and burglary

A Geraldton boy with more than 130 convictions on his record, who previously avoided being sentenced to time in detention, has returned to court and been granted bail.

The 13-year-old, previously described as “one of Western Australia’s most prolific offenders” by a prosecutor, appeared in Geraldton Children’s Court on March 28, facing charges including stealing, criminal damage of property, aggravated burglary, stealing a motor vehicle, and causing damage during a riot on new year’s.

The boy had been in custody since February 21, and bail was previously had been denied.

Lawyer Fintan Roberts said the boy’s family would be moving into a new home where he would have his own room, and there was serious concern the boy would become institutionalised if he continued to spend time in custody.

Police prosecutor Senior Constable Paul White said he was concerned the boy’s mother lacked the necessary level of control of her son, and said the bail plan didn’t do enough to prevent him from reoffending.

“I don’t think it is enough to keep the community safe,” Sen. Const. White said.

Magistrate Angus Hockton granted the boy bail, and told him the choice between living a normal life, or spending his life in custody, was his.

“I’m going to give you the key to your cell,” Mr Hockton said.

The boy will appear again in court on April 11.