Bail matter adjourned for 13yo boy charged with violent extremist offences

A bail hearing for a 13-year-old boy accused of planning a violent extremist attack at a Queensland school has been adjourned. The boy, who faces charges including preparation to cause death or grievous bodily harm and possessing violent extremist material, was not present in the Hervey Bay Magistrates Court due to being in hospital.

His defense barrister, Clem Van Der Weegen, informed the court that the boy's doctor expects him to be released from hospital next week, once he is no longer a risk to himself or others. The boy himself wished to appear in court in person.

The teenager was initially arrested on May 28 after police responded to reports of a person with a knife threatening staff at a Maryborough service station. He was dealt with under the Youth Justice Act and released at the time.

Following further investigation, counter-terrorism detectives searched a Maryborough home and seized electronic devices. The boy was subsequently charged with two violent extremist offenses. The bail application was adjourned, with the matter to be transferred to Maryborough Children's Court on June 17, and the full brief of evidence due by July 24.

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at no risk to himself or others