DistantNews
Support us

Teen accused of planning terror attack on Peter Dutton and Brisbane march was making ‘edgy joke’, court told

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources In the courts
  • A teenager is on trial for allegedly planning a terror attack, including a nail bombing campaign.
  • The defense claims the accused was making "edgy jokes" due to being a "troubled kid."
  • The prosecution argues the teenager was serious about replicating acts of US domestic terrorists.

A Brisbane court is hearing the case of a teenager accused of preparing for a terrorist act, with the defense and prosecution presenting starkly contrasting views of the accused's intentions.

The teenager, whose identity is protected due to his age, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to planning a terrorist attack. The crown prosecutor asserted that the accused was serious in his intent, citing writings that mirrored the actions of US domestic terrorists. This portrayal paints a picture of a determined individual preparing for violence.

troubled kid

— Defence barristerDescribing the teenager's state of mind during the trial.

Conversely, the defense barrister argued that the teenager is a "troubled kid" whose writings were merely "edgy jokes." This perspective suggests the accused lacked genuine intent and was perhaps seeking attention or expressing himself inappropriately rather than planning an actual attack. The trial continues as the court weighs these opposing narratives to determine the teenager's culpability.

edgy joke

— Defence barristerClaiming the teenager's writings were not serious threats.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.