Boy crim targeted elderly

A 15-YEAR-old Cairns boy has been jailed for committing 55 offences in a shocking twomonth crime spree that included targeting the elderly.

“You have shown a complete disregard for the property of others,” said Children’s Court of Queensland Judge Brad Farr SC.

His offending, between September and November last year, involved 16 burglaries, 11 unlawful uses of motor vehicles, five enter premises, five stealing and more.

The court was told the boy was often in company with others. The group would break into homes and steal a car to drive around the region and commit more offences.

Prosecutor Laura Moore, for the Crown, told the court the boy’s criminal history already included 76 convictions for similar offending.

“You should be utterly ashamed of yourself,” said Judge Farr.

“You have also developed … a pattern of targeting elderly people, sometimes in retirement homes.”

Defence barrister James Sheridan said his client spoke of his remorse just before pleading guilty yesterday, but Judge Farr said it carried “precious little weight” labelling the boy a “recidivist offender” at 15 years old.

The court was told of his dysfunctional upbringing.

“In those circumstances it’s hardly surprising you have turned out the way you have,” said Judge Farr.

The boy has already spent about eight months in custody.

Judge Farr sentenced him to 18 months detention to be released after serving just over 10 months and two years probation.

Convictions were recorded against 14 of the charges.