Gang lookout jail term on hold

A YOUTH whose co-accused older brother broke the jaw of a hospital security guard in Yarrabah has been sentenced for his own petty crime spree.

The juvenile helped break into the Yarrabah Art Centre and acted as a lookout while his co-accused offenders broke into a house and stole keys, a laptop computer and a mobile phone.

Cairns District Court this month heard the gang were seen driving through the town in a car that had been taken from a school.

The youth was seen kicking in the accommodation doors at Yarrabah Hospital but fled when confronted by a security guard.

His older brother – who assaulted the guard with a stick and caused grievous bodily harm – was jailed for 12 months for his part in the crime.

Defending barrister Michael Dalton told the court the youth, who was 13 at time, had been associating with a bad crowd after the death of his grandmother.

“The offending took place at an age when he was starting to associate with negative aspects of his older siblings and friends,” Mr Dalton said.

“He has committed no further offences and is now in a better place.”

The youth pleaded guilty to offences including stealing, wilful damage, entering a premises, and unlawful use of a vehicle.

Judge Tracy Fantin said the youth was robbing from the community he lived in.

“Everybody uses the hospital, goes to the school and drives on the roads,” Judge Fantin said. “You are really harming everybody who lives in that community.”

She sentenced the youth to six months of probation.

“You have been given a chance by this order. You need to step up,” Judge Fantin said.