Teenager placed on probation for prank

ONE of two 18-year-olds accused of sending police and a Queensland Fire and Emergency Services crew on a wild goose chase has been placed on 15 months probation.

Andrew James Squires and his mate had approached a QFES crew putting out a wheelie bin fire at the corner of Hill St and Anzac Ave about 1.55am, May 10.

The pair directed the fire crew to a suspicious object in the grounds of Glennie School nearby, Toowoomba Magistrates Court heard.

Police were then called to inspect the “device” which appeared to be a Rexona spray can to which a black and a white wire had been attached along with a Gcell battery, police prosecutor Sergeant Natalie Bugden told the court.

Leaves had been burnt near the device, she said.

It was found not to be dangerous and the pair denied any involvement in the placing of the device or the wheelie bin fire.

However, CCTV cameras on the street captured the duo lighting the wheelie bin fire, Sgt Bugden said.

Squires pleaded guilty to wilful damage, making a false call requesting fire and emergency services, and to an unrelated unlawful use of a motor vehicle charge.

His solicitor Nathan Bouchier said the offending was “very amateurish”, submitting his client’s friend was captured on CCTV camera wearing his school jumper which had his name on it.

His client had a number of mental health issues and he was in a mentoring program and receiving support from the Carbal Medical Centre, he said.

Noting Squires had no previous history, Magistrate Catherine Pirie ordered the conviction not be recorded.

The other teen will face court on August 15.