‘Cowardly’ home invader on notice

A TEENAGER who broke into an elderly woman’s house and told the 72-year-old to lift up her skirt has been released after serving 131 days in detention.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, first came before the courts when he was 13.

He pleaded guilty to break and enter at night in company with threats, as well as wilful damage when he faced the Children’s Court of Queensland in Townsville on Monday.

In July last year the elderly victim spotted the boy and another teenager in her courtyard as she was heading to her clothesline. She headed back towards the house and attempted to close the door as the 17year-old threw a garden ornament at her.

Judge John Coker said fortunately the object did not hit the victim but it did smash, constituting the wilful damage.

The court heard the two teens forced their way into the woman’s home.

Ms Harrison said the accused asked the woman if she lived alone before telling her to “lift up your skirt”.

The elderly woman refused and said her husband had just arrived home, prompting the teens to flee the property.

Judge Coker described their actions as “cowardly”.

The court heard the victim, although not physically harmed, was distressed by the incident.

Defence barrister Michael Hibble said the defendant had a problem with alcohol.

Judge Coker said the 131 days the child had spent in custody was the appropriate amount of time and further ordered an 18-month probation order.

The teenager must not commit further offences in the 18-month period or risk being taken into custody and comply with other requirements as directed by Corrective Services.

Judge Coker decided the offending, on the back of the defendant’s criminal history, required convictions to be recorded, which is considered a last resort for youth.