Armed teens threaten to stab couple in terrifying home invasion

A TOWNSVILLE woman and her husband who were “terrorised” in their home by teenagers armed with knives had to lock themselves in their bedroom to call for help, a court has heard.

One of three boys involved in the home invasion was on

Thursday sentenced in the Childrens Court of Queensland.

The court was told the boy had just turned 13 before the offence on April 29, 2021 and was now 14.

It was heard that a woman heard a noise in the house before one of the co-offenders jumped out with a “big knife” in hand. The 13-year-old boy then approached her holding a fishing knife, while the third co-offender held a wooden baton.

The teens threatened the pair that if they didn’t hand over their keys and phones they’d be stabbed.

The pair rushed to the bedroom, slammed the door shut behind them and called the police, who later found the trio running along Stokes St.

The boy pleaded guilty to four charges including burglary by break with violence while armed, attempted armed robbery in company, enter premises with intent and one count of stealing.

It was heard he had spent 29 days on remand which had “not been a pleasant time”.

The boy’s lawyers submitted a nine-month probation order would be an appropriate penalty, taking into account factors including the boy’s “impressive” rehabilitation.

The court was told that while he had reoffended on bail, he had successfully completed a conditional bail program and had started a job.

Judge Gregory Lynham encouraged the boy to keep on the right side of the law.

“I hope for your sake you knuckle down, you keep going to school, take the advantages of earning some money working – as you are now,” he said.

“And you stop mixing with other kids who go around committing criminal offences.”