Alleged teen stabber remanded in custody
A TEENAGE boy accused of stabbing a teacher and two fellow Year 11 students at a high school in western Sydney is “shaken up by the whole situation”, his lawyer says.
The 16-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have attacked the trio at Bonnyrigg High School on Thursday morning.
He was arrested in a nearby shopping centre car park and later charged with wounding with intent to murder teacher Carolyn Cox and two counts of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the students.
Ms Cox, 48, had just opened the classroom when the teen allegedly stabbed her in the back about 8.45am.
A 16-year-old boy and 15year-old girl were allegedly stabbed in the chest and shoul- der blade respectively.
The accused teen did not appear at Parramatta Children’s Court yesterday and his defence lawyer, Ron Malouf, didn’t apply for bail.
The youth was remanded in custody and is due to appear in court via video-link March 3.
Mr Malouf told reporters outside court the facts alleged against his client didn’t support the charges.
“(He’s) a nice boy gener- ally,” Mr Malouf said. “He’s actually known to be a student with no bad reports, so this is quite a shock to everyone.”
He said police hadn’t identified a motive and didn’t comment on reports the alleged offender had been bullied.
“He’s a bit shaken up by the whole situation, as anyone would be,” the lawyer said.
The youth’s family is supporting him, Mr Malouf added. “They’re all quite eager to get to him and just be there for him for the moment.”
Ms Cox and the 16-year-old boy were taken to Liverpool Hospital in a stable condition.
Parents of the 15-year-old girl opted not to share her condition.
Magistrate Albert Sbrizzi on Friday granted three apprehended violence orders on behalf of the victims.
Mr Malouf said he would apply for bail at some stage.