Miles fumes over mass release

DEPUTY Premier Steven Miles slammed the release of 13 alleged youth offenders from a Townsville watchhouse as a “media stunt”, claiming the magistrate’s decision could jeopardise the safety of the community.

Police say they have stepped up patrols across Townsville after a magistrate released the alleged young perpetrators on a single day, including one detained for domestic violence offences.

It has been confirmed one of the children released has allegedly breached their bail conditions, though is not yet back in custody.

Mr Miles said the state government had repeatedly called on the Queensland courts to be harsher on young offenders amid a supposed youth crime wave.

“We’ve given them the tools and the resources now they need to act,” the Deputy Premier said of the courts.

“We cannot stand for a media stunt like this one from someone who clearly does not agree with our laws (that are) designed to keep dangerous offenders out of the community.”

The Office of the Chief Magistrate confirmed 13 young people who appeared in Townsville Children’s Court on Thursday were released on bail.

Police sources said Townsville magistrate Viviana Keegan “cracked the s **** ” and brought the children’s matters forward.

Nine of the children were released from the Townsville watch-house and four were released from Cleveland Youth Detention Centre.

The children were predominantly charged with allegedly committing property crimes, with one behind bars for domestic violence matters.

Police Minister Mark Ryan and Townsville-based MP Aaron Harper slammed the judiciary for the decision.