Boys should apologise to victims over crime spree: Magistrate

A magistrate has urged juvenile justice authorities to arrange for the boys involved in a 24-hour crime spree in the small town of Yalgoo to apologise face-to-face to their victims.

The two 14-year-olds pleaded guilty to six aggravated burglary and stealing charges at four homes, the Yalgoo Primary School and the local shire depot, as well as stealing a motor car without the owner’s consent.

Geraldton Children’s Court was told the offences occurred on April 13 and 14.

The boys stole food items with a total value of $95 from the homes.

Magistrate Donna Webb said the crime spree would have had a devastating impact on the small community.

She recommended a form of court conferencing in which the boys would apologise to their victims as well as undertake other programs administered by the Juvenile Justice Team.

One of the boys who had an extensive record was also placed on a six-month intensive youth supervision order.