A teenage boy who struck a 16-year-old in the face with a hammer while demanding his belongings on the way to school has avoided conviction.
The 17-year-old, identified only as HPB, was sentenced last week in the Supreme Court for several offences, including attempted aggravated armed robbery and attempted armed robbery.
The court heard that HPB called out to the first victim by name as he walked along New Town Road on November 30th of last year.
The victim approached HPB and was immediately struck in the face with a hammer after being told to “Give me all your s*** c***“, suffering a fractured cheekbone and left with blood on his hands.
Around 10 minutes later, HPB approached a group of teenagers, including a 14-year-old boy, while holding the hammer above his head and demanding they hand over their wallets and phones.
The 14-year-old ran away after HPB threw the hammer at another friend, missing him after a failed attempt to grab their phone.
“He was actively under the influence of methyl amphetamine and Xanax at the time of offending,” Justice Stephen Estcourt said.
“He instructs that he is aware that his behaviour when under the influence of drugs is vastly different to his normal behaviour.”
“HPB instructs his counsel that he knew the victims previously from school and had a generally friendly relationship with them and understands how upset they would be.”
“He instructs that he understands that victims would feel scared and that they would feel they had to look over their shoulders.”
“He described in his instructions that he would be devastated if someone did this to him or someone he was close to.”
In sentencing, Justice Estcourt said he saw “no reason” not to accept the recommendation of Youth Justice.
“Such an order would allow for him to repay the community for the harm that he has caused whilst ensuring that Youth Justice can support his involvement in alcohol and drug counselling,” he said.
HPB was sentenced to 70 hours of community service, cumulative to 40 hours previously imposed.
