Alleged torturers to seek bail as 15yo assessed for electronic monitoring

A 15-year-old alleged torturer will undergo assessment for an electronic monitoring device to potentially secure bail, while multiple co-accused also seek bail following a severe assault case. The victim, a 17-year-old with an intellectual disability, was discovered in bushland, severely beaten, zip-tied, and wrapped in plastic.

In Townsville Magistrates Court, seven co-accused faced charges including torture. The police prosecutor revealed that a group had been socializing before the assault, which involved kicking, whipping with a horse whip, and further assaults with a bat and metal implement. The victim required surgery due to a broken nose, spinal fracture, fractured tibia, and other injuries.

The 15-year-old co-accused had received a prior court warning for other offenses. His defense lawyer argued the case against him was circumstantial and that he was only a participant, not a primary offender. Police found his fingerprints on the plastic wrap used during the assault. The magistrate expressed concern over the gravity of the charges, describing them as "outrageous," and noted that the case could take up to a year to resolve.

Bail for the 15-year-old, pending suitability assessment for an electronic monitoring device, was adjourned to August 13. Three co-accused seeking bail had their cases postponed until August 10.