Youth who assaulted woman sleeping rough admits to breaking into businesses

An 18-year-old teenager pleaded guilty in South Australia's Youth Court to causing harm with intent towards a sleeping rough woman. The attack occurred in November 2025, when the woman, aged 64, was sleeping near Mitcham Memorial Library in Hawthorn. The teenager also admitted to breaking into several businesses in Adelaide's southern suburbs during the same night.

He will be held in custody until his next court appearance in September. The prosecution had sought to send the case to the District Court due to its severity, but the defense is fighting to keep it in the Youth Court. The teenager, who has been diagnosed with ADHD and undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder, was described as highly vulnerable, along with the victim. Magistrate John Wells emphasized the importance of resolving the case for both parties.