Man accused of assaulting children at Westfield Belconnen denied bail | Bega District News

An 18-year-old man is accused of assaulting two young children at Westfield Belconnen Shopping Centre, according to prosecutors. The alleged attack occurred on August 14 when the man allegedly kicked the two brothers, aged two and four, from behind. The toddler suffered a broken nose, while his older brother sustained head injuries.

The 18-year-old, whose name is suppressed due to a court order, appeared in the ACT Magistrates Court on August 17, facing charges of common assault and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Legal Aid lawyer Gillian Bilton argued for the man's bail, citing his vulnerabilities and the need for strict community conditions. However, prosecutor Marcus Dyason stated that the man's alleged behavior showed a pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals, and the proposed bail conditions did not sufficiently mitigate the risk he posed to the community.

Chief Magistrate Louise Taylor ultimately refused bail, citing the man's "impulsive, dangerous, and frightening" conduct and the elevated risk he posed. The case will return to court in September for a possible reapplication of bail.