Two teenagers charged following unprovoked assault on members of the public

Two teenagers have been charged with various offences after allegedly assaulting a man and two others who came to his aid yesterday afternoon.

About 1.50pm (Monday, 16 September 2024), a group of teenagers were observed causing a disturbance in the Canberra Centre, knocking over displays and shouting at members of the public.

They were approached by a 65-year-old man who reprimanded them for their behaviour, before exiting the centre.

A 16-year-old boy followed the man outside and allegedly struck him in the face multiple times, causing him to fall to the ground.

At this time, a bystander attempted to intervene and defend the man. He was also then allegedly struck in the face multiple times by the 16-year-old.

A second bystander then attempted to use her trolley to prevent any further assaults. She was allegedly struck in the back of the head by a 14-year-old girl with a shopping bag.

All three victims sustained serious facial and mouth injuries as a result of the alleged assault.

A short time after the alleged assaults occurred, the boy and girl fled the scene in a taxi.

They were located a short time later in the Canberra Outlet Centre, where the 16-year-old boy also allegedly stole a pair of shoes from a store. He attempted to flee from police, however was arrested following a short foot pursuit.

The 14-year-old girl was also arrested shortly after.

The 16-year-old boy, who was on bail at the time of the incident, will face the ACT Children’s Court this morning charged with two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, and theft.

The 14-year-old girl will face the ACT Children’s Court next month charged with common assault.