Arabic version: منح مراهق إفراجاً بكفالة في قضية قتل كلفن غروف

According to ABC News, a 15-year-old boy charged with murder over the death of a 27-year-old man following an alleged carjacking in Kelvin Grove has been granted bail by the Childrens Court of Queensland in Brisbane. The charge was upgraded from offences including robbery in company and grievous bodily harm after the man died in August.

Police arrested the teenager and six other children aged 14 to 17 in July in connection with the alleged attack. The group allegedly dragged the man from his car, beat him and stole his ute. The man was allegedly run over while trying to stop them from leaving in his vehicle.

The court heard the incident was captured on video and that Judge Anthony Rafter described the footage as “fairly compelling evidence” of the teenager kicking and punching the man. Defence lawyer Ria Ku said her client denied participating in planning to specifically target the man and was in the rear passenger seat when the man was struck. She said the issue at trial would be his level of involvement.

Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Greg Cummings said the video and other statements disputed an earlier comment about “going to bash a paedophile”. He told the court the recording showed a violent attack intended to steal, with no altruistic purpose. An autopsy report remained outstanding, and the prosecution said it could not yet determine whether the death resulted from injuries in the initial assault or from the man being “flung” from the ute.

Judge Rafter said the evidence indicated the teenager played an active role in a “prolonged and brutal assault” and that the Crown case on the violent assault appeared very strong. But he said the case for murder or manslaughter had only “some substance” without the autopsy. Bail conditions require the boy to wear an ankle tracking monitor, observe a 24-hour curfew, remain accompanied when leaving home, and avoid contact with co-accused and witnesses.