A 17-year-old father's recent progress in turning his life around after going clean from illicit drugs has resulted in a five-month sentencing adjournment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The youth faced Albury Children's Court on Tuesday on charges related to an incident where he threatened to smash his partner's phone with a hammer.
But magistrate Richard Funston was so impressed by the positive steps made by the boy in the past three months he decided now would not be the time to finalise the matters.
IN OTHER NEWS:
Mr Funston said it was crucial the boy continued on this positive path, especially in staying off illicit drugs, and that he needed continuing access to rehabilitation.
He adjourned sentencing to December 13 under what is known as a Griffiths remand.
Rehabilitation, Mr Funston said, could continue in the meantime, pointing out that this would not be so readily available when the youth turned 18 just a week later and moved into the adult jurisdiction.
The North Albury boy previously pleaded guilty to common assault, to being armed with intent to commit an indictable offence and to two charges of contravening an apprehended violence order.
He was supported in court by his partner, who Mr Funston said had no doubt played a major role in his new approach.
The youth went to her North Albury home on March 24 about 11pm, despite being banned from making contact with her unless through a lawyer under an AVO granted just nine days' earlier.
They argued then she repeatedly asked him to leave but he refused, so she went to another room.
He walked in and tipped water over the victim.
The next day, after attending appointments, she returned to his sister's home as she was looking after the couple's baby, only to have him begin "yelling and swearing" at her while demanding her phone and password.
"The young person," police said, "has picked up a hammer that was located in the side door of the victim's car and has threatened to smash the victim's phone."
"I'll f ... ing hit you," he said, while raising the hammer.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter: @bordermail
- Follow us on Instagram @bordermail
- Follow us on Google News
