An 11-year-old boy accused of holding his carers at ransom with a screwdriver because he wanted to get takeaway was on bail for 50 property crime and assault-related charges at the time of the offence. The boy was released on bail again yesterday, with a Townsville police officer concerned for the community’s safety. He was charged with kidnapping with ransom, a charge that warrants 10 years in prison for an adult, but even after police “strongly” objected to bail in Townsville’s Children’s Court yesterday, the 11-year-old was set free. Child Protection and Investigation Unit officer-in-charge Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles said the offence was very concerning and was unsure if the juvenile would face any actual time in custody.
