Teen hoon walks from jail
A 15-year-old Cairns hoon with five prior driving convictions who crashed a stolen Commodore into a ute injuring three occupants has walked free from court.
Just minutes before the smash, he had been attempting burn-outs and donuts on suburban Cairns streets.
The young lout ran from the scene of the collision – leaving one woman with a broken leg and arm and permanently deformed shoulder – and had to be chased down by police sniffer dogs, Queensland Children’s Court in Cairns heard yesterday.
He was released from court on nine-months’ probation and no conviction was recorded for the five charges, including breaking into a car, stealing a car and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing grievous bodily harm.
Judge Sarah Bradley noted the youth had already spent 260 days in a Brisbane detention centre.
The boy’s mother wept as she told the judge that her family was no longer able to trust the teenager at home.
He had also been caught attempting to steal from homes and businesses in September last year, the court was told.
Crown prosecutor Judy Collins said on September 18 the teenager entered a home on Hoare St, Manunda, and noticed the window of a Holden Commodore was open.
He got in the car and found keys in the glove box.
The court heard he drove the car erratically around Westcourt, revving the engine and attempting to do burn-outs and donuts.
Share this article
Snake charmer uses rum remedy
A MAN who was bitten on the penis by a deadly snake yesterday told how he used a cold rum can to soothe the pain while he rang his mother to say a final goodbye. more
Family cheers Maroons skipper
MAROONS skipper Cameron Smith had better come up with a Queensland victory in tonight's State of Origin rugby league clash or he might face some embarrassing questions next time he comes to Cairns for a family barbecue. more

Funds to fight flight cuts
TOURISM Minister Desley Boyle now has an $8 million war chest to combat a cut in Qantas flights between Cairns and Japan after the Federal Government today matched Queensland's $4 million emergency support package. more
Filthy creek fears
CAIRNS Regional Council has been accused of ignoring a car body in a city creek that could be leaking pollutants where dead fish have been found. more
Tourism money fight
TOURISM Minister Desley Boyle will today make a personal appeal to her federal counterpart for a major funding injection into the Far Northern tourism industry recovery plan. more




