A 14-year-old girl, accused of filming and uploading footage of a violent and degrading assault on a 12-year-old girl at a northern Adelaide transport interchange, has been released on bail by an Adelaide youth court.
Court Hears Details of Alleged Joint Criminal Enterprise
The teenager, from Davoren Park, appeared in the Adelaide Youth Court on Friday alongside two other girls aged 15. The trio were arrested on New Year's Eve at the Salisbury Railway and Bus Interchange following reports a young girl had been stabbed.
While the two 15-year-olds, from Pooraka and Craigmore, did not apply for bail and remain in youth detention, the 14-year-old sought her release. Her lawyer argued she did not participate in the physical violence.
However, prosecutors alleged she was part of a joint criminal enterprise. They told the court she filmed the incident as the 12-year-old victim was stabbed twice. The footage was later posted online. The magistrate also heard evidence that the girl appeared to encourage the alleged attackers during the assault.
Bail Granted Despite Serious Charges
The 14-year-old faces charges of humiliating or degrading filming, affray, and assault. She has not yet entered pleas to these charges.
Magistrate Michael Jandy ultimately decided to grant her bail. A significant factor in his decision was the girl's lack of any prior criminal history.
Victim Suffers Complications from Stab Wounds
The court was told that emergency services were called to the Salisbury Interchange just before 7pm on Wednesday, December 31st, after reports of a brawl involving several youths.
Police arrived to find the 12-year-old girl with a stab wound to her abdomen. She received treatment at the scene before being taken to hospital. Her injuries were initially described as non-life-threatening.
In a concerning update, the court has now been informed that the young victim is experiencing complications linked to her wounds. The exact nature of these complications was not detailed in the hearing.
