A 15-year-old teenager from Perth has been sentenced to three years in juvenile detention for what is believed to be Australia’s first school shooting incident. The incident occurred last May at the Atlantis Beach Baptist College, where the teenager fired three shots with rifles, causing staff and students to hide in cupboards and under desks.
Although no one was injured in the shooting, the judge noted that “good luck” had prevented a tragic outcome. The teenager’s lawyer argued for a non-custodial sentence, citing the teenager’s depression and undiagnosed autism spectrum disorder, as well as personal struggles such as a failed relationship and rumors being spread about him.
The teenager took two hunting rifles and ammunition from his father’s gun cabinet and fired shots at the school’s car park, prompting a police response and his eventual arrest. During a plea hearing, it was revealed that the teenager had searched the internet for information on school shootings and discussed his plans with a friend on social media.
The teenager pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including endangering lives, discharging a firearm, possessing firearms and ammunition, and driving without a license. His lawyer acknowledged the significant fear and distress caused by the incident.
The judge’s decision to impose a custodial sentence reflects the severity of the teenager’s actions and the potential harm caused to the school community. The case underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues and preventing access to firearms among youth to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
-BBC-
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