A 17-year-old boy was allegedly tortured, bound with zip ties, wrapped in plastic, and dumped in bushland in Townsville, Australia, according to Queensland Police. The victim was discovered by a jogger on July 18.
Police allege the assault was carried out by a group of teenagers and adults, some of whom were related to the victim. Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Miles stated the attack was not random but orchestrated by a cohort of individuals. He indicated that the assault may have stemmed from "some commentary" the teenager made towards members of the group at a house prior to the incident, though he stressed this did not warrant the level of violence and injuries sustained.
The teenager was transported to Townsville University Hospital, where he underwent surgery for a spinal fracture, fractured tibia, and a broken nose.
Several individuals have been charged in connection with the alleged torture. On July 24, a 13-year-old boy was charged with grievous bodily harm and torture. On July 28, a 35-year-old woman was charged with similar offenses and is due to appear in court on September 28. A 14-year-old girl had previously been charged under the Youth Justice Act.
On August 10, seven individuals, aged between 14 and 40, appeared in Townsville Magistrates Court. Prosecutors told the court that two relatives of the teenager had made allegations about him leading up to the assault. The teenager was allegedly kicked and whipped with a "horse whip" before being left "crawling out onto the road," where the assault reportedly continued. A carload of individuals unknown to the teenager then allegedly arrived and assaulted him with a bat and a metal implement.
Police prosecutor Harriet Hearn described the case as involving "some of the most serious types of offences" seen in court, particularly given the alleged involvement of juveniles. One 15-year-old boy charged has a limited criminal history, with his defense lawyer arguing the case against him was circumstantial. Bail conditions for some co-accused were being reviewed, with matters adjourned to various dates in August.
