Court evacuated as accused teen arsonist sobs in dock
A 16-year-old accused of arson was restrained in court after his bail application was adjourned. The courtroom was evacuated as he sobbed and resisted being escorted out. This incident is part of a larger investigation into a series of violent crimes involving teenagers in Melbourne's nightlife scene.
- ▪The accused, known as HA, was upset after learning he would remain in youth detention for another week.
- ▪Four teenagers have been charged with the arson of the 80 Proof liquor warehouse, which caused over $1.5 million in damages.
- ▪The police operation, known as Operation Eclipse, has led to the arrest of more than 50 low-level offenders linked to a series of violent crimes.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.