A “confirmed” teen gang member – alleged to have been in the stolen car following Vyleen White’s fatal stabbing – returned to court last week accused of repeated breaches of his bail conditions.
The Ipswich Magistrates Court heard at the boy’s bail hearing on Thursday that he allegedly robbed a 14-year-old at knifepoint at a shopping centre – while on bail for a charge of unlawful use of a motor vehicle, linked to the fatal stabbing of Vyleen White.
The beloved Ipswich grandmother was stabbed in the carpark at Redbank Town Square on February 3, allegedly by a youth attempting to steal her car.
Acting Magistrate Rob Turra said the boy, 16, was not involved in the stabbing itself.
The boy was arrested and charged with breaching his bail on December 30, which he attempted to plead guilty to on New Year’s Day.
Defence lawyer Matthew Fairclough said that his client wished to be released back into the community immediately.
He was remanded in detention for his new breach of bail charge, and bail was revoked on his outstanding charges.
His matter was listed for mention at Ipswich Children’s Court on January 21.
State Road Toll at 15-year high
Queenslanders are being urged to drive safely and look out for each other after a devastating 2024 that saw a record number of people lose their lives or be seriously injured on our roads.
In 2024, 302 people were killed on Queensland roads, making it the worst year since 2009.
The most common contributing factors in serious and fatal crashes continue to be the Fatal Five – speeding, fatigue, distraction (including mobile phone use), incorrect seatbelt use, and drink and drug driving.
Speeding has continued to climb year-on-year as a key factor in fatal crashes, with drivers being urged to slow down and drive to the conditions.
Young drivers, aged 16 to 24, make up around 13% of licence holders in the state but are unfortunately involved in almost 30% of the fatal crashes on our roads, highlighting the need for education.
Regional Queensland is sadly where most road users are losing their lives, accounting for more than 60% of fatal crashes.
The Southern region (Darling Downs, Ipswich, and South-West Queensland) had the highest number of fatalities.
