Mother sobs alongside 12-year-old son as he’s denied bail over alleged assault on good Samaritan

A 12-year-old boy was remanded in custody on Sunday after being charged with multiple offenses following an alleged assault on a 60-year-old man who intervened during a theft attempt in Melbourne's western suburbs. The incident occurred on Saturday around 2 p.m. on Hampshire Road in Sunshine, where five teenagers, three boys aged 12, 13 and 15, and two girls, both 14, were accused of trying to steal items from a local shop. According to police, the shop employee was involved in a scuffle with the youths over the stolen goods. A nearby worker, who attempted to assist the shop staff, became the target of the attack. The man remains in critical condition at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, with authorities indicating he may not survive. The alleged attackers, all from the Brimbank and Banyule areas, were charged with affray, violent disorder, intentionally causing serious injury, and intentionally causing injury. Four of the suspects were arrested near the scene by protective service officers and transit safety division personnel. The 12-year-old boy was taken into custody at his home later that evening. On Sunday, Magistrate Robyn Hamilton ordered the remand of all five accused until August 7, citing concerns over their ages and the severity of the alleged crimes. During the hearing, the magistrate expressed concern over the potential outcome for the victim, stating that “within hours or days the victim will die.” Hamilton emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the case involved more than a simple act of violence. “This is not children just, you know, engaging in assault and running off,” she said. “This is a case where the victim is left in an unsurvivable situation. It really doesn’t get any more serious than that.” The emotional toll on the family of the 12-year-old was evident as the boy and his mother broke down during the court proceedings, unable to contain their distress as bail was denied for the minor. The incident has drawn attention amid recent legislative changes aimed at protecting workers in retail, fast food, and transportation sectors. Premier Ben Carroll announced earlier this month a strict policy against any form of abuse, intimidation, or assault directed at these workers. Under the new laws enacted in July, individuals found guilty of such acts could face a 12-month ban from the affected workplaces, with penalties including up to two years in prison or fines of up to $50,000 for repeat offenses. Speaking at the opening of the Ambulatory Care Centre at the Northern Hospital on Sunday morning, prior to formal charges being filed, Carroll stated that the perpetrators would face adult sentencing if convicted. “That’s why there is no tolerance for this sort of behaviour, it’s awful, and lifetime consequences for them, but also the offenders,” he said. He reiterated his commitment to community safety, placing it as a secondary priority behind the ongoing Big Build royal commission. “I’ve told him [Chief Commissioner] he’ll have every resource he needs to help us tackle violent crime,” Carroll added, referring to his recent meeting with the head of Victoria Police. The case highlights the intersection of youth justice and public safety, particularly under the new policies introduced by the state government. With the victims' conditions remaining dire, legal proceedings are expected to continue through August, with further hearings scheduled. The outcome of the trial could influence future discussions on juvenile justice reform and the enforcement of workplace protection laws. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the health status of the victim and the legal ramifications for the accused.