No conviction for teen who took part in armed liquor store robbery

No Conviction for Teen Involved in Armed Liquor Store Robbery

A 14-year-old boy avoided a criminal conviction after pleading guilty to participating in an armed robbery at a Launceston liquor store, where staff and customers were threatened with a knife.

Details of the Incident

The teenager, whose name is withheld, was sentenced on Tuesday by Supreme Court Justice Michael Brett to 12 months’ probation for stealing $120 worth of alcohol from First Choice Liquor on March 12. The court learned the boy and another 14-year-old had been paid to steal alcohol from the Bathurst Street location. During the robbery, the other youth brandished a knife and threatened people inside.

Justice's Remarks and Context

“If you had done this as an adult, despite your young age, is not that far away, you would go to jail for a long time,” said Justice Brett.
“The worst thing about it is that the people who were threatened with the knife would have been very scared and listening to the victim impact statement, were very scared and traumatised by what happened.”

The court was told the boy had no prior knowledge of the knife but continued with the robbery after witnessing it, instructing staff to show where specific alcohol was kept.

Background and Subsequent Charges

The boy’s difficult childhood was noted, including times when he lacked proper adult care. He now resides with his grandmother, father, and uncle in a seemingly more stable home environment. After the robbery but before sentencing, the teenager was charged with further offenses including stealing and assault.

Summary: A teenager involved in an armed robbery was given probation instead of a conviction, reflecting his youth, difficult background, and absence of prior knowledge about the weapon involved.

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Pulse Tasmania Pulse Tasmania — 2025-11-07

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