A juvenile suspect in a murder case has inquired as to why she is unable to be with other children until a court is informed about the renovations being made to custom housing for her.
The 12-year-old girl—whose identity is withheld for legal purposes—is accused of killing a 37-year-old woman on November 16 by stabbing her to death in Footscray, an inner-west suburb of Melbourne.
She was released on bond to a safe welfare facility after being accused of murder.
In December, the Department of Families, Fairness, and Housing submitted an application to remove her bail, stating that she had been more aggressive and that they could no longer guarantee the girl’s safety or that of the staff or other residents.
The department testified in court that the woman had threatened to “burn the place down” and kill the facility’s employees and other youngsters.
She was permitted to remain at the safe welfare facility, but the court has to assess her residence every 21 days after a Supreme Court judge denied the department’s application.
The 12-year-old girl was ordered to stay at the facility until February 19 when the case was brought back before the court today, and she was able to watch via video link.
During her meeting with her lawyer yesterday, the girl’s lawyer stated that she had questioned the court “how long she will remain at secure welfare and why she’s unable to associate with other children”.
The department’s solicitors gave the court an update on the state of work on the custom-built residence it intends to use as the girl’s future home.
“The building works required for the child to safely reside in the home have all been identified, a building contractor has been engaged to undertake all the building works,” the attorney for the DFFH stated.
She stated that plans for perimeter fencing around the property had been commissioned from an architect and engineer, but that clearance from the local council would be necessary.
“The council will not commit to a time frame for granting a building permit,” she stated.
The judge requested that the department submit a timeline to the court detailing the following actions, including the date of the council application for planning.
“The court considers this matter to be extremely urgent,” he stated.
He stated that if there are any problems with the planning approval, the court may bring the case back for a mention and urge the council to clarify its stance.
In March, the girl will go before a children’s court again.
