Cops take arrested teens on 1000km trip

Four youths were driven more than 1000km over remote roads in the back of a police paddy wagon, it was revealed last night.

The four, aged 15 and 16, were being taken from Borooloola to Darwin to face court over stealing charges.

The president of the North Australian Legal Aid Service (NAALAS) has lodged a complaint with the Police Commissioner and the Ombudsman over the decision. "The decision by police to transport four young people in cages over such a great distance in such dangerous conditions is deplorable," NAALAS president Natalie Hunter said.

But southern region police Commander Mark Coffey defended the decision to drive the boys to Darwin, saying, "all proper procedures were followed".

"The police air wing aircraft was being used in operational duties so the prisoners were transferred by road with appropriate rest periods,"

Cdr. Coffey said. The boys, who have been charged with theft, damaging property and entering a building with intent, were refused bail at Borroloola.

On Saturday morning they were driven 700km to Katherine and held for several hours in police cells while the police team changed over.

The four boys were then driven to Adelaide River, where the police escort changed again.

They completed their journey to Darwin's Don Dale Juvenile Detention Centre about 10 o'clock that night.

Ms Hunter said the 15-year-old and three 16-year-olds would have been unable to alert police quickly if a fight had broken out or if some one had been taken ill.

NAALAS said the boys told their lawyers they were "scared" and uncomfortable in the back of the van.

"They said that the vehicles were driven at high speed… they could not get out for the toilet when they needed to and they were supplied with inadequate food and blankets," a NAALAS statement said.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 15th February 2005
Source: Northern Territory News
Author: Rebecca Hewett
Email: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Url: http://www.ntnews.com.au
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News