Teen, 14, accused of stabbing Coles worker seeks mental health defence
Share this @internewscast.com
A teenager accused of attempting to murder a supermarket worker by nearly stabbing her to death will ask a court if he is mentally fit to stand trial, a magistrate has heard.
The boy, then aged 13, allegedly approached a female Coles employee at Yamanto Central Shopping Centre in Ipswich, south-west of Brisbane, a year ago.

The shocking incident unfolded when a teenager reportedly attacked 63-year-old Claudia Campomaya Watt, stabbing her in the back at a shopping center. Following the attack, the assailant fled the scene.

The boy was charge with attempted murder following the alleged attack.
The boy was charged with attempted murder following the supermarket attack. (Nine)

However, quick-thinking members of the public and diligent security personnel managed to detain the teen until law enforcement arrived, leading to his arrest.

Campomaya Watt was swiftly transported to the hospital in critical condition, where she spent three harrowing days in intensive care, fighting for her life.

This high-profile case has spurred the Queensland government to broaden the scope of its contentious “adult crime, adult time” legislation. The expansion now encompasses additional serious offenses, including attempted murder, underscoring the government’s stern stance on violent crime.

The proceedings returned to the Ipswich Children’s Court today, although the teen was not required to make an appearance in person. During the session, Magistrate Grace Kahlert was informed of a prepared forensic psychiatric report by Dr. Michael Beech. The case is now set to be reviewed by the Mental Health Court.

A forensic psychiatric report on the teen had been prepared by Dr Michael Beech and the case would be referred to the Mental Health Court, magistrate Grace Kahlert heard.

“Our office will consent to a short adjournment of two weeks to ensure a referral has in fact occurred,” crown prosecutor Ashleigh Wakefield said.

Claudia Campomayor was rushed to hospital with critical injuries. A Queensland shopper has opened up about the moment a young boy asked if he would be in trouble after allegedly stabbing a Coles worker. Lee McCann chased a 13-year-old boy police allege attempted to murder 63-year-old Claudia Campomayor at Yamanto Central in Ipswich on Monday.
Claudia Campomaya was rushed to hospital with critical injuries. (9News)

A criminal case can be referred to Queensland’s Mental Health Court over claims that the alleged offender is or was mentally ill, or has an intellectual disability.

The court decides whether an accused was of unsound mind when they committed the alleged offence and whether they are fit for trial.

The teen’s solicitor said she received the psychiatric report yesterday.

“There are then some extensive timeframes required by the (Legal Aid) mental health team process,” the solicitor said.

“In two weeks we should be in a position where we can confirm to (prosecutors) that the mental health team has it and the referral is underway.”

The teen allegedly used a knife stocked by Coles to attack Campomaya Watt.

Coles removed knives from sale at stores across Australia “out of an abundance of caution” after the stabbing.

Kahlert adjourned the matter to January 27 and remanded the teen in custody.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Greg Lynn, Accused of Murder, Seeks Release

Accused murderer Greg Lynn is not an unacceptable risk to the community,…

Bondi DOJ Faces Backlash for Misspelling Defendant’s Name Amid Controversial ICE Discrimination Lawsuit

President Donald Trump arrives to speak during a roundtable on criminal cartels…

Illinois Daycare Scandal: Two Workers Charged with Battery in Shocking Case Involving Seven Children

This week, two daycare workers from Illinois found themselves in legal trouble,…

Tragic Turn: Soon-to-Be Grandfather’s Life Cut Short in Motorcycle Accident

Background: News footage of the traffic after the fatal crash that killed…

Australian Monarchists Challenge PM Over Controversial Letter on Former Prince Andrew

Last week, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor found himself in the spotlight when he was…

Prison Visit Denied: Family of Accused Bondi Gunman Faces Setback

The family of accused Bondi gunman Naveed Akram were denied access ahead…

Pathologist Testifies in ‘Moscow Mule’ Mom Trial, Disputes Drug Addiction Allegations in Eric Richins’ Death

The trial of Kouri Richins, a Utah woman accused of fatally poisoning…

Husband Fatally Shoots Wife Over Property Concerns Following Divorce Papers, According to DA and Family

Left inset: Michel Fournier (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office). Right inset: Susan Lane-Fournier…

Greg Lynn, Accused in Murder Case, Seeks Release from Custody

Accused murderer Greg Lynn is not an unacceptable risk to the community,…

Gainesville Man Charged with Assault and Threats Against Woman

Staff report GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Authorities have arrested Thomas Leverne Mack, 63,…

Judge Halts Third-Country Deportations, Criticizes DOJ for Misleading Legal Claims

President Donald Trump speaks during a lunch with African leaders in the…

Former Union Leader Arrested for Sending Threatening Emails Again

John Setka, the former head of the Victorian branch of the CFMEU,…