Facing serious youth crime charges in Sydney? Our expert criminal lawyers provide strong defence and guidance for families navigating the NSW Children’s Court system.
Claymore Bus Stop Incident: What Happened
NSW Police have charged three 13-year-old girls after an alleged assault on a 14-year-old at a bus stop in Claymore near Campbelltown. Police allege the teen was threatened, assaulted and filmed, and that the parties were known to each other.
PolAir assisted in the search. Officers arrested three girls a short time later and seized their mobile phones. Two have been charged with aggravated robbery with an offensive weapon and aggravated causing a child 14 years or over to make child abuse material. A third faces the same charges plus possession of child abuse material. All three were refused bail and are due to appear in the Children’s Court.
Matters involving young people are dealt with under the youth justice system, but the alleged offences are serious. Using or producing child abuse material, recording assaults, and any conduct involving a weapon can carry significant consequences. Early legal advice is vital for both families of accused young people and victims, including guidance on safety planning and protection orders.
If this raises concerns about your child’s safety or involvement in an incident, you do not have to face it alone. Our team offers confidential, trauma-informed guidance focused on immediate safety and calm, and a practical approach to the next steps, including police liaison, protection orders and court support. Reach out to Jameson Law when you are ready – we’re ready to support you and your family through these challenging times.
Youth Crime in NSW: Legal Framework
NSW operates under a specific youth justice framework that treats young offenders differently from adults. The goal is rehabilitation rather than punishment, but serious charges such as aggravated robbery or involvement with child abuse material still attract strong responses.
Children under 18 are usually dealt with in the NSW Children’s Court.
The focus is on rehabilitation, but serious or repeated offending may lead to detention orders.
Bail is considered under the Bail Act 2013 (NSW), with extra factors for young offenders.
Police must notify parents or guardians as soon as a child is arrested, and children have special rights to legal representation.
Bail for Young Offenders in Sydney
Bail for children is often treated with more leniency than for adults, but it can still be refused in serious cases. In this Claymore case, bail was denied because of the gravity of the charges, the involvement of weapons, and the production of child abuse material.
According to Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), bail refusal rates for juveniles facing serious charges have been increasing. Courts assess risks of reoffending, community safety, and the likelihood of attending court when making bail decisions.
Consequences of Serious Youth Offending
Youth offending can have immediate and long-term consequences. For families, these cases are devastating. For young offenders, a conviction can affect future education, employment, and reputation. For victims, trauma and ongoing fear are common.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that young people with justice involvement often have poorer mental health outcomes and lower school attendance rates.
Why Early Legal Advice Matters
In any youth crime matter, parents and guardians should seek legal help immediately. Lawyers can ensure that police interviews are conducted fairly, evidence is challenged, and bail is sought effectively.
At Jameson Law, we work closely with families to provide:
Clear advice on the charges and potential outcomes.
Guidance through the Children’s Court process.
Support with bail applications and appeals.
Trauma-informed representation focused on rehabilitation.
Community and Parental Support
Families play a vital role in keeping young people out of trouble. NSW Health provides youth mental health services, while schools and community organisations also offer support programs.
Parents should remain actively engaged in their child’s education, peer groups, and online activity. Recording and sharing assaults online—as alleged in this Claymore case—is a growing concern, with the eSafety Commissioner warning about the risks of normalising violence among teens.
Final Thoughts
The Claymore bus stop incident is a confronting reminder of the serious consequences that can follow youth offending. Although the justice system aims to rehabilitate, cases involving weapons and child abuse material are treated with particular severity. Both families of accused young people and victims should seek professional guidance early.
At Jameson Law, our criminal defence solicitors provide confidential, expert support for families dealing with youth crime cases across Sydney and NSW. With deep experience in assault charges, bail applications, and Children’s Court representation, we are ready to defend your child’s future.
