Teenager's hijack case too serious for Children's Court

A Victorian teenager who allegedly attempted to hijack a plane at Avalon Airport in early 2025 will face an adult court, as the Children's Court was deemed 'unsuitable' due to the case's severity and potential inadequate sentencing. The 19-year-old, who was 17 at the time of the incident, allegedly cut through the airport fence, boarded a Jetstar flight destined for Sydney with 173 passengers and 6 crew, armed with a shotgun, knives, and a fake bomb. He attempted to gain cockpit access but was restrained. Prosecutors argue the maximum 4-year sentence in the Children's Court is 'manifestly inadequate,' citing adult cases with longer sentences. The teenager intends to plead not guilty, using a mental impairment defence, having allegedly researched airports and military plane shootings beforehand. Despite admitting to exaggerating symptoms, he reported hearing voices, with longstanding vulnerabilities but no formal autism diagnosis. The case will return to court to determine if he should stand trial. If found not guilty by reason of mental impairment, extended detention is possible if deemed a community risk. The teenager has been in custody since March 2025.