Following an attempted aircraft hijacking at Avalon Airport in Victoria this past March, a 17-year-old male suspect will undergo brain scans to assess whether he suffers from a neurological condition. The accused, who was arrested after the incident, remains in custody.
The incident occurred on 6 March at Avalon Airport near Geelong. During boarding for a Jetstar flight bound for Sydney with approximately 160 passengers onboard, the teen reportedly breached a hole in the airport’s perimeter fence and entered the apron area. As he approached the aircraft, he was subdued and detained by security forces.
Ongoing Medical and Legal Proceedings
The defendant, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, appeared in court via video link. His lawyer explained that the teen has undergone hospital-based brain scans, and further neurological testing is scheduled for late August to determine whether there is any organic or physiological disorder.
The lawyer also mentioned that a psychiatric evaluation is expected later this week; however, the psychiatrist stated that no official report would be issued until all scans are completed.
Court Adjourned Until October
The judge postponed the case until October to allow time for the preparation of medical reports and evidence gathering. Additionally, prosecutors filed a request to drop four of the charges against the teen—two counts related to stealing 12-gauge shotguns and two counts of possessing an unlicensed long-barrel firearm.
However, the teen still faces serious accusations, including attempting to board a commercial aircraft while armed and making bomb-related threats by claiming to have explosives in his bag.
Terror Link Suspicion and Suppression Orders
At the initial hearing in March, it was revealed that a joint counterterrorism task force was investigating the incident, and the suspect may have communicated with foreign individuals or organisations.
Federal police secured a court-ordered suppression of all details regarding the nature and extent of the teen’s communications. Similarly, documents found in the suspect’s vehicle have also been withheld from public release under judicial order. The judge ruled that these restrictions will remain in place until the next hearing in October.
