Shellharbour Murder Case Adjourned Pending Expert Mental Fitness Report
A significant delay has impacted the high-profile murder case concerning the stabbing death of a young man in Dunmore, with a Children's Court hearing that an expert report on the mental fitness of one teenage accused will not be ready until late March. This development has prompted the adjournment of proceedings for all six children charged in connection with the incident.
Court Hears of Potential Fitness Issue for Teen Accused
During a session at the Children's Court on Tuesday, it was revealed that a 16-year-old boy, who was among the first children charged with the murder of 25-year-old Jack Westren, is scheduled to undergo a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The resulting report from this evaluation is anticipated to be completed by the end of March, leading the Crown to request an adjournment for this boy and his co-accused until April to allow for thorough consideration of the findings.
Magistrate Cathy Tawagi acknowledged the existence of a potential fitness issue concerning this particular teenager, who is alleged to have played a substantial role in the tragic events. She emphasised that this matter could significantly influence ongoing negotiations with the other defendants involved in the case. Consequently, Magistrate Tawagi adjourned all six children's matters to April 28, while expressing her reluctance to permit any further delays beyond that date.
Details of the Alleged Incident and Charges
The case stems from the death of Jack Westren, who was fatally stabbed near the Shellharbour Junction train station on the afternoon of January 28, 2025. Six teenagers, comprising five boys and one girl, are currently facing murder charges in relation to this incident. Additionally, an adult, 39-year-old Tamara Lee Doust, is also charged with murder and is scheduled to return to court next month.
According to previous court hearings, the teenagers allegedly conspired to assault Mr Westren when he arrived at the train station under the belief that he was meeting a girl. The Crown's case posits that the teens and Ms Doust engaged in a joint criminal enterprise, thereby holding all parties accountable for Mr Westren's untimely death.
Bail Variations and Current Status of the Accused
Three of the teenagers attended the court proceedings on Tuesday, accompanied by their parents for support. During the hearing, bail conditions were modified for two of the boys. One teenager had his bail varied to permit travel to and from school without parental chaperones and to allow contact with police youth engagement officers, although he remains restricted from leaving home except for specific reasons and while in the company of designated family members.
Another boy, whose bail includes a home detention condition, received a variation to enable his attendance at a program organised through Youth Justice. It is noteworthy that in October, charges against several of the children were upgraded to murder, resulting in four having their bail revoked and being taken into custody, though they were later granted bail by the Supreme Court. The two older boys remain in custody on remand.
Background on the Charges and Legal Proceedings
Police charged Ms Doust with murder and accessory after the fact to murder on the morning following Mr Westren's death. Subsequently, a now-16-year-old boy was charged with murder and possessing an unauthorised pistol, identified as a gel blaster. Six other children, including three boys aged 13 at the time, a 15-year-old boy, a 15-year-old girl, and a 12-year-old girl, were later charged in connection with the events surrounding Mr Westren's death.
In October, charges against the boys and the older girl were elevated to murder, while charges against the younger girl were withdrawn. These children now each face a charge of murder along with a back-up offence of affray, with one of the younger boys additionally charged with custody of a knife in a public place as a related offence.
The court will reconvene on April 28 to further address the children's matters, pending the completion of the crucial neuropsychological assessment report.
