Overview

• Attorney-General Deb Frecklington has lodged a special‑leave application asking the High Court to appeal the Court of Appeal’s ruling.
• Last month the Court of Appeal kept the 14‑year youth detention order but reduced the required time in custody from 70 percent to 60 percent, setting a 2031 release and supervision until 2036.
• Frecklington argues that the offender’s guilty plea, remorse and rehabilitation prospects did not amount to legally available special circumstances to reduce detention.
• Justice Tom Sullivan originally imposed 70 percent detention in May 2024 after deeming the offence particularly heinous, while Justice David Boddice later cited mitigating factors in cutting the custodial portion.
• Premier David Crisafulli backed the move after Frecklington spoke with Lee Lovell, and the High Court has not yet decided whether it will hear the case.