A TEEN accused of stealing a car in Sunbury before driving it to Bendigo and setting it on fire has been denied bail.
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The 15-year-old appeared in a Children's Court on Wednesday after he was charged with aggravated burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, arson, criminal damage by fire, and theft.
Police alleged about 7pm on Saturday, the boy was with a group of teens acting suspiciously around properties in Sunbury.
The court heard the group entered an open garage and stole the keys to a 2012 Ford Territory that was parked in the driveway.
The teens allegedly drove the vehicle from Sunbury to the Bendigo area.
The court heard a $10,000 racing bike was also in the car at the time of the alleged theft.
About 11.40pm that night, the 15-year-old's co-accused was brought to police by his parent.
The court heard in the early hours of Monday morning, the Country Fire Authority found the stolen car burnt out near where the 15-year-old was living.
Police arrested and interviewed the teen on Tuesday. The court heard he initially denied any involvement before telling officers the co-accused was the one who stole the car.
The court heard the boy also told police the offenders stole petrol from a Ravenswood service station.
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A police informant told the court there was CCTV footage identifying the teen at the scene of the theft.
The informant said police were concerned the boy would compromise the safety of the community if released on bail.
The boy's defence lawyer told the court the teen had a difficult childhood after his parents separated.
The lawyer said the boy had unmanaged ADHD, which affected his progress at school.
The lawyer told the court Youth Justice were willing to support the boy with education and mental health services.
But the magistrate denied the teen bail, saying there was an unacceptable risk that the boy would endanger the community and commit further offences.
The boy was remanded in custody and is due to return to the Children's Court later this month.
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