A 17-year-old male accused of killing a pregnant couple after allegedly hitting them in a stolen car in Alexandra Hills on Australia Day has had fresh charges heard in closed court.
The teen, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was initially charged with murdering Katherine Leadbetter and her partner Matthew Field.
They were walking their dogs in the Brisbane bayside suburb when they were struck by the four-wheel drive, allegedly stolen by the teen.
Last week, the teenager was charged with eight additional offences in relation to the fatal incident, including dangerous operation of a motor vehicle while adversely affected by intoxicating substances, driving while disqualified, and failing to fulfil duties at the scene of a traffic accident.
Police issued him with a notice to appear in the Children's Court in Brisbane today, and several applications were made by media outlets, including the ABC, to cover the closed proceedings.
The applications were subject to objections from both the prosecution and the defence.
A magistrate dismissed the applications on the basis it would be prejudicial to the interests of the child, and the matter was heard in closed court.
In a brief hearing, the case was adjourned to return to court at a date to be confirmed.
At a previous court hearing, a magistrate adjourned the next case until March.
