Three teenage boys accused of murdering a Canberra man they allegedly met through the Grindr dating app have been denied bail, with a magistrate calling the offence "the most serious that we have in our courts".
The body of 56-year-old Peter Keeley was found in bushland at Broulee, on the New South Wales South Coast, on the afternoon of February 2.
One of the accused's lawyers, Geoff Knox, argued in court today that his client, who is 17, should be released on bail, stating he had no prior record.
But the police prosecutor said the boy's fingerprints were allegedly found on tape that was used to bind the victim's hands.
Mr Knox previously said his client had a low level of involvement with the alleged crime and that one of the other teenagers was the primary instigator.
Magistrate Doug Dick denied the boys bail, telling the court the prosecution had a very strong case, and that there was allegedly a high level of violence involved.
"This is the most serious offence that we have in our courts," Magistrate Dick said.
The court heard Mr Keeley was not known to the teenagers prior to the alleged offence.
The court also heard the violence against the victim was allegedly planned as part of a joint criminal enterprise.
The teen, appearing via video link, told his family he loved them and hoped they were well.
Neither of his co-accused, who did not apply for bail, appeared in court.
All three teenagers will return to the Batemans Bay Children's Court on April 23.
