Victorian Labor signals tougher stance on young offenders after 109 charges against 14-year-old dropped
Summary
The Victorian Labor government plans to strengthen penalties for young offenders after police dropped 109 charges against a 14-year-old girl due to a law protecting children under 14 from certain criminal convictions. The girl was accused of many crimes, including stealing cars and making antisemitic threats, but prosecutors could not prove she understood her actions were seriously wrong.Key Facts
- A 14-year-old girl faced 109 charges for crimes allegedly committed when she was 13.
- Charges included endangering serious injury, car theft, burglary, and antisemitic behavior.
- Police dropped the charges because of the doli incapax law, which protects children under 14 unless it’s proven they knew their actions were very wrong.
- The girl allegedly committed crimes for two months, sometimes more than once a day.
- She was reported to have searched online information about sentencing after hitting a cyclist with a stolen car.
- The government said youth crime is becoming more serious and promised tougher laws and punishments.
- Opposition politicians criticized the justice system for failing to hold the girl accountable.
- Other Australian states are considering changes to the doli incapax law.
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