With youth crime on the rise across Victoria and growing public concern about safety, the state’s bail laws have come under fresh scrutiny.

Speaking on 3AW Drive, former magistrate Tony Parsons defended the current laws, saying the bail system is “not easy or straightforward”.

And Jacqui Felgate didn’t hold back in her response.

Press PLAY to hear the 3AW Drive host challenge the former magistrate

“You could actually shoot yourself in the foot by unnecessarily putting young kids into custody, it simply trains them to be criminals,” Mr Parsons said.

“The community is just absolutely sick of it!” Felgate responded.

Images: 3AW, iStock