Tom Elliott ‘disgusted’ by CBD riots

It’s well and good to talk tough about hunting those responsible for Saturday’s riots in the CBD, says Tom Elliott.

But it’ll mean ‘nothing’ if the courts aren’t on board.

The 3AW Drive host said he was ‘disgusted’ by the scenes at Federation Square and along Swanston St and hoped it ‘never’ happened again.

Premier Daniel Andrews and police have vowed to go after and punish those who took part in the ugly scenes.

‘If you want to be absolutely certain this is dealt with, make sure the courts are on board,’ Tom Elliott said.

‘There’s nothing more demoralising for a police officer than to go through all the work and effort catching someone, only to find they’re given 15 hours community service and let out.’

Click PLAY below to hear Tom Elliott’s opening editorial.

Criminologist and expert on gang culture Neville Millen told Tom Elliott the riots would have likely started as a turf war.

‘All these groups really come together through connectedness…they feel alienated from the wider part of society,’ he told Tom Elliott.

On explaining how gangs are structured, Mr Millen said that the gang’s ‘kingpin’ will often be groomed by figures higher up on the crime hierarchy, and lavished with rewards for their work.

‘Take out the leaders, and seek to reintegrate the followers into the community.’

Click play to listen to Tom speak with Neville Millen talk about gang culture