‘What a joke’: The latest ‘sickening’ bail outrage set to send Victorians ‘crazy’
Jacqui Felgate has gone OFF on the latest bail story to come to light today, which she’s labelled “absolutely sickening”.
The story relates to the arson attack on the 80 Proof alcohol factory in Keysborough last month, with police arresting four youths through ‘Operation Eclipse’.
“I think this will send every Victorian, every business owner, especially those caught up in the alcohol firebombings, crazy,” the 3AW Drive host said.
Press PLAY to hear the latest details on the story (and Felgate’s ‘furious’ reaction)
“You know what is really criminal? This government saying that we have the toughest bail laws in the country.
“What a joke, the whole thing is sickening, it is absolutely sickening.”
Shadow Police Minister, Brad Battin, spoke to the owner of the factory this morning, and said business owners are “genuinely scared” at the moment.
“They are reaching out for help,” Battin said on 3AW Drive.
Press PLAY to hear his full strong reaction to the latest story
80 Proof have released the following statement:
“The 15 and 16-year-old offenders responsible for burning down 80Proof Liquor received 15-month corrections orders and have now been released, stating they will “never do it again”.
This was not a minor offence. The arson destroyed a multi-million-dollar building and over $1 million worth of stock. As a direct result, eight people lost their jobs and the livelihoods of another 15 people (many with families) have been severely impacted.
What makes it even harder to understand is that the defence lawyer reportedly argued this was a “first offence”. Realistically, it sounds more like the first time they were caught. The offenders and their co-accused committed two separate arsons and stole two cars. The 15-year-old then went on to admit to firebombing Bar Bambi just two nights later, yet still only received a 15-month corrections order.
Even the judge reportedly acknowledged it was serious offending and that it was lucky nobody was physically hurt. Yes, nobody was killed or physically injured this time, but who’s to say this will be the case next time, and with such minimal accountability we feel certain there will be a ‘next time’. And the reality is a lot of people were hurt by their actions; emotionally, financially, professionally and psychologically. Businesses were destroyed, people lost jobs, families lost income and livelihoods have been severely impacted.
If someone is old enough to deliberately commit acts of arson causing this level of destruction and harm, there should be consequences that reflect the seriousness of the crime.
At the moment, it feels like victims, businesses and employees are the ones carrying the real punishment while the actual offenders face very little accountability.
We DO NOT believe justice was served today, and we are deeply concerned by the message this sentencing sends – that serious crimes committed by youths can result in little more than a slap on the wrist.”
Images: Supplied, Nine