Tom Elliott and a criminologist discuss repeat youth offenders

Tom Elliott has asked when is enough, and when do authorities send youth offenders to jail.

His comments come after recent reports of a 14-year-old who had 388 charges struck out.

“According to the police, he has very limited moral reasoning. Well, if that’s not an excuse for doing bad things, I don’t know what is,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear his full thoughts

Associate professor and criminologist at the University of Newcastle, Xanthe Mellett, says the teen has been denied bail on the most recent offence.

“It’s a really difficult balancing act, we know the research has shown clearly that locking young people up, it doesn’t deter them from committing further offences,” she said.

Press PLAY to hear her full thoughts on what can be done to help

Image: iStock.