Attorney-General Deb Frecklington seeks advice on appealing eshay stabber’s sentence

The Attorney-General has sought advice on appealing the sentence of a young thug who avoided any convictions for chasing down a Queensland army veteran and stabbing him in the chest.

The young man leaving court. Pic: John Gass

The Attorney-General has sought advice on appealing the sentence of a young thug who avoided any convictions for chasing down a Queensland army veteran and stabbing him in the chest.

It comes after the 18-year-old abused the media after his sentence, threatened a camera crew, told reporters to “f – k off” and said he was “famous”.

Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said she was “bothered” by the sentence outcome and was looking into the option of appealing.

Stabbing victim Chris Sanders was shopping at Alexandra Hills on December 12, 2023 when the then 17-year-old boy stabbed him just centimetres from his heart as he lay on the floor of the centre.

A teenager walks from court after being sentenced for stabbing an army veteran. Picture, John Gass

The knife attack was triggered after the boy hit Mr Saunders’ car with his hand, and Mr Saunders retaliated by knocking the boy over during a confrontation.

The boy then chased him down and stabbed him after falling.

Mr Saunders suffered blood and air in his chest cavity and muscle wall and needed a drain inserted in hospital, and no longer has any sensation where he was stabbed.

Harrowing footage of the stabbing was played to the court at the sentence on March 14, showing Mr Sanders was no threat to the teen who attacked him.

Mr Sanders’ whole body was visibly trembling in court as the video was played. His wife thought he was going to die as he lay in a pool of his own blood.

The teen pleaded guilty to assault, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and wounding.

Judge Ian Dearden sentenced the teen to probation on a three-month conditional release order and no convictions were recorded.

Ms Frecklington said she was disappointed in the outcome.

“I have requested a brief on this matter and I am seeking advice in relation to the appeal,” she told 4BC on Tuesday.

“I am bothered by the fact that he didn’t get a conviction.

“My thoughts really are with Chris Sanders, I completely understand and feel for him with this disappointment in this outcome.”

Chris Sanders was stabbed in the chest by the teenager. Picture, John Gass

The teenager walked free from court that afternoon and then threatened a camera crew.

“That (the TV camera) is going to go flying soon,” he said to a cameraman.

“I am famous … woo … f– k off, f– k off.”

Ms Frecklington said his behaviour outside of court was disgraceful.

“This kid’s behaviour outside court was simply disgraceful, and that behaviour really should be looked at, and will be looked at, I’m quite sure, by police.”

Queensland Police have been contacted for clarification.

Mr Sanders said he was “appalled” the male walked free from court.

“I’m just appalled with the way the system goes. I did a victim’s impact statement … and even then … the youths don’t get enough justice for what they’re doing,” he said.

“It needs to change and it’s going to have to happen sooner rather than later … so more people don’t get stabbed.”

Originally published as Attorney-General Deb Frecklington seeks advice on appealing eshay stabber’s sentence