Editorial: Vyleen murder case outcome shows new laws needed
The paltry sentence for Vyleen White’s killer proves why adult crime, adult time laws were so desperately needed, writes the editor.
The paltry sentence given to Vyleen White’s killer will come as a shock to many Queenslanders and proves why adult crime, adult time laws – imposed after this horrific crime – were so desperately needed.
The 17-year-old who “didn’t hesitate” to stab the grandmother in a shopping centre carpark was sentenced to 16 years in jail under the old legislation, which applies because he committed the horrific crime before the LNP’s laws came into effect.
It means he will be aged just 25 when he is eligible for parole after serving 60 per cent of that sentence – just under 10 years.
If the crime was committed now, he would have spent a mandatory 20 years behind bars, the same as adult murderers in Queensland.
Mrs White’s time with her loving husband, children and grandkids was heartbreakingly cut short in seconds when confronted by the knife-wielding teen in that carpark.
The fact that he could be out at the age of 25 – while Mrs White’s family continues to suffer for the rest of their lives – will not sit well with most Queenslanders.
The paltry sentences handed to juveniles in this state for taking a life have never passed the pub test.
Adult crime, adult time will fix that problem – a life will be worth the same under the law, no matter if it was an adult or a child who has taken it away.
Premier David Crisafulli and Attorney-General Deb Frecklington will consider appealing the sentence and should be applauded if they do.
Mr Crisafulli labelled the sentencing decision as “not good enough” for the White family.
“And I make the observation that under the new laws, it’s a minimum mandatory life in prison for murder and long may that continue,” the Premier added.
The appeal may not be futile. Children have been sentenced to life in prison for murder before, including the killer of Japanese tourist Michiko Okuyama – brutally murdered in Cairns in 1997.
Her killer was 16 and served 20 years behind bars. It was the first time a child was sentenced to life behind bars in Queensland.
Mrs White’s heartbroken husband, Victor White, showed his grace once again when he noted he would have liked her callous killer to spend more time in jail, but he believed the judge’s hands were tied due to the old legislation.
But what the family has long advocated for is tougher bail laws.
Their argument is clear – the teenager would never have been able to commit the heinous crime against Mrs White if he was not out on bail for armed robbery and other offences.
Work has been done by this government and the previous Labor government to tighten bail laws for juveniles but there is still much more to be done.
As Mrs White’s daughter, Cindy Micallef, puts it: “The government says that we’re putting the rights of victims before offenders. Well back it up.”
It is time to back it up and put a sharper focus on the state’s bail laws – for both juvenile and adult offenders. In Victor White’s words, all his wife was doing was taking her granddaughter to the shop. She got executed for it.
This is not the Queensland anybody wants to live in.
Adult crime, adult time laws will mean more sentences pass the pub test – but it is on the government to keep ensuring Queenslanders feel safe in their communities.
PREPARE FOR WILD WEATHER
There have probably been hundreds of times over the past 179 years that The Courier-Mail has warned its readers to batten down ahead of an approaching storm.
In Queensland, it comes with the territory. But maybe we all need to shift our focus from the often-rushed preparations that are made as the skies begin to darken and instead make readiness our default setting during the storm season.
Yesterday Premier David Crisafulli shared the Bureau of Meteorology’s long range warning of increased cyclones, flooding and heatwaves over the next six months.
“There’s the likelihood of extra challenges this year, but it’s nothing that Queenslanders can’t handle, and you need to know that we’ve done the work, we are ready, and I have every faith in Queensland as being ready as well,” he said.
And while many are caught up in debate over the extent and causes of climate change, that is completely irrelevant when a storm threatens your property or even your life.
Last year, when Cyclone Alfred threatened South East Queensland, millions of people did what North Queenslanders do every summer – they cleared gutters, removed dangerous branches and stored items lying around the yard. You don’t have to wait until the approaching storm to get ready. Take the time as soon as you can. That way you won’t be taken by surprise by whatever nature throws at you.
Responsibility for election comment is taken by Chris Jones, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details here
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