Attorney-General Deb Frecklington appeals Bundaberg teen’s attacker

The mother of a teenage girl who was assaulted on her way home from a night out has spoken out after the Attorney-General’s decision to appeal the sentence.

The mother of a Bundaberg teenager attacked by Brock McDonald has welcomed the Attorney-General's request to appeal his sentence.

The mother of a teenage victim of a Bundaberg man who attacked her and attempted to abduct her has welcomed Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington’s decision to appeal his sentence, revealing the AG personally called her to advise her of the appeal.
Brock Andrew McDonald, 44, received a two-and-a-half-year sentence on parole after pleading guilty to attacking an 18-year-old girl in Bundaberg in October 2023.

McDonald parked on a dark street, approached the victim, wrapped a rope around her neck, and forced her into his car.
She eventually escaped, suffering rope burns and abrasions.
McDonald’s sentence included 413 days already served and was released, December 2024.

“It is such good news,” the mum said.
“I think as a victim and family we feel like the attorney general is actually doing what she has said she will do and getting tougher on crime.”

State parliament Estimates committee at parliament. Deb Frecklington. Pic Annette Dew

The victims mother previously said her daughter used to be care free but now struggles with severe anxiety and PTSD.
The victim also spoke out affirming her hypervigilance.
“I live in fear daily, and this has taken such an emotional toll on my life,” she said.

The victim shared fears about McDonald’s release and the possibility of him reoffending after his sentence, saying she was worried he would hurt someone again.

Brock McDonald

“We never wanted Brock McDonald to be receive such a short sentence and be released from jail so soon, so for (the attorney general's) office to review this case and also agree that the sentence was manifestly inadequate gives us hope that the court system may slowly change and get tougher on the penalties imposed on perpetrators.
“To feel heard and validated means so much and to know that this may lead to safer communities is a great step forward,” the victim’s mother said.