‘We are the victims’: Widow calls for harsher youth crime laws

‘Kids are just getting a slap on the wrist’: The widow of a man killed by an allegedly stolen car driven by two teens has demanded harsher youth crime penalties as her innocent family pays a harrowing emotional and financial price.

It is almost five months to the day since the Warburton family changed forever.

Beloved father and husband Michael Warburton, 59, was killed when two teens allegedly mowed him down in a stolen car on Brisbane’s bayside on September 26.

That morning, like he had done many times before, Michael was riding his Vespa scooter home from the gym.

He was just 500m from his driveway when he was allegedlymowed down by a stolen car.

His wife of 33 years Anita says she is not sure her family will ever recover from that tragic day.

Four teens, including the 15-year-old alleged driver of the car and his 16-year-old female passenger, were charged over the hit and run but still Mrs Warburton says no one has told her what is happening with those allegedly responsible.

Anita Warburton, wife of fatal crash victim Michael Warburton, has called for harsher penalties for youth crime. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Youth crime continues to plague Queensland and for Mrs Warburton, every time she hears of another victim she feels further punished.

“As far as what happened after Michael’s incident, as a family we have heard nothing from anybody, only more accidents, which causes more grief for more innocent people,” she said.

“I believe the government should be more responsible for what’s happening with youth crime — it’s just not right or fair for families.”

Mrs Warburton says she cannot move forward.

“The whole process is so difficult for families with no support for counselling, you’re expected to find your own and pay for your own help but we are the victims.

“These kids are just getting a slap on the wrist.”

Anita Warburton, wife of fatal crash victim Michael Warburton, sits in a memorial garden with Michael’s ashes interned in a rock. Photo: Steve Pohlner

Mrs Warburton said new funding and support for victims of youth crime announced by the state government Tuesday would have gone a long way to help her family through the grieving process.

“The news of extra money and support for victims and their families is amazing,” she said.

“My kids and I didn’t cause the accident but we’re the ones having to fork out all of this money to get through it.

“It’s been really hard for us … emotionally and financially.”

Since losing her husband of 33 years and the father of her two adult children, Mrs Warburton has had to stay afloat financially while also navigating unbearable grief.

“Trying to get into and afford counselling for myself and my kids has been ridiculous … nearly impossible,” she said.

Michael Warburton (right) with wife Anita (left) and son Riley (centre). Photo: Supplied/Steve Pohlner

“We all used all of our work entitlements up pretty fast (sick leave and annual leave) while taking time to grieve.

“I’ve only just gone back to work six weeks ago working limited hours because I can’t afford not to.

“Since his death I’ve also been caring for his elderly parents. We could have used some support there too.”

Reflecting on the last few months, Mrs Warburton said support from the state government was a promising step forward.

Anita Warburton, with son Riley, is still grieving her husband Michael who was killed when an allegedly stolen car driven by two teens hit him while riding his scooter at Hemmant. Photo: Steve Pohlner

“We’ve just been taking it one day at a time. It’s been a really hard few months,” she said.

“It’s hard for other people to really understand what we’re going through. Everyone says sorry but they don’t really understand and I don’t want them to.

“No other family should have to go through what we did without that support.

“I don’t know when we will ever be OK. Every day is a challenge for all of us to keep going without our beloved husband, dad, son and friend.

“It’s not right.”

Almost three months since the death of her husband, Mrs Warburton called for the state government to address the issue by spending time with families, who have suffered as a result of youth crime.

Michael Warburton. Photo: Steve Pohlner

She says she is still waiting for change.

“We can all work together so these youths don’t just get off with a slap over the wrist, make them accountable for their actions so they don’t think it’s a game and keep doing this to more families.

“If there are no consequences they will just keep doing it and cause more grief to more everyday families.”

Mrs Warburton said making the government accountable with key measures was a good start.

“I definitely think it’s the repeat offenders that are driving the percentage up and these are the youths that need to be made more accountable.”

“If we could get it down even lower than the national average that would be even better but I guess parliament needs to start somewhere.”

Originally published as ‘We are the victims’: Widow calls for harsher youth crime laws