Randolph Murdoch arrested day after bail granted by Shepparton court

A teenager was arrested on Saturday after being bailed from Shepparton Magistrates’ Court the day before in an “endless cycle” of alleged reoffending.

A Shepparton teenager was arrested on Saturday after being bailed on Friday afternoon.

A Shepparton teenager “couldn’t even get through the weekend” after he was arrested over an alleged theft — the day after he had been bailed

Randolph Murdoch, 19, appeared in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Monday to apply for bail.

He is facing theft charges and allegedly resisting arrest on Saturday after he had been bailed at 12.30pm on Friday.

Magistrate Simon Zebrowski described it as an “endless cycle” where Mr Murdoch was granted bail, allegedly committed offences, before being hauled back before court.

“He’s not really an unacceptable risk because he is not committing the sort of offences that are striking fear in people,” he said.

“At this stage I can say with great confidence he will reoffend and that’s the problem, it’s just going to go on and on because he is incapable of helping himself.”

Mr Zebrowski said factors including Mr Murdoch’s age, being an Indigenous person and not putting people in danger meant he “probably” should be bailed.

Randolph Murdoch applied for bail in Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on Monday. Picture: Jack Colantuono

However, he said the court matters would never resolve because of alleged reoffending or not appearing at court.

“What’s going to happen when there’s 50, 60 or 70 matters?” Mr Zebrowski said.

“I can’t continue bailing Mr Murdoch while he goes about his usual business of stealing … where does this end.”

Mr Zebrowski said Mr Murdoch was spending time in custody for alleged offences that would not normally receive a jail term.

“He would get a bond we know he would break or a CCO (community corrections order) he won’t attend,” he said.

“It’s a hopeless situation.”

Mr Murdoch was granted bail until August 1.

“If you’re not here you can forget it … if you don’t remember to come to court I’ll issue a warrant and you’ll be back in custody,” Mr Zebrowski said.

“Continuing to adjourn this and giving you bail is not going to stop this so if you can’t help yourself I’ll do it for you.”