Coronavirus court delays: Criminals roaming Melbourne streets due to mass delays in hearings
Victoria’s courts are experiencing mass delays in hearings amid the coronavirus pandemic, police sources reveal, as violent youths run amok while openly bragging about being on bail in Melbourne’s southeast.
South East
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Violent criminals involved car thefts and other dangerous crimes are walking the streets as courts experience mass delays in hearings amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Police sources have revealed to Leader there was a “huge backlog” of non-urgent court matters adjourned until at least early 2021.
Sources also revealed several bail applications were being swiftly approved due to Victoria’s prison system inching closer to full capacity.
“People who have been charged with offences are walking around in the community and they’re not able to have their day in court,” the source said.
“It’s also putting additional strain on the system because if they do go and commit further offences, they’re doing it while they’re on bail.”
Another source told Leader there needed to be more prisons built across Victoria as they were almost at full capacity.
“As the population grows we need to consider this as a factor and minimise ways of putting a strain on the whole system,” the source said.
A Cranbourne woman, who asked not to be named, said she was aware of violent youths openly bragging on social media about being on bail in recent weeks.
“These teens have been on Snapchat sending photos and videos bragging about being out on bail, it’s very concerning,” she said.
“One of them was bragging for being on bail at least three times.
“They are known in the area for stealing cars and phone thefts, they don’t belong on the streets.”
Opposition police and community safety spokesman David Southwick said it was clear the wheels of justice had stalled in Victoria.
“With Victoria’s remand population plunging within a few short months, it means fewer violent offenders are behind bars and instead free to walk the streets of local communities,” Mr Southwick said.
A Magistrates’ Court spokeswoman said the court had released several practice directions, which detailed further operational changes in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and the declared State of Disaster.
“All courts remain open and staffed to ensure we can hear all urgent and priority matters relating to bail and remand, family violence and personal safety intervention orders, warrants, civil, Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal and all other matters deemed a priority, including where an accused is in custody,” the spokeswoman said.
A Victoria Police spokesman said police were satisfied with the court arrangements in Victoria, which were in place to protect the health and safety of everyone during this unprecedented time.
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