All child killers should get life sentences, says Victoria’s top victims’ advocate
EXCLUSIVE: MANDATORY life sentences for child killers have been urged by the state’s top victims’ advocate after the deaths of nine children in 2016.
Law & Order
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MANDATORY life sentences for child killers have been urged by the state’s top victims’ advocate.
The deaths of nine children in 2016 have prompted Victims of Crime Commissioner Greg Davies to call for the life terms for anyone convicted of killing an infant.
“They’ve lost 90 years of their lives, what will these offenders lose? Twenty-odd years of their liberty? That to me doesn’t say we value human life,” Mr Davies said.
“If someone murders an infant, no one cares about their circumstances, no one cares about their prospects of rehabilitation and that they’re unlikely to do it again, they’ve surely lost their right to a second chance. These mongrels deserve life.”
Mr Davies’ call comes after Glenroy man Brok Hughes was sentenced last year to a minimum six years and three months behind bars for killing Zane Bradbury, 3.
Executive chair and the founder Bravehearts, Hetty Johnston, said she supported Mr Davies’ views on mandatory sentencing for child killers. “He’s not going to get any argument from me,’’ she said.
“The judiciary will baulk at it, saying every case has its own merits, but I support it.
“Anyone that would kill a child, whether they are criminally liable or mentally incapacitated, has no place in a society where there’s children. It’s just too dangerous.’’
Shadow attorney-general John Pesutto said the Opposition had also been reviewing Victoria’s sentencing.
“The Liberal-Nationals have been calling for urgent changes that will deliver stronger sentences for serious crimes like murder, but (Premier) Daniel Andrews has refused to do anything about it,’’ he said.
“Child murder is horrific and the Victims of Crime Commissioner is to be congratulated for proposing solutions while the government has completely failed to put victims first.”
Life sentencing for child killers has long been urged by those families left behind.
