Teen Apex thug could be released next week
A NOTORIOUS Apex gang-linked thug could be out on the streets on parole next week, following convictions for robbery, armed robbery, vehicle theft and dangerous driving — and police are worried he may reoffend.
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A NOTORIOUS Apex gang-linked thug could be out on the streets on parole next week.
The 17-year-old, whom the Herald Sun cannot name for legal reasons, has been locked up in youth detention for much of the past two years following a string of convictions for multiple violent offences.
It is understood the young thug will be eligible for parole in the next week.
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Law enforcement sources told the Herald Sun they are extremely concerned that if released the youngster will be a danger to the public.
Crimes the teen has committed in recent years have included assault with a weapon, assault, and aggravated burglary — which involves breaking into a home while the resident is present.
He also has convictions for robbery, armed robbery, vehicle theft, dangerous driving, unlawful assault, and making threats to inflict injury.
Police are concerned that a number of young criminals linked to Apex, who were jailed when the gang came to prominence two years ago, are now being freed and then committing further crimes.
Last November, the Herald Sun reported that a founding member of the gang had been arrested, weeks after his release, following a violent armed home invasion. The aggravated burglary occurred at a home on the Bellarine Highway at Leopold shortly before 2am on November 2.
The Armed Crime Squad swooped on the 18-year-old, along with a 19-year-old man and a boy, 17, in Leopold.
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The 18-year-old was one of the ringleaders of a gang of youths who had terrorised Melbourne in a series of carjackings, home invasions and armed robberies.
A source told the Herald Sun that the teen was a “one-man crime wave”. His record, and police intelligence suggesting that he had been a bad influence on youngsters in the southeastern suburbs, had caused police concern that he might commit further crimes on his release.
Following his arrest, the Apex ringleader faced Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 3.
He is due to face Geelong Magistrates’ Court on February 2.