Abducted Glen Eira College student Benjamin Phikhohpoom hits out at youths being repeatedly bailed

Benjamin Phikhohpoom — who was abducted, stabbed and thrown from a moving car near Glen Eira College — says it’s “shocking” that teens accused of violent crimes are being repeatedly bailed.

An innocent schoolboy who was abducted, stabbed and thrown from a moving car says it is “shocking” that kids are being bailed repeatedly, even when accused of violent crimes.

Three teenagers, aged 14 and 15, are accused of dragging Glen Eira College student Benjamin Phikhohpoom out of their car and running him over in broad daylight near his school in September last year.

One of the accused 14-year-olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was already out on bail on more than 70 charges relating to a week-long crime spree when he allegedly assaulted Benjamin.

The year 10 student, who spent almost a week in a coma with brain and spinal injuries, told the Herald Sun that until he was attacked he never realised young criminals with a record of offending could be continually bailed.

“It’s hard to believe that it happens, and it happened to us,” he said.

“It’s shocking. I never knew it was possible because most of my life I went to school, have tried not to make mum and dad worry, look after grandma and to try and be a good kid academically.

“They’re taking advantage of being a minor to commit crimes.”

Benjamin Phikhohpoom (centre) with parents Kirati Phikhohpoom and Wannisa Srichan. Picture: David Caird

Benjamin spent more than two months in hospital, including his 15th birthday. Picture: David Caird

Benjamin spent more than two months in hospital, including his 15th birthday, with his parents and two younger brothers constantly by his side.

With scars still visible on his hands, he continues to undergo weekly physiotherapy and attends school three times a week.

Benjamin’s mother Wannisa Srichan said she was furious when she learned one of her son’s accused assailants was already on bail when the trio allegedly abducted him in broad daylight near his school.

The group was granted bail over Benjamin’s attack and will appear in children’s court at a later date.

“I was so angry — it’s not fair for my son to be suffering, still in hospital then and they are just out on bail, it’s not fair,” Ms Srichan said.

“I am heartbroken that a young person could do this to my son. At the same time, I am angry and sad. I just want no one to experience this.”

Benjamin continues to undergo weekly physiotherapy. Picture: 10 News

Ms Srichan called for tougher penalties for violent youth offenders.

She said hearing news reports of young people being involved in other crimes made her wish no one else experienced what Benjamin endured.

“We have to be more serious about these kids. They have to be punished more so they do not think that they can get away (with crimes) easily,” she said.

“It is so hard for me. I just want my son to feel safe. Just be calm and be nice to each other.

“I just wish they (offenders) would call or talk to someone that supports them and they feel safe with. Just one thing can change your life. Just don’t do it.”

Nine months after the attack, which she once feared Benjamin would not survive, Ms Srichan said she remained constantly worried about her son.

“It is day by day still, but I still really worry if he is not close to us. I still worry about how he is and it’s so hard to let him go to school sometimes,” she said.

But Benjamin is optimistic about his recovery, focusing on his schoolwork and building up his strength.

“I’m mostly excited to get my stamina back and get my body back into shape,” he said.

“I have started to make a lot of errors in my writing which I wouldn’t have made before the incident.

“I have been finding schoolwork a bit difficult but with some effort and some time, I’ll get it done.”