Celeste Manno case sparks push for tougher stalking penalties

A petition to push for harsher penalties for violent crimes has been tabled in state parliament after the death of Mernda woman Celeste Manno.

A petition calling for tougher laws to protect victims of stalking in the wake of Celeste Manno’s murder has been tabled in state parliament.

More than 8000 people signed the petition calling for harsher penalties for stalking and violence crimes following Ms Manno’s death.

The petition was tabled by Justice Party MP Tania Maxwell.

“Violence against women resulting in death has been increasing. Many of these deaths can be prevented by introducing stringent laws to ensure that victims are protected,” the petition said.

Celeste Manno was killed at her family home in Mernda.

“Although there are laws in place and intervention orders can be granted, it is clear that this is not sufficient and more needs to be done.

“Far too many women have lost their lives at the hands of perpetrators.”

Ms Manno, 23, was stabbed to death in the bedroom of her Mernda home last month.

Luay Sako, 35, has been charged with her murder,

Mr Sako, a former colleague of Ms Manno’s at a Serco call centre, had allegedly stalked her for months.

He allegedly became obsessed with her after she was kind to him the day he was fired and it had escalated to the point where she had taken an intervention order out against him.

“Celeste Manno will not be the last victim, and we need to put an end to this,” the petition said.

“This cannot be another case that causes an uproar only for it to decline until there is another victim.”

The petition was launched by Ms Manno’s school friend Naciye Erel who criticised the lack of protection offered by intervention orders (IVO).

[e-mail]