The father of a murdered teenager is calling for urgent reform of the state’s Youth Justice Laws after an Ipswich grandmother was stabbed to death.
Ben Beaumont’s son Angus was fatally stabbed in 2020 by two 14-year-olds out on bail under the Labor Youth Justice Act.
Four years later, Beaumont is still waiting for their sentencing, and Beaumont told Triple M’s Breakfast with Marto, Margaux and Dan that he’s had enough:
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“To be honest all these murders and attacks by juveniles lay on the hands of the Labor Government because it’s called “the Labor Youth Justice Act,” Beaumont said on Triple M.
“They made that act and now they are responsible for all these happenings. If you’re going to have violent, repeat offenders on our streets that’s wrong for the community and tax payers.
“Once you’re a violent, repeat offender it should be no bail. No bail and you are automatically remanded until your sentence. None of this “I’ll let you out because you’ve only done 14 robberies.”
“These criminals are destroying families all around Queensland, they’re destroying them with no regard because there’s no real penalties, for a ten year sentence where you’re technically only going to serve 50%.
“It’s ridiculous, how about a life sentence for a life taken?” said Beaumont.
Responding to Beaumont’s comments on Triple M Breakfast with Marto, Margaux and Dan, Premier Steven Miles told Triple M:
LISTEN TO PREMIER STEVEN MILES RESPONSE HERE:
“My thoughts are with Ben and his family.
“This is a terrible crime that should have never happened.
“Community safety is a priority for my government, which is why we always take the advice of Police and provide them the tools they need to tackle crime.
“And, I will always listen to Queenslanders. If there are things we can do better, we will.
“I have asked the Interim Victims Commissioner, Mr Jon Rouse APM, to reach out to Ben and his family to offer our support.”
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