A Victorian man already serving a sentence for assault and a history of repeated stalking offences has been granted temporary bail so he can attend his aunt’s funeral. The 19-year-old, who has amassed 67 convictions for breaching family violence orders and stalking his 16-year-old ex-girlfriend, appeared in Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The court had just imposed an additional four-month jail term along with an 18-month community corrections order for common-law assault, persistent breaches of bail and family violence orders. Less than two hours later, the young offender successfully applied for bail to travel to South Australia, pending an appeal against Friday’s sentence in the County Court.
Defence counsel Peter Delorenzo argued that the man’s grandmother would house him, monitor his compliance with strict conditions and ensure he attended the funeral without reoffending. The young man’s extended family attended the hearing to underscore the importance of his presence at the service.
Prosecutors warned of a high risk of reoffending, pointing to the offender’s extensive violent history. Leading Senior Constable Jackie Lowe highlighted 17 documented family violence incidents since June 2023 and cited alarming breaches in which the man broke into his ex-girlfriend’s home, offered her methamphetamine, and later threatened her with a hammer.
Magistrate Russell Kelly granted bail with stringent conditions: the man must remain at his grandmother’s residence at all times, observe an overnight curfew, and use her mobile phone only under her supervision. He is also prohibited from contacting his ex-girlfriend. Magistrate Kelly warned, “If you breach these conditions, you won’t get bail in 100 years.”
The young man has already served over a month of his new sentence and will return to court for his appeal. Until then, he must adhere to the bail conditions or risk immediate re-incarceration.
+ There are no comments
Add yours