OXLEY MP Michael Kemp has called on the NSW Government to take immediate action on justice reform after the alleged teen offenders of a serious crime spree in Kempsey were granted bail by the courts.
The crime spree began around 3.30am on Wednesday 15 October, when a group of males allegedly armed with machetes forced entry to a fast-food restaurant on Smith Street, Kempsey before threatening staff and stealing keys to a silver Isuzu SUV.
The group then left in the stolen SUV and a grey Mercedes which had earlier been reported stolen from a home in Port Macquarie.
A short time later, a group of males forced entry into a tobacconist on Forth Street, Kempsey before stealing several items.
After an investigation by Mid North Coast Police, multiple teenage boys were arrested in the following days.
In a statement to media on Monday, Mr Kemp – whose electorate of Oxley covers communities including Wauchope, Kempsey, Nambucca Heads and Bellingen – expressed disbelief that bail had been granted to the accused given the severity of the alleged crimes.
He said it shows how “completely broken the system is”, particularly as some of the alleged offenders were out on bail for similar offences.
“It’s hard to believe that repeat youth offenders can steal cars, run roadblocks, attack police, threaten workers with machetes, and still be granted bail,” Mr Kemp said.
“These aren’t kids making mistakes. They’re violent offenders who are turning into hardened criminals.
“Our police are putting their lives on the line, only to watch offenders walk free before the paperwork is done.”
Mr Kemp said the decision was made out of the bail hub in Sydney, proving how “out of touch the system is with the realities of regional crime”.
“This is another decision for regional communities being made in Sydney by people who have no idea what’s happening on the ground,” Mr Kemp said.
“Our magistrates are doing the best they can, but their hands are tied by laws that have been watered down over time. “These laws protect offenders, not victims,” he said.
In response to questions from News Of The Area, Attorney General Michael Daley said the Government understands there is no quick fix to youth crime.
“That’s why we’re working closely with police and communities to tackle this concerning behaviour and its causes,” he said.
“We’ve introduced a suite of reforms including raising the bail threshold for young people accused of repeat car theft and break and enter offences.
“These reforms are tough but they’re working, with young people dealt with under these laws less likely to get bail.
“We know there is more to do and we’re continuing to closely examine our settings.
“This includes a review of doli incapax which presumes children under 14 cannot be held criminally responsible.”
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