A devastated family has demanded Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan “man up” and “start taking action” following a fatal Burwood crash involving teens allegedly on a crime spree.
Victoria’s Opposition Leader John Pesutto has declared his state needs “rescuing”.
In an exclusive interview with Sky News – before he heads off on the Kokoda Track – the Liberal leader said his pilgrimage is not only about paying respect but also reflecting on how he could become premier.
“We are in a really bad way as a state and it’s worse than people might realise,” Mr Pesutto said.
Dr Ashley Gordon, 33, was allegedly stabbed repeatedly and left to die on a street less than one kilometre from his home in Doncaster in January after chasing down two kids who had robbed his home.
Both boys – aged 16 – were arrested four days later by homicide detectives before being charged with murder, aggravated burglary and theft.
One of the two teenagers charged with the murder of the beloved doctor was on bail at the time of the alleged crime.
Dr Ash Gordon with his sister Natalie, mother Catherine and father Glen. Picture: ABC / Supplied by Gordon family.
Dr Gordon’s sister, Natalie Gordon, has lashed out at Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, after a 28-year-old man was hit and killed by a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee on Tuesday night, allegedly being driven by a group of teenagers on a crime spree.
The group was travelling at high speed when they ploughed through an intersection and collided with a silver Toyota.
The force of the crash sent the Toyota through a brick fence, killing the 28-year-old driver.
The vehicle was allegedly stolen during an aggravated home burglary in Cranbourne South on June 28.
The car was believed to be involved in several offences including two armed robberies in Ormond and Ripponlea on June 30.
In what has been described by police as “absolutely cowardly”, the group then fled the scene, with a witness apprehending one of the teenage girls, preventing her from escaping
Three teenagers have been charged after a stolen car slammed into another vehicle in Melbourne’s east, killing an innocent man, on Tuesday night. Picture: 9NEWS
Speaking directly to the Premier, Ms Gordon demanded Jacinta Allan take action.
“Man up. Stop giving us empty promises. Start taking action. Stop saying that it takes a long time to get these things across the line,” she said on Thursday.
“Push harder because one day it is going to be your family that is affected by it and I really hope you do something before.
“I feel heartbreak for this man’s family, anger that they’re not listening. They’re not doing anything, they’re talking a lot but they’re not doing anything,”
“They’ll probably continue to say there’s no problem until their families are directly impacted by it.”
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Two 15-year-old girls were arrested at the scene of the crash on Tuesday night and have since been charged with theft of a motor vehicle.
A 17-year-old boy, allegedly the driver, was arrested in Malvern East about 8.30pm on Wednesday.
He has been charged with culpable driving causing death, dangerous driving causing death, failing to stop and render assistance, theft of motor vehicle and unlicensed driving.
The force of the crash destroyed a brick wall. Picture: David Crosling
Ms Gordon has campaigned for harsher penalties for juvenile offenders, particularly those involved in home invasions and vehicle theft.
“It is an ongoing problem, not just in Victoria, but across Australia and I truly believe that we need to start introducing harsher punishments for lesser crimes,” she said.
“We need to look at our systems like child protection – these kids are usually already in contact with the system at such a young age by the time they reach this age and these limits, they are too far gone to be rehabilitated.
“They have no respect for anyone or anything and they know damn well that they will continue to get away with everything because they do time and time again.”