In a disturbing incident in Bendigo, regional Victoria, local lawyer Isaac McLean has expressed his dwindling faith in the justice system after two teenagers involved in a violent assault on him and two other men were charged and subsequently released on bail. McLean, 28, suffered severe injuries, including multiple facial fractures, following an attack allegedly instigated by commentary about one of the assailants wearing sunglasses at night.
The incident occurred in the early hours of February 9 when McLean and his friend, a primary school teacher, were assaulted on the streets. Video evidence reportedly shows the group violently kicking and punching McLean as he lay on the ground. His friend also sustained serious injuries, including fractured discs in his back.
Following the attack, McLean noted a significant decline in his mental health, grappling with sleep disturbances and depressive episodes. He described his sense of safety in Bendigo as compromised, expressing concern over increasing patterns of violence in the community. Residents, including McLean, have voiced alarm over what they see as “rampant” crime in the area.
In response to the growing public outcry regarding crime and safety, protests advocating for stricter bail laws have emerged in Bendigo. Demonstrators, some of whom have experienced violence firsthand, are demanding urgent reforms to legislation that governs young offenders. Rally leader Tanya Mallia, a victim of a home invasion, emphasised the urgency for action, stating that community safety must be prioritised.
Amid these calls for change, the Victorian government announced plans for significant bail law reforms aimed at addressing serious and high-risk crimes, intending to make Victoria have the “toughest bail laws” in Australia. Under the proposed changes, serious offences involving weapons and other violent crimes will face tougher repercussions, signalling a shift in handling youth offenders who commit serious crimes.
McLean, however, remains concerned about the implications of releasing his alleged attackers on bail, claiming that such actions reflect a broader disregard for the law. He articulated feelings of disillusionment regarding the justice system, noting that recent events had left him questioning the effectiveness of state institutions. The situation continues to unfold as police investigations are still ongoing, with the potential for further arrests related to the February 9 attacks.