Today Show host Sarah Abo slams Australia’s justice system as another killer could be released from jail early: ‘Failing the community’
- Jack Beasley, 17, knifed to death in 2019
- Teen jailed for murder appealing sentence
- If successful, he could be out in 18 months
Today Show host Sarah Abo has slammed the justice system for failing Aussies after it was revealed a teen who stabbed another boy to death could have years shaved off his sentence.
Jack Beasley, 17, was stabbed in the heart and later died in hospital after a fight broke out between his group of friends and the five teens in the Gold Coast in December 2019.
Two of the teens were later jailed over Jack’s death with one boy, aged 15 at the time, sentenced to 10 years after pleading guilty to murder and two counts of committing malicious acts.
The boy was told he must serve 70 per cent of his sentence but launched an appeal on Friday to reduce his sentence to five years.
If he is successful, he will leave jail in 18 months – prompting fury from Today Show host Ms Abo as she spoke to Jack’s devastated parents.
Jack Beasley, 17, was stabbed in the heart and later died in hospital after a fight broke out between his group of friends and the five teens in the Gold Coast
Mr Beasley also took aim at the justice system and revealed that the family is devastated by news of the appeal
His father Brett told Ms Abo: ‘If he wins his appeal, he will get two years shaved off his sentence and he’ll be a free man in just 18 months.
‘He’ll get to spend his 21st birthday with his family and friends, unlike we did. It’s a real kick in the guts for us, it’s terrible.’
Ms Abo replied: ‘We often hear about things like this happening in the justice system.
‘It’s disheartening, but it’s also heartbreaking for a family who’s lost a loved one.
‘This is why people get so angry about the justice system, failing the community. It’s just not acceptable.
It’s so frustrating to see this happen time and again, this isn’t the first time. What kind of a message is this sending?
Mr Beasley also took aim at the justice system and revealed that the family is devastated by news of the appeal.
‘He murdered our son and he damn near murdered our son’s best mate. He’s whining about getting seven years in jail for it.
Jack’s mother Belinda added: ‘The thing is we’re tired, we just want it over and done with’
Mr Beasley also took aim at the justice system and revealed that the family is devastated by news of the appeal
‘I know everyone has your right to appeal but as far as I’m concerned, they should lose their rights.
‘You murder someone, you should lose your rights. It’s as simple as that.
‘He took away our son’s rights, so we should take away his rights and we’d be devastated if he gets his appeal.
‘There is no justice for the victim at all. The whole youth justice system needs makeover, especially here in Queensland. It’s an absolute joke.’
Jack’s mother Belinda added: ‘The thing is we’re tired, we just want it over and done with.
‘We just want to be able to move on and put that sort of part of our life behind us because it really is traumatic for the family and so many families go through it.’
News of the appeal comes after Queensland passed Jack’s Law to make it easier for officers to tackle knife crime.
Queensland police can now use metal detection wands to search people for knives on public transport and in nightclub precincts without reasonable suspicion.
Jack’s parents Brett and Belinda were in parliament for the passing of the legislation created in their son’s honour.
Officers on the Gold Coast have already been using the powers to undertake random searches using detection wands under a trial in the holiday destination’s safe night precincts in which 266 weapons wre seized.
The program will now be extended for two years and expanded to cover all nightclub precincts across the state, as well as all public transport networks.
Trams, buses, trains and ferries, as well as public transport stations, will be included under the new laws.
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