Shocking: Man ruthlessly stabbed over a luxury handbag at David Jones
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It's one of those situations we read about or see in crime dramas—a daring theft that spirals into violence and chaos. Not the stuff we expect on our shopping trips to our closest department store. But this dark reality became an unfortunate chapter in the rich history of Australia's oldest department store, David Jones.
Online or on-site shopping is supposed to be an upbeat activity shared and enjoyed by millions of Aussies. But in a shocking incident, the otherwise relaxed atmosphere of the famed David Jones store transformed into a scene that would be more at home in a gritty crime drama.
A teenager, after confessing to stabbing a worker in David Jones during a designer handbag theft, wrote a remorseful letter—a detail that brought a tragic human factor to this unsettling episode.
Lachlan Willis, aged 19, walked away free after his day of reckoning in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court. He had pleaded guilty to several serious crimes, including intentionally causing injury, theft, and a truckload of drug offences.
He spent a total of 88 days in custody. Willis was apprehended soon after committing the attack on a David Jones sales assistant on May 16 this year.
Earlier, the court heard that Willis and an unidentified woman tried to steal a Saint Laurent handbag priced north of $3000 from the illustrious Emporium Melbourne, located in the city’s vibrant CBD.
Two employees who stopped Willis as he tried to leave the store were met with a chilling warning, 'back off, I have a knife’.
Another team member attempted to grapple the bag back from Willis and was ferociously slashed on the wrist for his bravery.
Reports emerged that the attacked worker was rushed to the hospital and had undergone two surgeries and a skin graft. He sustained serious injuries, stirring sympathy in the hearts of loyal shoppers nationwide and raising questions about the safety of retail workers.
In court, Willis’ legal representative Alana Reader discussed her client's regret over the incident and highlighted his motivation for ending his drug use.
The young man had conveyed his regret to the victim and acknowledged that he might not receive forgiveness—a reasonable expectation given the violent nature of the incident.
Previously, Reader had detailed other contributing factors to Willis' behaviour: a slump into substance use, the passing of a friend, meeting with an estranged father and previously homeless status. It seemed these tragic twists and turns in his life had collided in this fateful moment at David Jones.
In a surprising turn of events, despite the serious nature of the crime, Magistrate Malcolm Thomas decided on a community corrections order instead of a prison sentence, considering Willis’ young age and history of extreme trauma. It was acknowledged that Willis had the potential for rehabilitation, and prison might put him at risk of institutionalisation.
What do you think of this story, members? What are your thoughts on how crimes like this should be punished? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, and remember, people will likely have opposing views to you, so if you do disagree with someone, remember to be respectful!
Online or on-site shopping is supposed to be an upbeat activity shared and enjoyed by millions of Aussies. But in a shocking incident, the otherwise relaxed atmosphere of the famed David Jones store transformed into a scene that would be more at home in a gritty crime drama.
A teenager, after confessing to stabbing a worker in David Jones during a designer handbag theft, wrote a remorseful letter—a detail that brought a tragic human factor to this unsettling episode.
Lachlan Willis, aged 19, walked away free after his day of reckoning in the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court. He had pleaded guilty to several serious crimes, including intentionally causing injury, theft, and a truckload of drug offences.
He spent a total of 88 days in custody. Willis was apprehended soon after committing the attack on a David Jones sales assistant on May 16 this year.
Earlier, the court heard that Willis and an unidentified woman tried to steal a Saint Laurent handbag priced north of $3000 from the illustrious Emporium Melbourne, located in the city’s vibrant CBD.
Two employees who stopped Willis as he tried to leave the store were met with a chilling warning, 'back off, I have a knife’.
Another team member attempted to grapple the bag back from Willis and was ferociously slashed on the wrist for his bravery.
Reports emerged that the attacked worker was rushed to the hospital and had undergone two surgeries and a skin graft. He sustained serious injuries, stirring sympathy in the hearts of loyal shoppers nationwide and raising questions about the safety of retail workers.
In court, Willis’ legal representative Alana Reader discussed her client's regret over the incident and highlighted his motivation for ending his drug use.
The young man had conveyed his regret to the victim and acknowledged that he might not receive forgiveness—a reasonable expectation given the violent nature of the incident.
Previously, Reader had detailed other contributing factors to Willis' behaviour: a slump into substance use, the passing of a friend, meeting with an estranged father and previously homeless status. It seemed these tragic twists and turns in his life had collided in this fateful moment at David Jones.
In a surprising turn of events, despite the serious nature of the crime, Magistrate Malcolm Thomas decided on a community corrections order instead of a prison sentence, considering Willis’ young age and history of extreme trauma. It was acknowledged that Willis had the potential for rehabilitation, and prison might put him at risk of institutionalisation.
Key Takeaways
- Lachlan Willis, 19, admitted to stabbing a David Jones worker while trying to steal a luxury handbag and has written a letter of regret.
- Willis has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including intentionally causing injury, theft, and drug offences, he spent 88 days in custody.
- The court was told the incident was triggered by a substance relapse, the death of a friend, and meeting his estranged father. Willis's lawyer claimed he was highly motivated to quit his drug use.
- Instead of a prison sentence, Willis was placed on a two-year supervision order with treatment for his mental health and drug and alcohol issues due to his young age and history of extreme trauma and disadvantage.
What do you think of this story, members? What are your thoughts on how crimes like this should be punished? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, and remember, people will likely have opposing views to you, so if you do disagree with someone, remember to be respectful!