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.

The shocking incident happened at David Jones. Image source: Shutterstock.

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!

 

[Observer]

It may have ended up with a slash but could be deemed as attempted murder, no mention of that though. The crime should be looked at more harshly. Any time you have a weapon and harm someone, it should be classified as attempted murder. 88 day is custody is not a punishment.

 

[Lynjw]

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.

View attachment 26607

The shocking incident happened at David Jones. Image source: Shutterstock.

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!

Should have remanded to a drug rehab facility and community service at least

 

[Observer]

Should have remanded to a drug rehab facility and community service at least

At a minimum

 

[Brody]

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.

View attachment 26607

The shocking incident happened at David Jones. Image source: Shutterstock.

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!

 

[poppyshero]

We have become way too soft on crime; young offenders know they can get away without penalty. You only have to look at the problems in areas of Australia today. Time to toughen up and introduce harsh penalties.

 

[Lynjw]

Getting more and more like the US

 

[Suzanne rose]

Penalty should have been harsher.

A crime that involves any sort of weapon should be dealt with harder.

If he strikes again who will take the blame , maybe next time the victim won't be so lucky !

Imagine his victim, even if she is ok in the out side how can you be ok on the inside

 

[Gsr]

When are the judges going to stop letting any offenders off with light sentences because they claim their life has been affected by drugs, alcohol, bad upbringing etc etc etc. of course they are going to show remorse after the fact so they can get a lighter sentence. Time we had mandatory life sentences for any crime that involves loss of someone’s life, attempted murder with minimum 20 years for any crime involving any sort of weapon that causes any injury no matter how small or big the injury is. Serious crimes are becoming more frequent and need harsh penalties imposed to ALL perpetrators, regardless of age, upbringing, mental health or any other excuse being rolled out by the solicitors. Unless judges stop giving criminals a slap on the wrist and letting them go we will end up like America and England where people are killing each other with guns or knives just because they think it is their right to do whatever they feel like. There should also NEVER be any charges laid against victims who injure these perpetrators while defending themselves, their families or property.

 

[Deborah Robertson]

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.

View attachment 26607

The shocking incident happened at David Jones. Image source: Shutterstock.

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!

He knew what he did was wrong and to willingly threaten a knife and actually use it that man of 18 new exactly what he was doing and too many people use past lifetime traumas to cover up their crimes…Im a woman in my now 60s and I have had way more abuse and traumas as a child growing up and it was very hard but having said that it gives me no excuse to carry a knife with a plan to attack anyone who won’t allow me to do as I please…so now people like this get a slap on the wrist meanwhile their victims are now suffering trauma too …

 

[Aussie all the Way]

Getting more and more like the US

Next we will have security guards in every shop just like the States

 

[Glen Mitchell]

That's a big NO

 

[Jest]

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.

View attachment 26607

The shocking incident happened at David Jones. Image source: Shutterstock.

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!

disgusting judges. i am so sick of excuses, excuses. boohoo.

 

[Ricki]

Who knows what the perpetrator will do next. Sometimes a bit of lead or a length of rope sounds good to me.

 

[LadyMoonlight]

88 days for attempted murder is disgusting. If he had murdered his victim, I suppose he would get 90 days. He chose to take drugs so he cannot use that as an excuse and he can be as sorry as he wants to pretend to be (he is sorry he got caught), he should have received a minimum of 10 -15 years in prison for attempted murder.

 

[Smithsd]

I believe what is missing in this discussion, and what should have been taken into account in sentencing, is "intent". The perpetrator went out in public with the intent to harm any person who thwarted his desire to obtain objects by theft to feed his addiction. The intent is witnessed by being armed with a weapon in a public space. Many of us had traumatic childhoods and rose above it. I believe that "intent to harm" not defend your own life, should be taken into consideration when sentencing. I am also of the belief with young offenders that a boot camp like experience should be available as a first option, juvenile detention actually gives these young people the first warm room, good food, and recreation that they have ever had in their lives, same goes for prison. Good, honest, hard work in the community where you pay back in your effort, still get a clean room, good food, and companionship at the end of the day, and learn life skills should be the norm.

 

[Dreams]

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.

View attachment 26607

The shocking incident happened at David Jones. Image source: Shutterstock.

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!

Why is more consideration given to criminals and not the victims?

 

[Catherines]

Getting more and more like the US

Yes, that is definitely becoming the case now. Everyday more than one shooting, stabbing, serious injury, car theft, home invasion with violence etc. When will this stop? The offenders are getting younger and younger and sentences are becoming leaner with the offenders’ legal teams twisting the evidence or making out that the offender has said they will be a good boy/girl so don’t punish them. I believe Magistrates, Judges and the like also fear for their own lives somewhat as repercussion by the offenders, hence the light sentences.

 

[Catherines]

I believe what is missing in this discussion, and what should have been taken into account in sentencing, is "intent". The perpetrator went out in public with the intent to harm any person who thwarted his desire to obtain objects by theft to feed his addiction. The intent is witnessed by being armed with a weapon in a public space. Many of us had traumatic childhoods and rose above it. I believe that "intent to harm" not defend your own life, should be taken into consideration when sentencing. I am also of the belief with young offenders that a boot camp like experience should be available as a first option, juvenile detention actually gives these young people the first warm room, good food, and recreation that they have ever had in their lives, same goes for prison. Good, honest, hard work in the community where you pay back in your effort, still get a clean room, good food, and companionship at the end of the day, and learn life skills should be the norm.

Yours is a very sensible response, Smithsd, and I agree with every word. Thank you for looking at this from a truly different perspective.

 

[Marj53]

I believe what is missing in this discussion, and what should have been taken into account in sentencing, is "intent". The perpetrator went out in public with the intent to harm any person who thwarted his desire to obtain objects by theft to feed his addiction. The intent is witnessed by being armed with a weapon in a public space. Many of us had traumatic childhoods and rose above it. I believe that "intent to harm" not defend your own life, should be taken into consideration when sentencing. I am also of the belief with young offenders that a boot camp like experience should be available as a first option, juvenile detention actually gives these young people the first warm room, good food, and recreation that they have ever had in their lives, same goes for prison. Good, honest, hard work in the community where you pay back in your effort, still get a clean room, good food, and companionship at the end of the day, and learn life skills should be the norm.

Completely agree.