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!

 

[elaine41]

This criminal might have been a teenager but he was also considered an adult when he reached the age of 18 & had the right to vote, marry, drive a car etc. He should have been treated as an adult & received a lengthy prison sentence. I said many years ago that this would happen in our country when we decided that it was child cruelty if parents smacked their children. So, we decided we would ban disciplining children & now we have to discipline teenagers/young adults with criminal records which last for the rest of their lives & limit what they can do & where they can go.

 

[Robbo3006]

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!

Must be an influential persons son, no way if anyone stabs or slashes someone with a knife they should get 5 years jail. Minimum. There's a lot more to this than we're being told.

 

[Mina vriesekolk]

What can I say , he went into the shop with a weapon , of course he was going to use it . And these criminals will do it again because they get hardly punished . Maybe Albo should spend our tax money and fly to Singapore and find out why there is very little crime.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Completely agree.

Excuses, excuses, excuses, everybody has a mental health problem these days, a traumatized childhood, etc
Or they were affected by drugs or alcohol and didn't know what they were doing. They knew what they were doing when they took the drugs, etc. So whatever happens after that they are responsible.
There should be an automatic 12 months in prison for anyone caught with a weapon in their possession in public .
The judicial system in this country is a joke, if he told the judge he had a knife because he was going out for a steak dinner they'd probably accept that as the truth.
If people have so called mental health problems that lead them to commit crimes then they should be in a mental health facility where they are not a danger to themselves or the public
Time the judicial system worried about the trauma and ongoing mental health of the victim.

 

[desmond atkins]

justice system in WA is an absolute shambles the crime doesn't fit the time behind bars / there has been a lot of examples lateley in WA bad ones

 

[Tipsy]

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!

Was the judge his girlfriend/boyfriend or bought and paid for type of Moron.... we need new magistrates and judges who do NOT bandy around with the soft touch BS.... commit a crime do the time.... Simples.... this prick will continue to commit crimes of that there is no doubt.

 

[Leeshia]

It seems everybody has a sad sob story that will get them out of doing the punishment that they deserve. We may as well stop arresting these people and just let them continue on with their criminal lives and save the country all the money and time that it takes going to court. Even lawyers are getting off free cause they know the loopholes, they should be given twice the sentence for trying to conceal the scope of their involvement in crimes ( I'm mainly talking about the drunk driver lawyers who kill people on the road, don't stop and then go home until they have sobered up)

 

[Noon]

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!

Yes, another perpetrator let of free while the victim has to suffer. Seems to be the "in"thing these days. All excuses so no charge. Judges need to start using their hearts for the victims.

 

[Janice McKay]

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!

I'm Sorry for his unsettled life, but, he went armed with a knife which he used to get what he stole. He seriously injured this man and put him through extreme pain. So, I think that the Judge was too lenient. Actions have consequences . A slap on the wrist is what is happening too much these days.

 

[Go Cats]

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

Totally agree.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Any person who carries a concealed weapon is already guilty of intent, full stop.