We express our deepest condolences to the community of Maryborough following a recent tragedy that resulted in the loss of three lives and left one person in critical condition.

On Sunday night, a devastating accident occurred involving a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz. The collision caused the death of three individuals in Maryborough, a town located approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane.

As per official police reports, the Mercedes rear-ended a Holden vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a Mazda car travelling in the opposite direction towards Hervey Bay.

The devastating incident resulted in the tragic loss of 52-year-old Torquay nurse Sheree Robertson, who was the sole occupant of the Mazda at the time of the accident. Sheree had just finished her shift at the local hospital.

A teenage boy allegedly crashed a stolen car, killing three innocent people in Queensland, sparking outrage and concern over youth crime in the area. Credit: Unsplash/Gabe Pierce.

Tragically, two more individuals lost their lives in the accident. These were 17-year-old Kelsie Davies from Oakhurst and 29-year-old Maryborough woman Michale Chandler, who were both in the Holden vehicle at the time of the collision.

Another passenger in the Holden, a 23-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The alleged 13-year-old driver of the stolen Mercedes-Benz sustained only minor injuries to his foot in the accident. However, the incident is still under investigation, and police forces are committed to ascertaining all the facts surrounding this tragic event.

Karl Stefanovic, the host of the breakfast program Today, expressed his outrage on the morning show following the tragic incident. He questioned how many more incidents would have to occur before the issue of youth crime is adequately addressed.

Stefanovic stated on Today on Tuesday morning, 'How many times do we need to report on stolen cars in Queensland? How many near misses? How many lives need to be irrevocably changed before we confront the reality that youth crime is out of control? Three innocent lives have been lost in a small country town where the impact will be felt for years to come.'

He highlighted the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community, saying, 'High schools, workplaces, churches, families are shattered, with daughters, mums, sons, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, and friends in the deepest grief imaginable this morning.'

​

Ian Leavers, President of the Queensland Police Union, shared similar concerns and believed that measures such as curfews would not be enough to address the underlying issue. Instead, he emphasised the need for young offenders to be held accountable for their actions through stricter measures.

Leavers stated, 'These young people, including the alleged 13-year-old driver, are nothing but criminals. It's crucial that we focus on targeting them, and the courts need to hold them responsible for their actions. The courts must take a stronger stance when these kids are locked up.'

Leavers also expressed concerns regarding proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, arguing that this would result in suspects like the 13-year-old in this case not facing legal consequences for their actions. He emphasised the importance of a fair legal system that upholds accountability for all individuals regardless of their age.

Leavers also explained the importance of early intervention programs and strict monitoring of irresponsible parents as essential measures to address the youth crime issue. He suggested that such programs would provide support and guidance to young offenders before they escalate their behaviour.

It is worth noting that changes to youth crime laws were introduced six weeks ago in Queensland, aiming to impose harsher penalties on car thieves. However, despite these updates, youth crime rates have not decreased as expected.

The 13-year-old suspect from Bundaberg has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is set to appear in Maroochydore Children's Court as investigations into the incident continue.

It remains to be seen if these charges and the legal proceedings that follow will have a significant impact on addressing the underlying issue of youth crime in Queensland.

Key Takeaways

• In Maryborough, Queensland, a car accident involving a 13-year-old driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz claimed the lives of three people.
• The incident has sparked outrage from public figures and renewed calls for action to address the issue of youth crime in the state.
• Although changes to youth crime laws were introduced recently, it remains to be seen if they will have an impact on reducing crime rates.

While law enforcement officials and policymakers have suggested various solutions, such as early intervention programs and stricter accountability for young offenders, the root causes of this problem are complex and multifaceted.

As a community, what can we do to address the root causes of youth crime and prevent further senseless tragedies? How can we ensure that young offenders are held accountable for their actions while also providing them with the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around?

Is tougher legislation the answer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by this tragedy and shocking loss of life.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

 

[Jarred Santos]

Three lives cut short by a careless mistake. How hard this must be for their loved ones

 

[Rob44]

My opinion will probably be unpopular, but I don’t care.

We have allowed ourselves to become a society where parenting and guidance has been outsourced. We have swallowed Margaret Thatcher's trope of "no such thing as society" and allowed the economy to make the rules.

Growing up in the 1950s-1960s, children were raised in the home, and both parents and educational institutions had authority over behaviour. Now, very few people have the "luxury" of having a parent out of the paid workforce while children are preschoolers, or restricted to school hours only employment as kids get older. Yes, there were always some "latch-key kids", but they were by far the minority, and there were usually sufficient homes in a neighbourhood where there were parents at home to keep an eye out for them. Schools likewise have lost much of their ability to guide behaviour - if they can't enforce appropriate behaviour in the classroom, as we frequently hear, how can they possibly influence what happens outside school?

We are now seeing children being raised by parents who themselves are products of reduced adult supervision/guidance.

All in the name of a thriving economy.

No, I am not advocating a return to the days of women being barred from the workforce because they married or became mothers, but we need some balance!

https://clbb.mgh.harvard.edu/juvenilejustice/ interesting read on the topic. Whilst there are biological factors on brain development of people, specifically those under 25. I feel the ultimate responsibility falls to those whose brain has reached adult maturation and cognisant of risks and consequences, i.e. parents, guardians or carers. Peer group has a huge influence on adolescents and parents, etc., have a responsibility to monitor and screen who their kids are hanging out with, what they are doing and where they are going.

Maturity is deemed at around 14-15 amongst young men in traditional tribal societies where they are commonly initiated into manhood, with its full responsibilities, according to some commonly not-overly-pleasant ritual. That is the age they may engage in tribal fighting, and start becoming responsible for their future family, building the house etcetc. Our society retards the development of our young people by the needs for education to cope with our very complicated society. We used to see kids of 11 and 12 sign up as mid-shipmen in the Royal Navy and be given both the responsibility for the hands before the mast and power to deal with infringements by such grown men as they had officer status.

This notion of diminished responsibility because someone is between 8 and 18 years old is plain stupid.

 

[Säntis]

Regardless of what punishment he gets now, this brat should be barred from ever holding a driving licence for the rest of his life.

 

[Rob44]

not quite sure about that.... I was the only girl in my primary school to get the cuts and it did nothing but make me more defiant. But I do understand your reaction to such an atrocious crime involving innocent people.

Fair comment; you probably got the cane because you had been defiant in some form or other, just like me. We boys had to bite our tongues if caned and then laugh and strut around as toughies in front of our Primary School peers, but it still was an object lesson that there was a line in the sand that it was inappropriate to cross.

And yes there are, or were some sadistic bastards employed as teachers in some schools as well. Perhaps they are the ones who have spoilt it for the rest of us? There is a fine line when it comes to disciplining kids.

 

[Rob44]

Regardless of what punishment he gets now, this brat should be barred from ever holding a driving licence for the rest of his life.

Do the crime; do the time; then enable education and rehabilitation.

 

[KiwiTrish]

We express our deepest condolences to the community of Maryborough following a recent tragedy that resulted in the loss of three lives and left one person in critical condition.

On Sunday night, a devastating accident occurred involving a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz. The collision caused the death of three individuals in Maryborough, a town located approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane.

As per official police reports, the Mercedes rear-ended a Holden vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a Mazda car travelling in the opposite direction towards Hervey Bay.

The devastating incident resulted in the tragic loss of 52-year-old Torquay nurse Sheree Robertson, who was the sole occupant of the Mazda at the time of the accident. Sheree had just finished her shift at the local hospital.

View attachment 18992

A teenage boy allegedly crashed a stolen car, killing three innocent people in Queensland, sparking outrage and concern over youth crime in the area. Credit: Unsplash/Gabe Pierce.

Tragically, two more individuals lost their lives in the accident. These were 17-year-old Kelsie Davies from Oakhurst and 29-year-old Maryborough woman Michale Chandler, who were both in the Holden vehicle at the time of the collision.

Another passenger in the Holden, a 23-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The alleged 13-year-old driver of the stolen Mercedes-Benz sustained only minor injuries to his foot in the accident. However, the incident is still under investigation, and police forces are committed to ascertaining all the facts surrounding this tragic event.

Karl Stefanovic, the host of the breakfast program Today, expressed his outrage on the morning show following the tragic incident. He questioned how many more incidents would have to occur before the issue of youth crime is adequately addressed.

Stefanovic stated on Today on Tuesday morning, 'How many times do we need to report on stolen cars in Queensland? How many near misses? How many lives need to be irrevocably changed before we confront the reality that youth crime is out of control? Three innocent lives have been lost in a small country town where the impact will be felt for years to come.'

He highlighted the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community, saying, 'High schools, workplaces, churches, families are shattered, with daughters, mums, sons, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, and friends in the deepest grief imaginable this morning.'

View attachment 19002​

Ian Leavers, President of the Queensland Police Union, shared similar concerns and believed that measures such as curfews would not be enough to address the underlying issue. Instead, he emphasised the need for young offenders to be held accountable for their actions through stricter measures.

Leavers stated, 'These young people, including the alleged 13-year-old driver, are nothing but criminals. It's crucial that we focus on targeting them, and the courts need to hold them responsible for their actions. The courts must take a stronger stance when these kids are locked up.'

Leavers also expressed concerns regarding proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, arguing that this would result in suspects like the 13-year-old in this case not facing legal consequences for their actions. He emphasised the importance of a fair legal system that upholds accountability for all individuals regardless of their age.

Leavers also explained the importance of early intervention programs and strict monitoring of irresponsible parents as essential measures to address the youth crime issue. He suggested that such programs would provide support and guidance to young offenders before they escalate their behaviour.

It is worth noting that changes to youth crime laws were introduced six weeks ago in Queensland, aiming to impose harsher penalties on car thieves. However, despite these updates, youth crime rates have not decreased as expected.

The 13-year-old suspect from Bundaberg has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is set to appear in Maroochydore Children's Court as investigations into the incident continue.

It remains to be seen if these charges and the legal proceedings that follow will have a significant impact on addressing the underlying issue of youth crime in Queensland.

Key Takeaways

• In Maryborough, Queensland, a car accident involving a 13-year-old driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz claimed the lives of three people.
• The incident has sparked outrage from public figures and renewed calls for action to address the issue of youth crime in the state.
• Although changes to youth crime laws were introduced recently, it remains to be seen if they will have an impact on reducing crime rates.

While law enforcement officials and policymakers have suggested various solutions, such as early intervention programs and stricter accountability for young offenders, the root causes of this problem are complex and multifaceted.

As a community, what can we do to address the root causes of youth crime and prevent further senseless tragedies? How can we ensure that young offenders are held accountable for their actions while also providing them with the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around?

Is tougher legislation the answer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by this tragedy and shocking loss of life.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

I feel if they do the adult crime they do the adult time it’s ridulous the small time they get for all they do

 

[ChrisTasmania]

Regardless of what punishment he gets now, this brat should be barred from ever holding a driving licence for the rest of his life.

nice thought, but............. holding a driving licence is probably not one of his life's ambitions, when you can steal a really neat car and smash it up and kill a couple of innocents.

 

[Iggydi]

Why do they say allegedly? He was driving the car, He was at the scene of the accident, he stole the car, nothing allegedly about that. We should start saying He WAS driving the car He DID steal the car. Don't give them any leeway or excuses anymore. That is just wrong especially to the loved ones left behind. It's like saying that their loved ones were in the wrong for being on the road, for working. We as a society as a whole are equally to blame for all this disrespect, no laws or boundaries placed on juveniles because when the goody two shoes kicked up a stink about not smacking kids etc we should have told them where to go. By sitting back and not saying anything WE as a society have tuned a blind eye and let this happen. Not the Government, Not the Police, Not the parents but us for not saying something earlier. This just hasn't started happening it has been gradually getting worse since the early 90's. My daughter came home from High School one day in the 90's and said to us I can take you to court for Child Abuse if you hit me. This was told to her by a teacher at school. My reply was if you want Child Abuse I will give you Child Abuse. She gulped and not another word was said about it. Discipline is completely different to Child Abuse. Discipline is the consequences of a thing you did wrong. I have had my rant and I feel sad that so many families and friends are suffering because of the consequences of a person that had no respect for anyone

 

[Iggydi]

If these little darlings do an adult crime then they should do adult time. They think they are tough and cool, they show it on Social media and laugh whilst doing illegal things, knowing all they will get a slap on the wrist.. I absolutely detest do-gooders, bleeding hearts and the gutless Juducial system. I don't enjoy the fact that my tax payer ,hard earned $$ are going to keep these brats in jail, but jail is where they belong. Now some ridiculous twat has said smacking and discipline will give them irrepairable mental problems. What a load of crap. In the 60's we got a good swift kick up the butt, lost priviledges and got more chores when we did wrong. ( and that was just the half of our punishment, yes a word that the kids of today don't recognise..punishment !!) Have we all grown up to be mentally unstable , liars, thieves and brats.. No I don't think so.

It taught us respect and knowing if we did something wrong there would be consequences and we didn't want to find out what the consequences were.

 

[Iggydi]

Where are the parents???

Parents must take responsibility for their children's actions.

If the parents are irresponsible, then unfortunately the State needs to step in, remove the children and try to rehabilitate them and raise them accordingly.

Boot camps etc. teach discipline, responsibility and values.

Also, make the offenders pay, in dollars, for the damage they caused and have them contribute to repairs and reparations by helping to repair damage and replace destroyed or damaged items.

They could even have their items taken and sold as part compensation. Then they'll know how it feels.

All of the above....plus heavy counselling by those who have been in their place and survived to become good citizens.

The parents have their hands tied because they are the ones getting into trouble if they try to discipline their own kids. There is something wrong with society as a whole and that needs to be fixed first before we implode into a lawless society

 

[DebbieMJ23]

If

We express our deepest condolences to the community of Maryborough following a recent tragedy that resulted in the loss of three lives and left one person in critical condition.

On Sunday night, a devastating accident occurred involving a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz. The collision caused the death of three individuals in Maryborough, a town located approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane.

As per official police reports, the Mercedes rear-ended a Holden vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a Mazda car travelling in the opposite direction towards Hervey Bay.

The devastating incident resulted in the tragic loss of 52-year-old Torquay nurse Sheree Robertson, who was the sole occupant of the Mazda at the time of the accident. Sheree had just finished her shift at the local hospital.

View attachment 18992

A teenage boy allegedly crashed a stolen car, killing three innocent people in Queensland, sparking outrage and concern over youth crime in the area. Credit: Unsplash/Gabe Pierce.

Tragically, two more individuals lost their lives in the accident. These were 17-year-old Kelsie Davies from Oakhurst and 29-year-old Maryborough woman Michale Chandler, who were both in the Holden vehicle at the time of the collision.

Another passenger in the Holden, a 23-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The alleged 13-year-old driver of the stolen Mercedes-Benz sustained only minor injuries to his foot in the accident. However, the incident is still under investigation, and police forces are committed to ascertaining all the facts surrounding this tragic event.

Karl Stefanovic, the host of the breakfast program Today, expressed his outrage on the morning show following the tragic incident. He questioned how many more incidents would have to occur before the issue of youth crime is adequately addressed.

Stefanovic stated on Today on Tuesday morning, 'How many times do we need to report on stolen cars in Queensland? How many near misses? How many lives need to be irrevocably changed before we confront the reality that youth crime is out of control? Three innocent lives have been lost in a small country town where the impact will be felt for years to come.'

He highlighted the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community, saying, 'High schools, workplaces, churches, families are shattered, with daughters, mums, sons, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, and friends in the deepest grief imaginable this morning.'

View attachment 19002​

Ian Leavers, President of the Queensland Police Union, shared similar concerns and believed that measures such as curfews would not be enough to address the underlying issue. Instead, he emphasised the need for young offenders to be held accountable for their actions through stricter measures.

Leavers stated, 'These young people, including the alleged 13-year-old driver, are nothing but criminals. It's crucial that we focus on targeting them, and the courts need to hold them responsible for their actions. The courts must take a stronger stance when these kids are locked up.'

Leavers also expressed concerns regarding proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, arguing that this would result in suspects like the 13-year-old in this case not facing legal consequences for their actions. He emphasised the importance of a fair legal system that upholds accountability for all individuals regardless of their age.

Leavers also explained the importance of early intervention programs and strict monitoring of irresponsible parents as essential measures to address the youth crime issue. He suggested that such programs would provide support and guidance to young offenders before they escalate their behaviour.

It is worth noting that changes to youth crime laws were introduced six weeks ago in Queensland, aiming to impose harsher penalties on car thieves. However, despite these updates, youth crime rates have not decreased as expected.

The 13-year-old suspect from Bundaberg has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is set to appear in Maroochydore Children's Court as investigations into the incident continue.

It remains to be seen if these charges and the legal proceedings that follow will have a significant impact on addressing the underlying issue of youth crime in Queensland.

Key Takeaways

• In Maryborough, Queensland, a car accident involving a 13-year-old driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz claimed the lives of three people.
• The incident has sparked outrage from public figures and renewed calls for action to address the issue of youth crime in the state.
• Although changes to youth crime laws were introduced recently, it remains to be seen if they will have an impact on reducing crime rates.

While law enforcement officials and policymakers have suggested various solutions, such as early intervention programs and stricter accountability for young offenders, the root causes of this problem are complex and multifaceted.

As a community, what can we do to address the root causes of youth crime and prevent further senseless tragedies? How can we ensure that young offenders are held accountable for their actions while also providing them with the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around?

Is tougher legislation the answer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by this tragedy and shocking loss of life.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

You commit the crime you do the time, your age is irrelevant. At 13 you know right from wrong. If magistrates find it too difficult to issue the appropriate sentence, then they need to retire.

 

[Loubeauxarts]

Flogging; it can be very effective.

Bring back the birch!!!

 

[LeslieD]

We express our deepest condolences to the community of Maryborough following a recent tragedy that resulted in the loss of three lives and left one person in critical condition.

On Sunday night, a devastating accident occurred involving a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz. The collision caused the death of three individuals in Maryborough, a town located approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane.

As per official police reports, the Mercedes rear-ended a Holden vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a Mazda car travelling in the opposite direction towards Hervey Bay.

The devastating incident resulted in the tragic loss of 52-year-old Torquay nurse Sheree Robertson, who was the sole occupant of the Mazda at the time of the accident. Sheree had just finished her shift at the local hospital.

View attachment 18992

A teenage boy allegedly crashed a stolen car, killing three innocent people in Queensland, sparking outrage and concern over youth crime in the area. Credit: Unsplash/Gabe Pierce.

Tragically, two more individuals lost their lives in the accident. These were 17-year-old Kelsie Davies from Oakhurst and 29-year-old Maryborough woman Michale Chandler, who were both in the Holden vehicle at the time of the collision.

Another passenger in the Holden, a 23-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The alleged 13-year-old driver of the stolen Mercedes-Benz sustained only minor injuries to his foot in the accident. However, the incident is still under investigation, and police forces are committed to ascertaining all the facts surrounding this tragic event.

Karl Stefanovic, the host of the breakfast program Today, expressed his outrage on the morning show following the tragic incident. He questioned how many more incidents would have to occur before the issue of youth crime is adequately addressed.

Stefanovic stated on Today on Tuesday morning, 'How many times do we need to report on stolen cars in Queensland? How many near misses? How many lives need to be irrevocably changed before we confront the reality that youth crime is out of control? Three innocent lives have been lost in a small country town where the impact will be felt for years to come.'

He highlighted the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community, saying, 'High schools, workplaces, churches, families are shattered, with daughters, mums, sons, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, and friends in the deepest grief imaginable this morning.'

View attachment 19002​

Ian Leavers, President of the Queensland Police Union, shared similar concerns and believed that measures such as curfews would not be enough to address the underlying issue. Instead, he emphasised the need for young offenders to be held accountable for their actions through stricter measures.

Leavers stated, 'These young people, including the alleged 13-year-old driver, are nothing but criminals. It's crucial that we focus on targeting them, and the courts need to hold them responsible for their actions. The courts must take a stronger stance when these kids are locked up.'

Leavers also expressed concerns regarding proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, arguing that this would result in suspects like the 13-year-old in this case not facing legal consequences for their actions. He emphasised the importance of a fair legal system that upholds accountability for all individuals regardless of their age.

Leavers also explained the importance of early intervention programs and strict monitoring of irresponsible parents as essential measures to address the youth crime issue. He suggested that such programs would provide support and guidance to young offenders before they escalate their behaviour.

It is worth noting that changes to youth crime laws were introduced six weeks ago in Queensland, aiming to impose harsher penalties on car thieves. However, despite these updates, youth crime rates have not decreased as expected.

The 13-year-old suspect from Bundaberg has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is set to appear in Maroochydore Children's Court as investigations into the incident continue.

It remains to be seen if these charges and the legal proceedings that follow will have a significant impact on addressing the underlying issue of youth crime in Queensland.

Key Takeaways

• In Maryborough, Queensland, a car accident involving a 13-year-old driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz claimed the lives of three people.
• The incident has sparked outrage from public figures and renewed calls for action to address the issue of youth crime in the state.
• Although changes to youth crime laws were introduced recently, it remains to be seen if they will have an impact on reducing crime rates.

While law enforcement officials and policymakers have suggested various solutions, such as early intervention programs and stricter accountability for young offenders, the root causes of this problem are complex and multifaceted.

As a community, what can we do to address the root causes of youth crime and prevent further senseless tragedies? How can we ensure that young offenders are held accountable for their actions while also providing them with the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around?

Is tougher legislation the answer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by this tragedy and shocking loss of life.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

These thugs need to be put in a boot camp in the middle of nowhere. Where they have no technology and have to learn skills and be held accountable and responsible for everything that life dishes out. They need to learn respect not only to others but themselves as well. The only way this can happen is our government needs to update the laws and make it mandatory even if it’s their first offence.

 

[Milica]

Children are the responsibilty of those who brought them into the world. They should be hauled before the courts and asked to explain why their child of 11 or whatever age is wandering the streets late at night and not home in bed. There should be a monetary penalty applied each time or a suspension of welfare payments if on welfare.

Agree-It all starts from birth - children look to there parents/caregivers for guidance and a "lead by example" which is the job of the parents to provide. Some kids don't stand a chance as there environment is anything but the above - infact some are taught the complete opposite, to take, fight, thieve, roam at night, are allowed to use alcohol & drugs by the caregivers, they have access to this just by the environment they are living in, as this is the norm in the household they are growing-up in, hold the adults responsible in this instance - they are the ones that have created such anti-social behaviours, with no real accountability or responsibility for actions. These adults need to also take responsibility and need help to change. The fact that this 13 year old has caused so much profound grief, heartache and loss of innocent lives implores something to be done, before it ever got to this stage! - children and teenagers need supervision and guidance as to how to live, think & to understand what responsibility means by way of there choices, decisions , actions, they need help from the so-called adults that surround them. The very sad and real fact is that nothing is going to bring these people back that have lost there lives so tragically - & this child will have to live with this for the rest of there life, as will the victims families - early intervention is a must, to make sure that children are on the right track from birth. Once upon a time aunts and uncles helped to shape a childs life within a family unit - this unfortunately seems to have been lost in most instances. Farms, army, navy etc are all good ideas, to be held accountable, as it will also teach a right way of living, the things that may not have been taught @ home-the further away from the City the better, with no access to items that gazman has stated, also the responsibility of working and giving back to society, in time this should also help the perpetrator to understand what has happened, by there actions, (loss of innocent lives) & to understand why they made those choices and decisions, in the first place, that has lead to such loss -a clearer thinking process with guidance, & in an environment by just being away from any influences.
The dept of child and protection - where are they? from the beginning i mean, when it's needed.

 

[mOiOz]

If these little darlings do an adult crime then they should do adult time. They think they are tough and cool, they show it on Social media and laugh whilst doing illegal things, knowing all they will get a slap on the wrist.. I absolutely detest do-gooders, bleeding hearts and the gutless Juducial system. I don't enjoy the fact that my tax payer ,hard earned $$ are going to keep these brats in jail, but jail is where they belong. Now some ridiculous twat has said smacking and discipline will give them irrepairable mental problems. What a load of crap. In the 60's we got a good swift kick up the butt, lost priviledges and got more chores when we did wrong. ( and that was just the half of our punishment, yes a word that the kids of today don't recognise..punishment !!) Have we all grown up to be mentally unstable , liars, thieves and brats.. No I don't think so.

WELL SAID...!!!

 

[Linwar]

We express our deepest condolences to the community of Maryborough following a recent tragedy that resulted in the loss of three lives and left one person in critical condition.

On Sunday night, a devastating accident occurred involving a 13-year-old boy who was allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz. The collision caused the death of three individuals in Maryborough, a town located approximately 250 kilometres north of Brisbane.

As per official police reports, the Mercedes rear-ended a Holden vehicle, causing it to veer off the road and crash into a Mazda car travelling in the opposite direction towards Hervey Bay.

The devastating incident resulted in the tragic loss of 52-year-old Torquay nurse Sheree Robertson, who was the sole occupant of the Mazda at the time of the accident. Sheree had just finished her shift at the local hospital.

View attachment 18992

A teenage boy allegedly crashed a stolen car, killing three innocent people in Queensland, sparking outrage and concern over youth crime in the area. Credit: Unsplash/Gabe Pierce.

Tragically, two more individuals lost their lives in the accident. These were 17-year-old Kelsie Davies from Oakhurst and 29-year-old Maryborough woman Michale Chandler, who were both in the Holden vehicle at the time of the collision.

Another passenger in the Holden, a 23-year-old woman, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, where she remains in critical condition.

The alleged 13-year-old driver of the stolen Mercedes-Benz sustained only minor injuries to his foot in the accident. However, the incident is still under investigation, and police forces are committed to ascertaining all the facts surrounding this tragic event.

Karl Stefanovic, the host of the breakfast program Today, expressed his outrage on the morning show following the tragic incident. He questioned how many more incidents would have to occur before the issue of youth crime is adequately addressed.

Stefanovic stated on Today on Tuesday morning, 'How many times do we need to report on stolen cars in Queensland? How many near misses? How many lives need to be irrevocably changed before we confront the reality that youth crime is out of control? Three innocent lives have been lost in a small country town where the impact will be felt for years to come.'

He highlighted the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on the community, saying, 'High schools, workplaces, churches, families are shattered, with daughters, mums, sons, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers, cousins, and friends in the deepest grief imaginable this morning.'

View attachment 19002​

Ian Leavers, President of the Queensland Police Union, shared similar concerns and believed that measures such as curfews would not be enough to address the underlying issue. Instead, he emphasised the need for young offenders to be held accountable for their actions through stricter measures.

Leavers stated, 'These young people, including the alleged 13-year-old driver, are nothing but criminals. It's crucial that we focus on targeting them, and the courts need to hold them responsible for their actions. The courts must take a stronger stance when these kids are locked up.'

Leavers also expressed concerns regarding proposals to raise the age of criminal responsibility to 14, arguing that this would result in suspects like the 13-year-old in this case not facing legal consequences for their actions. He emphasised the importance of a fair legal system that upholds accountability for all individuals regardless of their age.

Leavers also explained the importance of early intervention programs and strict monitoring of irresponsible parents as essential measures to address the youth crime issue. He suggested that such programs would provide support and guidance to young offenders before they escalate their behaviour.

It is worth noting that changes to youth crime laws were introduced six weeks ago in Queensland, aiming to impose harsher penalties on car thieves. However, despite these updates, youth crime rates have not decreased as expected.

The 13-year-old suspect from Bundaberg has been charged with three counts of dangerous driving causing death and one count of unlawful use of a motor vehicle. He is set to appear in Maroochydore Children's Court as investigations into the incident continue.

It remains to be seen if these charges and the legal proceedings that follow will have a significant impact on addressing the underlying issue of youth crime in Queensland.

Key Takeaways

• In Maryborough, Queensland, a car accident involving a 13-year-old driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz claimed the lives of three people.
• The incident has sparked outrage from public figures and renewed calls for action to address the issue of youth crime in the state.
• Although changes to youth crime laws were introduced recently, it remains to be seen if they will have an impact on reducing crime rates.

While law enforcement officials and policymakers have suggested various solutions, such as early intervention programs and stricter accountability for young offenders, the root causes of this problem are complex and multifaceted.

As a community, what can we do to address the root causes of youth crime and prevent further senseless tragedies? How can we ensure that young offenders are held accountable for their actions while also providing them with the support and guidance they need to turn their lives around?

Is tougher legislation the answer? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families impacted by this tragedy and shocking loss of life.

Credit: 7NEWS Australia.​

Criminals like this 13 year old need to be held responsible for their actions, take the law down to 12 year olds, because there are plenty of cases where 12 year olds have offended. Towns like Halls Creek are so violent that people are scared to go out at night, thefts, home invasions and assaults happen daily. They need to be locked up!

 

[Linwar]

They really need to start giving out harsher penalties for these young people. The kids know they will get a slap on the wrist and suffer no other consequences. Authorities and parents have become TOO SOFT.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[Linwar]

Dont dump them

I was thinking along the same lines. Instead of prison, sentence them to the army, navy ect , mainly for crimes not as serious as this one. Such crimes as this one and other serious assault or robbery crimes, charge them as an adult at court, if under 18. I also like the 3 strikes youre out in America court system.

Do not put them in the defense Force, our active members do not need a pure brat in their company. These guys train to become part of our defense organizations, not babysitters for mongrel kids. These kids, or should I say juvenile offenders because the word kids refer to those who tow the line.

 

[Milica]

Why do they say allegedly? He was driving the car, He was at the scene of the accident, he stole the car, nothing allegedly about that. We should start saying He WAS driving the car He DID steal the car. Don't give them any leeway or excuses anymore. That is just wrong especially to the loved ones left behind. It's like saying that their loved ones were in the wrong for being on the road, for working. We as a society as a whole are equally to blame for all this disrespect, no laws or boundaries placed on juveniles because when the goody two shoes kicked up a stink about not smacking kids etc we should have told them where to go. By sitting back and not saying anything WE as a society have tuned a blind eye and let this happen. Not the Government, Not the Police, Not the parents but us for not saying something earlier. This just hasn't started happening it has been gradually getting worse since the early 90's. My daughter came home from High School one day in the 90's and said to us I can take you to court for Child Abuse if you hit me. This was told to her by a teacher at school. My reply was if you want Child Abuse I will give you Child Abuse. She gulped and not another word was said about it. Discipline is completely different to Child Abuse. Discipline is the consequences of a thing you did wrong. I have had my rant and I feel sad that so many families and friends are suffering because of the consequences of a person that had no respect for anyone

It's a terminology used in the language of Law-once upon a time you where innocent until proven guilty - now you need to prove your innocence - hence the term allegedly - as you say in this case, the facts are right there, the person did commit the offence, did steal the car, now it has to be proven - it's all dealt with in a court of Law, where they work with facts and evidence of proof. Yes very hard for the shattered loved ones left behind to also have to go thru and i agree society as a whole, we are all responsible (not for the offence) but in one way or another, before the offending, in not saying something - but maybe some have and nothing has been done - we are still limited by what we can say freely and it may be fear of this that holds many back.

 

[Milica]

Dont dump them

Do not put them in the defense Force, our active members do not need a pure brat in their company. These guys train to become part of our defense organizations, not babysitters for mongrel kids. These kids, or should I say juvenile offenders because the word kids refer to those who tow the line.

With no dis-respect - I doubt that the armed forces will actually enrol them, they could not whilst the perpetrator is going thru the legal & court process, that is not there responsibility-it would be a purpose built confined building, out of city areas, with large outdoor areas for working in, run along the lines of defence, which a person cannot leave-but would be implemented by accountability of offending committed, discipline, work, responsibility, actions, and re-hab thru programs of understanding emotional responses, re-actions, actions and reasoning.