Mother of 15yro stabbed to death by teens launches youth justice petition in his honour
The mother of a 15-year-old who was fatally stabbed in Redcliffe in March 2020 has launched a petition in her son’s honour, calling for authorities, victims’ families to come together on youth crime.
Angus Beaumont’s mother, Michelle Liddle, spoke to Sofie Formica in an emotionally charged interview following a sentencing hearing of the teens.
The teens, who were 14 at the time and cannot be named, were sentenced to nine and seven years.
The court heard the teens, who are now 16 and 17, had extensive criminal histories.
Ms Liddle said there was no remorse.
“The real victim is Angus, he’s gone, but we are left behind and live and they have no care, there’s no regard.”
Ms Liddle has launched a petition to highlight “inadequate sentences for youth crime and the ability to obtain bail under the Youth Justice Act”.
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Find the petition here
Press PLAY below to hear Ms Liddle’s emotional, powerful interview in full
It comes amid pressure for the state government to release findings into a review of the amendments to the Youth Justice Act.
The government has remained tight-lipped on when the review, lead by former commissioner Bob Atkinson, will be released.
“They really don’t want to engage, I think victims families are a bit of an embarrassment in regards to the reality of what is happening on our streets,” Ms Liddle said.
“It has been hard to get any one to take or give us the time and the attention, not just us … to me it’s all just a bit of lip service.
“It’s definitely not enough. We are in a position where we can see up close how this working, how it plays out in the courts, mentions, everything leading up to it, the whole process.
“I wish they would get together with people like ourselves and other people involved along the process, police, everything.
“Sit down and come together and try and stop this leaking ship from sinking even further.
“And see what we can do to maybe save from somebody else from going down this road, that goes for both sides.”
Image: Nine News