Teen jailed for machete attack in St Kilda

A 15-year-old boy has been sentenced to five months in jail for a violent machete attack in St Kilda, but with 66 days already served, he will spend an additional three months behind bars. The magistrate criticized the teen's behavior as “extremely dangerous” and urged him to change his life before it leads to a tragedy. The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, was already facing multiple charges for previous offenses, including a violent incident involving a night nurse. The court heard that he carried a machete hidden in his pants when he approached a 39-year-old man and demanded his phone and car keys. When the victim tried to escape, the boy struck him on the head, causing a serious injury. During the court proceedings, the teenager's lawyer highlighted his intellectual disabilities and vulnerability, claiming he showed remorse for his actions. The defense argued that he should be released due to his readiness to change and reconnect with family. However, the prosecution insisted that his serious crimes warranted a longer stay in custody to ensure public safety. Witnesses recorded the attack, and it was revealed the boy had been drinking before the incident. His violent behavior contributed to rising crime statistics among youth in Victoria, where offenses by children have hit their highest levels since record-keeping began in 1993. The magistrate emphasized the need for the teenager to avoid further trouble and focus on rehabilitation.