A 17-year-old accused of assaulting an Indian internaional student who worked as security guard at Bendigo Marketplace has been granted bail just hours before stricter laws took effect. The teen, who previously compared youth detention to “a hotel,” was warned by the magistrate that he was fortunate to avoid the new regulations.
The youth, alleged to be part of a gang that filmed violent attacks on innocent bystanders, appeared before the Children’s Court.
Magistrate Tryieu Huynh described the boy’s actions as “horrific,” stating that he allegedly carried out three serious attacks in one week, causing “significant physical, emotional, and psychological harm.”
Despite the severity of the charges, the court noted that the new bail laws, which passed after midnight on Friday, were not yet in force at the time of the hearing—approximately 12 hours later. Magistrate Huynh indicated that had the new laws been in place, or if the accused had been 18, a different outcome might have been likely.
Prosecutors argued against bail, stating that the teen had created a “climate of fear” in the Bendigo community.
The attack at Bendigo Marketplace, which took place in early March, allegedly involved a gang of nine youths who targeted a 20-year-old Indian international student from the Sikh community.
The guard had asked the group to leave for allegedly consuming alcohol and playing loud music before being punched, kicked, and dragged to the ground. Bystanders who attempted to intervene were also assaulted, according to police reports.
The case has sparked outrage within the community, particularly among Victoria’s security workforce. The security guard, who has since been discharged from the hospital, received widespread support from local community.
The court heard that the accused’s mother had “given up” on managing his behaviour. During his initial detention, the youth reportedly told her,
“This is great, it’s like a hotel room. I’m getting everything I need.”
Despite initial bail refusal, the teen was later deemed suitable for supervised release with the support of Youth Justice Services. He must comply with strict conditions, including staying with his mother, avoiding social media, drugs, and alcohol, and not entering Bendigo’s CBD or any shopping centre without supervision.
The attack has intensified calls for greater protection of security personnel, with industry leaders urging authorities to address growing risks. Recent incidents—including the alleged stabbing of a security guard in Melbourne’s north—have further fuelled concerns. In response, the Victorian government has pledged to review safety measures, with Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny stating,
“Our priority is ensuring the safety of the community.”
As the new bail laws take effect, community members and security workers alike are watching closely to see if stronger measures will make a difference.
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