Teen carjacker spared jail despite Victoria's new 'adult time' laws

A 16-year-old girl in Victoria, Australia, has been spared jail time, marking the first case under the state's "Adult Time for Violent Crime" laws where a judge found "exceptional circumstances."

The teenager, who cannot be identified, stole a taxi at knifepoint in Dandenong while wearing a balaclava. She and a friend drove the stolen vehicle at high speeds before crashing it near a freeway entrance. The taxi driver involved remains traumatized by the incident, which occurred on February 27, 2026, shortly after the new laws took effect.

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You haven't had a lot of opportunities in your young life. This is one. I hope I don't see you back here. If you don't abide by the conditions of the order then I will, and I will have to look at significant consequences.

County Court Judge Scott Johns sentenced the girl to an 18-month youth supervision order, allowing her to walk free. He acknowledged the seriousness of the carjacking and the victim's vulnerability but cited the offender's first-time offense status, remorse, lack of family stability, and history of abuse as contributing factors. The order includes conditions such as drug counseling, mental health treatment, education, and behavioral programs.

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Your 16 years have been marred by a profound lack of stability and safety.