A Statement From the Mitchell Family
Lack of Mandatory Sentencing On Gang Bashings
Could Decide Election
Melbourne Sunday 25
th
October “The family of murdered Good Samaritan, Luke Mitchell,
today said the soft approach to fatal gang bashings and the lack of mandatory minimum
sentencing provision for crimes where a swarm of thugs attack one person could decide the
next state election in close seats.
Speaking of behalf of the Family Shane Mitchell said,” every Victorian voting on November 27th
should place themselves in the shoes of families who have had members of their families killed
bashed or stabbed leaving them with life sentences of grief or injuries which has ruined their
lives.
Mr Mitchell said,” all, parties should spell out their commitments to introducing mandatory
sentencing for all members of gangs involved in swarm attacks, in fact there should be a bi
partisan approach.
All local candidates should advise their communities of their views on mandatory sentencing
and there should at least be a commitment to review the laws on gang attacks with a public and
transparent enquiry where the voices of victims and their families can be heard.
Mr Mitchell said there should be a dedicated court to deal with gang bashings and prosecutions
to be expedited.
Thugs should be before the courts within weeks and sentenced for crimes of violence not put
out on bail to continue their lives as normal as the soft just system takes years to bring them to
trial through a fumbling legal system.
The Premier John Brumby , the Leader of the Opposition Ted Baillieu and the Greens should
clearly state if they support mandatory sentencing for the offence of Gang Bashing which could
include mandatory goal sentencing for people taking part in gang attacks for a minimum of two
years and where a death occurs a minimum of 10 years.
Mr Mitchell said ”on election day the family urged the community to wear a red ribbon , or a
piece of red clothing to symbolise as well as voting in the election they would be voting against
violence in the community,”
Mandatory goal sentences should be implemented for attacks on police, ambulance and fire
emergency workers.
Media Enquiries
Shane Mitchell
0404 896 550.
NEWS 
