Column: MP King On Youth, Crime & More

[Opinion column written by MP Robert King]

Knife crimes committed in our community have led to serious injuries and, tragically, the loss of young lives. These acts of violence are not just crimes—they are failures of prevention, intervention, and education. When courts sentence offenders, it is essential to consider not only punishment and deterrence, but also how we can change the underlying attitudes and beliefs that the carrying of weapons is acceptable.

In a recent case, a 19-year-old—previously given a conditional discharge in 2023 for an earlier offence—was again found in possession of a knife. This time, he received a custodial sentence of 12 months, suspended for two years.

Another young person, a first-time offender and a college student, was fined $3,000.

We must ask: what lessons will these young people actually learn? Were they offered any programmes or services to help them understand the consequences of their actions? It doesn’t seem so.

It is unrealistic to expect that a monetary fine—likely paid by a parent—will meaningfully deter future behaviour or result in any genuine rehabilitation. Everyone who carries a weapon already knows it is illegal. The issue is not awareness; it is mindset. The real lesson must be that there are legal, effective, and safer ways to protect oneself and resolve conflict—but this lesson requires intervention. Without targeted services to address risky thinking, aggression, and distorted beliefs, sentencing becomes little more than a procedural response, not a preventive one.

In the case of the first-time offender, a more appropriate sentence might have been a conditional discharge with probation for 12 months, along with a mandate to receive assessments and participate in violence-prevention programmes. If the young person responded positively and demonstrated a meaningful change in attitude and behaviour, the probation period could be reduced. If not, the court could extend the term or reconsider the sentencing options entirely.

Similarly, the young man with a prior conviction should have received a probation order with strict conditions, either alongside or in place of the suspended sentence. He should be required to actively participate in structured services aimed at challenging violent attitudes and building conflict-resolution skills, with close monitoring and professional support.

We cannot simply rely on hope—that young people will “make better choices” next time—without equipping them with the skills, support, and guidance to do so. That isn’t justice. It’s abdication.

- Robert King, MP, Shadow National Security Minister

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