MY name is Chris Sanders.
As you are aware, I am a victim of crime within this local area of Alexandra Hills – just up the road at the Alex Hills Shopping Centre.
Ever since my attack, from when I was stabbed, my life has changed, my wife’s life has changed, and my family and friends’ lives have changed too – and it’s all because of youth crime.
I still receive calls from police about court hearings.
I’ve sat through the Children’s Court process.
That part may be “done and dusted”, but knowing that the person who stabbed me is still offending blows my mind.
I ask: Why are judges so weak in these cases?
And I mean weak.
I sat in court and watched the offender, the person who stabbed me, get told by a judge that his crime was a “sliding glass door moment”.
If it was a sliding glass door moment, I would’ve put his head through it.
Because I’m the one who suffers, day in, day out. So does my wife. Our relationship is under strain.
Police who worked on my case have taken long service leave – not just because of my case, but others too.
I’ve seen DPP officers shake hands with offenders – not just the youth involved, but the offender themselves.
That is appalling. Victims like me deserve better.
I’ve heard the questioning that took place during the prosecution.
I am absolutely disgusted.
If people working in this system can’t put victims first, then they should find another job.
Because victims do matter. We stand together, and we will fight for justice.
As a Veteran, and someone who went through the Suicide Royal Commission, I ask you: How many more victims of crime will take their own lives between now and the time you decide to act?
Because a victim’s life is not normal.
It’s not like being in a cell and being told: “That was just a sliding door moment – we’ll let you out tomorrow.”
And to hear a judge say he was disappointed after watching the video footage of the stabbing – only to then let the offender walk free – that crushed me.
