A military veteran who was nearly killed in a brutal stabbing at a Redlands shopping centre says justice has finally been served after Queensland’s Attorney-General successfully appealed what was widely criticised as a “manifestly inadequate” sentence for his teenage attacker.
Chris Sanders — a former defence force and security worker — said he felt an enormous sense of relief after the Court of Appeal overturned the original sentence handed down earlier this year over the 2023 Alexandra Hills Shopping Centre stabbing.
“It’s been a huge relief,” Mr Sanders said.
“It’s taken some time, but as I always say — good things take time and they’re worth the wait.
“This is the first Attorney-General appeal that’s actually had success within a court, which is pretty big.”
The 17-year-old offender, who stabbed Mr Sanders multiple times including a life-threatening wound that narrowly missed his heart, was originally given a three-month conditional release order with no conviction recorded.
That sentence sparked public outrage and prompted Attorney-General Deb Frecklington to appeal, arguing it failed to reflect the seriousness of the offence and the need to protect the community.
Three Court of Appeal justices agreed, finding they needed to intervene “to maintain adequate sentencing standards” for crimes of this nature — even when committed by children.
Ms Frecklington said the outcome was an important win for community confidence in the justice system.
“I launched this appeal because the original sentence — which included no conviction — was manifestly inadequate and didn’t meet community expectations,” she said.
“This matter relates to Chris Sanders, an army veteran who was viciously stabbed while innocently attending a shopping centre. Make no mistake — this happened under Labor’s weak laws.
“Chris reached out to us when we were in Opposition because he was fed up with the youth crime crisis spreading right across Queensland.
“I’m very pleased with today’s outcome, which has seen a conviction now recorded and an increase in the term of sentence for the offender.
“It restores confidence in our justice system, and that’s incredibly important.
“The Crisafulli Government is committed to making sure we keep going and continue to stand up for victims and community safety.”
The teen will now serve 18 months’ detention, with a criminal conviction recorded.
Mr Sanders said it was never about the length of the new sentence, but about ensuring accountability.
“For me, it wasn’t really about how much more time he got — it was about making sure a criminal conviction was recorded,” he said.
“Having that follow him through the rest of his life is the biggest thing here.
“I want young people who think it’s okay to go out and harm anyone to understand — it’s not okay.
“You will get caught. You will do time.”
Mr Sanders said the decision marked a turning point for victims of youth violence.
“When people say we’re going to make a stand, this is proof that it’s actually happening,” he said.
“This is the first case ever to go ahead in court and be successful for an Attorney-General appeal — that’s outstanding.”
He also thanked community leaders who had supported him through the long legal process.
“I’m not crying political colours here — but I do want to thank the likes of David Crisafulli, Rebecca Young, Russell Field, Amanda Stoker — everyone in the Redlands who’s backed me,” he said.
“It has to get out now into the public view so people can see the success and understand what we’ve been able to achieve.”
Mr Sanders, who chose not to attend court for the decision, said the news brought a sense of closure after almost two years of trauma.
“It’s like that door has finally closed,” he said.
“The effects will stay with me forever, but I’m just glad justice has finally prevailed.”
He said the offender, who has since committed further crimes and is serving time as an adult, now has two convictions against him.
“It’s a good win — not just for me, but for everyone who’s ever been hurt or lost someone because of juvenile violence,” he said.
