Focus on youth crime may be influencing bail decisions for children, Victorian judge says

Victorian supreme court judge Rita Incerti says an increased focus on crime may be causing authorities to take a ‘more conservative approach’ when it comes to assessing bail for children Photograph: Dave Hunt/AAP

A Victorian supreme court judge has raised concerns an increased focus on crime may be causing authorities to take a “more conservative approach” when it comes to assessing bail suitability for children.

In a decision published earlier this month, supreme court judge Rita Incerti granted a 16-year-old Aboriginal boy bail after he had earlier been denied by a magistrate at Bendigo children’s court.