Aboriginal family urges bail law review after teen injured in Mildura ute crash
A family member of an Aboriginal boy seriously hurt when a ute struck him in Mildura spoke out after the driver was granted bail.
Last Thursday night in Mildura's Langtree Mall, a ute traveling at almost 80 kilometres per hour chased two 12-year-old boys on motorised bicycles and struck them. One of the boys, an Aboriginal child, endured a collapsed lung, multiple fractures and surgery, while his companion suffered a concussion and minor arm injuries. Andrew Brien, 56, faced multiple charges including reckless conduct and dangerous driving, and was granted bail with a curfew and a driving prohibition, with a further hearing set for December.
A family member who cared for the injured Aboriginal boy in hospital expressed deep disappointment at the bail decision and urged policymakers to consider whether current bail laws adequately protect victims and their families. The case has been amplified by racist and violent comments online, adding to the family's distress and prompting calls for greater community safety measures.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about bail policies and the impact of online hate on victims' families.
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