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A 17-year-old alleged vandal charged over a pro-Palestinian attack that caused more than $100,000 worth of damage to Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns’ electorate office, during which he allegedly hit the glass facade 14 times with a sledgehammer, is on track to avoid a criminal conviction.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, and an 18-year-old woman were charged over the vandalism attack in which windows were smashed and slogans, including “Zionism is fascism”, were spray-painted on the St Kilda electorate office of Mr Burns on 19 June.

Police allege the boy caused $55,000 worth of damage in the alleged vandalism spree that left taxpayers with a total estimated bill of $101,417.

According to a police summary of the offending, an unknown suspect was also captured on CCTV carrying a petrol jerry can. “Two unknown suspects open up two telecommunication pits outside the office and poured petrol in them,” the summary reads. Small fires were lit in telecommunication pits at the front of the Barkly St building.

Distressing

At the time of the attack, concerns were raised the fires could have endangered the apartment building above the electorate office and the people who live there.

Following the court hearing, Mr Burns said he wanted to see peace in the Middle East, but that attacks on offices only heightened hostilities. “I hope from this we can learn the desperate need to talk to and understand one another instead,” he said.

“This was a distressing experience for my staff and surrounding tenants. But we have since reopened and returned to the work that we all love – helping my local and diverse community of Macnamara.

“The decisions we make as young people don’t have to define our whole lives. While I hope this young person can see the impact of their actions, I also hope that they are able to learn and move forward.”

Police also charged the boy and the 18-year-old woman in connection with a second vandalism incident at the Honorary Consulate General of France on St Kilda Rd on July 17. There are six other suspects in the two vandalism incidents who are yet to be identified, according to the police summary.

Acknowledging Responsibility

In court, magistrate Elizabeth Langdon heard the boy had been found suitable for diversion, which was supported by the prosecution. The boy’s lawyer, Clare Morris, said the diversion assessment report was “favourable” and showed he had “a level of insight” as to the impact the offending would have had on the victim and community. “It’s a serious matter and that’s acknowledged,” Ms Morris said.

Ms Langdon gave the boy until 10 February, the day before he turns 18, to successfully complete four required diversion activities.

“You live in a democratic society, community, you’re a part of the community – so it’s hoped that through this diversion process that you will make better choices, better decisions about how you voice your concerns regarding whatever political issue it is,” Ms Langdon said. “As you may know, if you commit any new criminal offences once you turn 18, you’re then over at the adult court.”

Ms Langdon said she had read the boy’s report and was “particularly impressed” by his “really insightful reflections”.

“I was very interested in your reflections around acknowledging your responsibility and, importantly, the impacts… that your conduct has had on the victims because there were two buildings affected where a number of staff attend,” the magistrate said. “I note that you have also thought about the impact this offending has had on your family, and that your dad, appropriately, was really angry about your conduct and he was shocked.”

Ms Langdon said the boy had made an important reflection through words to the effect that “it isn’t going to change anything in Gaza right now”. The boy appeared in person in court and stood up to answer questions from Ms Langdon. He confirmed he was looking to enrol in an Auslan course.

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Republished with thanks to the Australian Prayer Network.