Teen carjacker walks free in first test of Victoria’s ‘adult time for violent crime’ laws

A violent teenage carjacker has walked free from court in the first test of the Victorian government’s “adult time for violent crime” laws, sparking fresh debate over youth justice.

The 16-year-old girl laughed as she left the County Court, with the judge wishing her “good luck” on the way out.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Teen carjacker avoids jail in first test of new laws

In February, the teenager held a knife to a taxi driver’s throat before stealing his car in Dandenong.

Aggravated carjacking carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, but she avoided serving any jail time.

The judge cited her tough upbringing and lack of prior convictions in his decision.

“Your case is a story of brazen and violent youth offending, but it’s also a story of family dysfunction, abuse, profound disadvantage, child protection and experiences in residential care,” Victorian County Court Judge Scott Johns said.

He handed her an 18-month youth supervision order with special conditions, including mental health treatment, a curfew, and a requirement to attend school, TAFE or get a job.

The teenager committed the crime just two hours after the new legislation came into effect.

The judge acknowledged that if it had been just a couple of hours earlier, the case would not have garnered the attention it has.

Opposition Leader Jess Wilson said the case demonstrates “this is a government that continues to be weak on crime.”