Jonathan O’Dea, the Member for Davidson spoke in favour of the Crimes Amendment (Rock Throwing) Bill 2008 in the NSW Parliament today, citing a specific case in Sydney’s North.
“17-year-old John Marinovic was forced to undergo emergency neuro-surgery in September last year after being struck by a sandstone block on the Northern Peninsula,” Mr O’Dea said.
“This vicious assault was one of many last year which produced an outpouring of community grief and anger that contributed to this amendment being introduced. I fully support this Bill because under the current legislation a number of existing offences do not go far enough.
“A specific offence targeting rock throwing which results in injury or loss of life would make it easier to prosecute successfully. However, just because nobody is injured should not absolve throwers of objects of blame and therefore, serious consequences under the law.
“As I said in Parliament today, this Bill creates a specific offence, punishable by imprisonment for five years for throwing objects at, or dropping objects on or towards vehicles, vessels on roads, railways or navigable water.
“The act of deliberately throwing rocks at a car when there is the possibility of injuring someone should be subject to criminal sanctions. This new offence provides police with another tool to combat rock throwing.
“I believe this new offence will be a significant deterrent. Having said that, as many offenders are young people the NSW Government should implement an education campaign to address the issue, similar to current anti drugs and alcohol campaigns.
“Crime must be approached from multiple angles to attack both the cause and effect within the community.
“I condemn those spineless and idiotic individuals who seek to cause harm and instil fear among drivers and commuters. The law must deal with them fairly, but firmly.
For further information, please call Jonathan O’Dea on 0418 241 500.
