Teenager avoids criminal conviction over antisemitic vandalism at MP’s office

A 17-year-old boy, charged with causing over $100,000 in damage to the electorate office of Jewish Labor MP Josh Burns, has avoided a criminal conviction after completing a court-ordered diversion program.

The teenager, whose identity is protected due to legal reasons, was accused of striking the glass facade of Mr Burns’ St Kilda office 14 times with a sledgehammer during a coordinated attack in the early hours of June 19. The vandalism spree, which involved at least eight individuals, also included graffiti with slogans such as “Zionism is fascism” and fires being set in telecommunications pits outside the office.

On Monday, Magistrate Elizabeth Langdon confirmed that the boy had successfully completed his diversion plan, allowing him to avoid a formal criminal record. “Having read the diversion report, together with the supporting materials… I do acknowledge that I am satisfied that [the boy] has successfully completed the diversion program,” Ms. Langdon stated.

Philip Zajac, President of the Jewish Community Council of Victoria, supported the court’s handling of the case. “The alleged perpetrator went through the court system. At that young age, hopefully, he will learn his lesson and hopefully the diversion plan was successful,” he told The Australian newspaper.

While MP Josh Burns did not comment on the latest court decision, he had previously described the attack as a “distressing experience” for his staff and local tenants. “Like most, I want to see peace in the Middle East. But attacks on offices only heighten hostilities, and I hope from this we can learn the desperate need to talk to and understand one another instead,” he told The Australian in November.

According to police reports, the teenager’s actions alone were responsible for at least $55,000 in damages, contributing to a total estimated cost of $101,417 covered by taxpayers. CCTV footage captured an unidentified suspect carrying a petrol jerry can during the attack, and police stated that two unknown individuals poured petrol into telecommunications pits before setting them on fire.

Concerns were raised at the time that the fires could have endangered residents of an apartment complex located above the electorate office.

In addition to the attack on Mr. Burns’ office, the teenager and an 18-year-old woman were also charged in connection with a separate vandalism incident at the Honorary Consulate General of France on July 17. Authorities are still searching for six other suspects believed to have participated in both acts of vandalism.

The diversion program offered by the Children’s Court allows eligible minors to avoid a criminal conviction if they complete rehabilitative activities aimed at preventing reoffending. Magistrate Langdon noted that she was “particularly impressed” with the teenager’s “insightful reflections” on his actions, reportedly acknowledging that “it isn’t going to change anything in Gaza right now.”

The case has sparked debate over the effectiveness of diversion programs in handling politically motivated crimes. Supporters argue that such measures help young offenders reintegrate into society without the burden of a criminal record, while critics worry that leniency could encourage further acts of vandalism.