Digital Crimes Top Federal Sentences in Victoria

0:00Stay informed in two minutes or less with Adelaide News today from the Daily News Now. A new report from Victoria's Sentencing Advisory Council shows digital crimes are topping the list of federal fences sentenced in the state. Over the five years to June 30, 2023, using a phone or computer to harass, minutes, or offend someone was by far the most common, with 6,700 charges making up 38% of all federal sentences. Fines were the go-to punishment for those harassment cases, sometimes as low as $10. The second biggest category involved possessing, accessing, or sharing child abuse material online, with more than 850 charges. Handled. Council Director Stan Winford points out the challenges judges face when state courts handle these federal crimes, especially alongside state, offenses. He notes limited censencing options can be a problem, particularly in family violence situations where fines hit households hard and might even. Increased risk to victims.

1:01Terrorism offenses drew the stiffest penalties, with a median of nine months behind bars, and 81 people getting 10 years or more. Other frequent cases include skipping tax filings, illegal parking at Melbourne Airport, drug-border violations, and fraud against government entities. Winford calls for simpler federal laws to give courts more tools and ensure consistent sentences across Australia, from places like Broome 2, Broad Meadows. The data also reveals over 80% of offenders were men aged 25 to 44, with women more often sentenced for fraud. The Daily News Now is grateful to our sponsor for today's episode, a pillow that sounds as good as it feels, built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.