Lavac said.
But the damage had been done. The young man spent seven months in prison before he was acquitted.
“He was put in Silverwater jail, which is the most violent prison in Australia. He was assaulted by an inmate with a broomstick and another with a metal bar,” Lavac said.
“He was in lockdown for 23 hours a day, in a cell with no windows.”
“He was attacked by inmates and left with life-changing injuries. He will never recover from this,” Lavac said.
“His life has been destroyed.”
These are not isolated cases. They are becoming increasingly common as knee-jerk reactions to tragic events lead to harsher bail laws and more men being locked up without trial.
While protecting vulnerable women is crucial, we must also ensure that the rights of all individuals, both accusers and accused, are protected. Knee-jerk responses can have far-reaching and devastating consequences for innocent individuals caught up in the legal system.
