Grandfather slashed with machete by teens who’ve already been released

A Corio grandfather is calling for tougher youth justice laws after being violently attacked with a machete while trying to help teenagers who had crashed a stolen car into his neighbour’s home.

Tony Lewis, 63, rushed out of his house on Hendy Street when he heard a loud crash, only to be slashed in the leg by one of the teens fleeing the scene.

“I was on the phone to triple zero, not because I wanted to dob them in to the police,” Mr Lewis told 9 News. “I thought people were hurt.”

But instead of helping, the grandfather was met with a horrifying act of violence.

“I feared for my life. It’s as simple as that,” he said. “All he had to do was raise his hand maybe a metre and I could have lost my head. I could be lost.”

CCTV captured the stolen Mazda flying into a family home before 14 people were seen scattering from the vehicle. Mr Lewis, who had simply come out to offer assistance, was instead slashed by one of the teens wielding a machete.

“I’m a big man and that guy wasn’t that big, but he hurt me and he really frightened me,” he said.

Three of the teens fled in a getaway car driven by a 35-year-old woman. The machete-wielding teen took off on foot. Police later arrested four individuals, including the 16-year-old alleged driver who was charged with several offences, including intentionally causing injury.

Shockingly, all four teens have since been released back into the community.

The 16-year-old and an 18-year-old were granted bail, while two others were let off with a caution.

“There’s gotta be consequences, and there are no consequences,” Mr Lewis said. “When people are constantly getting bail — yeah, it’s just ridiculous.”

Mr Lewis, still recovering from his injuries, is now demanding action from lawmakers.

“Our lawmakers have to help protect us. That’s what they’re there for.”

The incident has sparked outrage in the Corio community and reignited debate over Victoria’s bail laws and youth justice system.