The head of a peak police advocacy body in NSW has claimed the judicial system is “out of touch with community expectations” after news emerged that a 12-year-old boy charged with 80 criminal charges had been released on bail.

NSW Police Association president Kevin Morton said officers in Dubbo approached him about the child, feeling they had exhausted their own capabilities.

“They are frustrated at seeing the revolving door that this young person has seen every time he’s brought into custody,” They’re invested in those communities and it’s really frustrating and demoralising for them when they see members of that community affected by someone that they put before court yesterday, continuing to commit crimes.”
The boy, who cannot be identified due to his age, has been charged with offences including breaking into homes and undertaking high-speed police chases in stolen vehicles.
“He continually offends, our police do a great job, they investigate, they arrest him, they bring him before the courts and he’s released,” Morton said.