Victoria's bail laws to come under review after Bourke St rampage
An investigation into Melbourne’s Bourke Street massacre will include a review of Victoria’s bail laws, after it was revealed the driver behind the deadly rampage was on bail and due to face court that same day.
Dimitrious "Jimmy" Gargasoulas was charged on January 14 over an assault and later freed by a bail justice.
Less than a week later, the 26-year-old allegedly drove his car into pedestrians on Bourke St mall, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuring more than two dozen others.
Police opposed bail during his out-of-hours hearing, Chief Commissioner Graham Ashton told reporters on Saturday.
Gargasoulas is well known to police mainly over family violence offences, and related driving and other offences.
Mr Ashton said police sometimes expressed frustration that some accused were released against police recommendations.
"The courts are independent," he told reporters.
"I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't reflect that police were often frustrated in relation to trying to keep people in custody and they're bailed.
"I also reflect we have an independent judiciary in Victoria. It's for them to make those decisions."
Mr Ashton said the coroner will examine all aspects of the incident, including police endeavours to catch the accused, the justice system's prior dealings with him and issues surrounding mental health and drug abuse.
"It's important we let her do that and certainly she'll be getting my full support."
Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would make whatever changes were necessary based on a proper review and investigation.
News break - January 21
