Stalking law reform
Renee HEATH (Eastern Victoria) (14:54): In 2020 a beautiful 23-year-old girl by the name of Celeste Manno was stabbed to death while she slept in her bed in her home, which should have been her safe space. She was murdered by an obsessed stalker, who meticulously planned her death. His planning included monitoring her movements, stalking her online and studying the floorplan of her house. Despite this he was sentenced to 30 years non-parole. By the time the sentence was handed down he had already served over 10 per cent of his sentence. This has left her grieving family tormented, knowing that he will walk the streets again. There has been no justice for Celeste. Her mother Aggie will not give up. She wants to see the 45 recommendations from the Victorian Law Reform Commission’s inquiry into stalking implemented, and she wants to see tougher sentencing for murderers. So on 24 March, which is this coming Sunday, she is running a peaceful walk, not a protest, to stand against injustice. Please join us on the steps of Parliament at 12 pm on 24 March.