‘Re-offending is going up’: Courts accused of going soft on crooks

Courts across Australia have been accused of dropping the ball and allowing serious offenders back on the streets, with deadly consequences.

Earlier this week, Matthew Scown walked free on a plea deal after being convicted of manslaughter over the death of four-year-old Tyrell Cobb.

There is no suggestion Scown inflicted the fatal injuries, however, he did admit to police he knew about the abuse the young boy was suffering.

Tyrell died in agonising pain after being bashed.

Scown's extensive criminal history includes multiple serious assault charges, multiple breaches of bail and wilful damage.

However, Scown is just the tip of the iceberg.

Today, Mathew O'Connor was sentenced for his fatal hit-and-run on Melbourne cyclist Peter McGuffie last year.

At the time, O'Connor was driving while suspended, under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and on bail.

The 28-year-old's driving history includes a previous instance of leaving the scene of an accident.

However, he was jailed for just five years, and with time served he could be free in just over two.

In Victoria, 10 families of victims killed by offenders free on parole have launched a class action against the state government demanding compensation.

Victorian Shadow Attorney General John Pesutto said criminals saw the justice system as "soft".

"Why wouldn't criminals look at what's been going on in Victoria and think, well, I can keep re-offending," he said.

"Many of them are re-offending - in fact, re-offending is going up."

Lawyer David Galbally QC said the criminal justice system was not about fairness for the victims, but making sure those who have offended are punished accordingly.

However, the High Court has disagreed, saying Victoria's sentencing standards have been far too low for far too long.

"The same types of people who are high risk offenders on bail and parole remain out there today, and they remain out there today because the laws haven't changed," Mr Pesutto said.

Watch the full A Current Affair program on 9now.