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Magistrate Rohan Lawrence released Mr Yaffe back into the community despite police fears Mr Yaffe was a danger to public safety, could interfere with prosecution witnesses or evade authorities either by fleeing the country or assuming a false identity. The decision sparked enormous public backlash, with thousands of men and women across Melbourne and Australia demanding his bail be revoked to keep the community safe. A petition, signed by more than 2200 people, states “the safety and wellbeing of the community, particularly vulnerable individuals, should be prioritised over the presumption of innocence in cases of extreme violence”. “Allowing someone accused of such a horrific crime to remain free, even with monitoring, is not only inappropriate but sends the wrong message about the importance of justice and victim rights,” the petition states. “We call for the legal system to demonstrate unwavering commitment to ensuring that those accused of such grave crimes are held accountable, and that justice is served for Isla Bell and her family.” Mia McDowall, who signed the petition, wrote: “I’m scared for my safety and that of all Melbourne women and horrified that the justice system allowed him to be bailed in the first place.” “Women should be allowed to feel safe,” wrote fellow signatory Britt Henderson.
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