The Victorian justice system 'too often puts the victim last'

The Victorian justice system “too often” places victims and their families last and instead prioritises the interests of offenders, according to Sky News host Rita Panahi.

Her comments come regarding the stabbing to death of 23-year-old Celeste Manno in her own home allegedly by an obsessed stalker.

The Herald Sun on Wednesday reported that when Celeste first sought help from police she was told they could do nothing even though she'd received multiple disturbing messages on social media from her obsessed stalker.

The police advised her to block the individual or shut down her social media accounts as a solution to the escalating behaviour which allegedly ranged from declarations of love to threats of violence.

The stalking began and continued even after police took the case seriously and supported Celeste in gaining an intervention order.

“Celeste's alleged killer was charged with breaching the intervention order but released on summons, and in the early hours of November 16 this year he allegedly broke into Celeste's bedroom and stabbed her to death,” Ms Panahi said.

“Her mother was asleep in the house and could do nothing to save her child.”

Ms Panahi said Celeste's family were demanding “real consequences” for those who breach intervention orders.

“They want to overhaul the Victorian justice system that failed to protect Celeste. A justice system that too often puts victims and victim's families last and instead prioritises the interests of offenders,” she said.

“The problem is, the police wanting, and needing that proof, which is understandably justified, however when it was brought to our attention …. I just really felt I needed to reach out to the family."