It is quite likely that the young boy had been taught by his relatives and teachers that whites deserve to be stolen from. This thinking is very prevalent among many white history revisionist and quickly embraced by those wanting victim status with no responsibility.

Runner,

That is one of the most vile posts I have ever read.

Considering you hold yourself up as paragon of Christianity, I would hope that other Christians shrink from your closed minded bigotry.

While I believe in the zero tolerance approach, as small crimes lead to larger ones, I believe that there is an opportunity to heip the boy become a better citizen through the justice system.

Ignoring the issue or over punishing the child both will exclude him from becoming a productive citizen later.

Shadow Minister,
Runner is not all that far from the facts. I have had it said to me many times after break-ins that "they (public servants) can afford it". Another factor is that going to jail is a kind of initiation rite. I have (as JP) asked a young (indigenous) offender why he did so much ($80,000) damage to a shop & he said with glee "I can go jail now, all my mates are there".

Runner,
You're doing more for secular humanism that anything I could say.

Individual

I think Ludwig is correct the case is one of inconsistency not racial.
There are right royal little buggers who are white, yellow, brown, black and if there was a race pink with blue spots they would have a few too.

I've heard your 'they can afford it' comment from all of the above.

We tend to focus on the symptom not the cause.

DARK black secret I got caught as a child stealing a Cherry Ripe. Most children try it on.

It's as clear as rampant whale's penis (all 2 meters +), this irk is a problem and he need serious attention, but court over a Fredo frog and a toy? Come on! If he's that bad just wait and get him on something real.

Clearly the current methodology isn't working, time for something more innovative. e.g. is there a community shaming committee?

Just maybe there is more to this.

Examinator,
It goes without saying that the Freddo Frog case is waaaayyyy over the top & utterly unjustified. I remember about 33 years or so ago in Canberra when a broke, unemployed (white) person, knocked off a bar of chocolate & copped six months jail. Yes, this should not be about race but it always gets twisted in that direction. I'm merely bringing this up to see that race isn't the issue so far as the offender is concerned. It becomes racial when outsiders interfere.
If you really want to know what racism is go & live in a place where you are the minority & listen & watch majority Radio & TV. When you've done that you'll surprise yourself to no end at your previous opinion on these subjects.

We tend to focus on the symptom not the cause.
Examinator,
the cause is selfishness ! The symptom stems from the cause.