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Today, Daniel Clavell was noticeably absent from the Victorian County Court as he received an 11-year prison sentence. This verdict comes after his involvement in a series of unprovoked attacks on four strangers along a bustling shopping strip in Melbourne’s north-west earlier in 2023.
Judge Sandra Davis condemned Clavell’s actions as gravely serious, emphasizing the lasting trauma inflicted on the victims, some of whom bear permanent scars from the attacks. The severity of the assaults has left a profound impact on the victims’ lives.
Clavell had previously entered guilty pleas to charges that included affray, intentionally causing injury, and making threats to kill. Notably, he had chosen to forego his right to be present during earlier court proceedings.
Despite acknowledging his guilt, Judge Davis remarked on Clavell’s apparent lack of remorse for his actions. This indifference adds to the gravity of the offenses, raising concerns about his understanding of the consequences of his behavior.
At the time of the initial offense, Clavell was out on bail. His actions marked the beginning of a six-week spree involving a total of 13 victims, underscoring a troubling pattern of behavior during this period.
He was walking at Moonee Ponds Train Station on June 17, 2023, when he struck a stranger in the face, causing him to jolt backwards. The victim fled to a nearby home, before Clavell also left the scene.
About 10am on June 28, the following week, Clavell was walking in Brunswick when he punched another man twice, leaving the victim with a fractured nose.
On June 29, Clavell had crossed paths with a man and woman on a ramp at Broadmeadows Train Station where he punched the woman in the face twice, before later producing a knife, causing the pair to retreat.
He also stabbed a woman nearby after placing his hand around her throat.
Clavell was later arrested that day and was released with intent to summons.
Another two incidents involving two assaults on strangers in Dallas and Coburg also unfolded between July 26 and July 29.
Clavell went on a stabbing spree on August 2 after he was caught shoplifting by the owner of Amazing Bargains on Puckle Street in Moonee Ponds about 12.50pm.
After being confronted, he produced a sharp object and stabbed the owner on the left side of her neck, knocking her to the ground.
Clavell threatened a bystander who tried to photograph him as he fled, saying “I will f—-ing kill you”.
He then stabbed another man in a nearby shop before assaulting two others on his way to the train station, about 200 metres from the initial attack.
The court was told that Clavell had been diagnosed as having schizophrenia and a history of substance abuse relating to steroids.
Judge Davis acknowledged Clavell’s troubled upbringing, which involved domestic violence and the loss of his father, who had been heavily involved in criminal activities during his youth.
His father Rodney Clavell killed himself inside an Adelaide brothel in 2014 during a 12-hour standoff with police.
Judge Davis today said the victims had suffered emotional, physical, financial and social impacts from the offending.
Clavell will be eligible for parole in six years and has already served more than two years into his sentence.
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