Teen jailed over fatal Melbourne crash and Flemington bashing
A teenager has been sentenced in Melbourne’s County Court to eight-and-a-half years in prison for a brutal assault in Flemington and a fatal crash in Tarneit three months later. Judge Amanda Chambers described his actions as “truly shocking”. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least four-and-a-half years, with his sentence due to expire in January 2034 after time already served. In February 2025, when he was 16, the teenager attacked 36-year-old Valentino Arop outside a Flemington housing tower. The court heard he struck Mr Arop from behind before kicking and stomping on him while he was on the ground. Judge Chambers called the attack cowardly and inhumane. Mr Arop spent eight months in hospital and was left with permanent brain injuries and physical disabilities. He now needs a walking frame and cannot play or socialise with his children as he previously did. After being released into the community on probation over unrelated vehicle theft and aggravated burglary offences, the teenager drove a stolen SUV while drunk nine days later. He ran a red light at Dohertys Road and Derrimut Road in Tarneit in May 2025, causing a crash that killed his 16-year-old passenger and friend, Kevin Olenga. Kevin’s family said he was deeply missed. The case is relevant to Melbourne because it involves serious violence in Flemington and a fatal dangerous-driving incident in Tarneit, highlighting the lasting harm caused to victims, families and local communities.
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