The sentencing of three teenagers for the brutal attack and manslaughter of John Hackett in a park has brought closure to a tragic chapter, but the pain and loss for Mr. Hackett’s family remain profound.
The court heard how Mr. Hackett was subjected to relentless verbal abuse and bullying by the defendants in the weeks leading up to the fatal assault. On that fateful day in April, the teenagers mercilessly attacked him, inflicting severe injuries that ultimately led to his untimely death.
The judge described the attack as a “grave” and “shocking” act of violence, emphasizing the callousness displayed by the perpetrators as they mocked Mr. Hackett’s suffering.
The video evidence presented in court, showing Mr. Hackett’s distress and the defendants’ apparent indifference, painted a harrowing picture of the events that unfolded.
Despite pleading guilty to manslaughter, the teenagers received custodial sentences ranging from nine months to two years. While this outcome may offer some semblance of justice, it cannot erase the pain and devastation inflicted upon Mr. Hackett’s loved ones.
Detective Chief Inspector Collette O’Keefe expressed solidarity with Mr. Hackett’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the senseless act of violence. The community, too, was left shaken by the tragic loss of life and the shocking nature of the crime.
The family’s grief is immeasurable, compounded by the knowledge that Mr. Hackett endured weeks of torment before his death. Their statement reflects a deep sense of sorrow and the enduring trauma caused by the loss of a beloved son, brother, nephew, and cousin.
As the defendants begin their sentences, Mr. Hackett’s family hopes that they will reflect on the consequences of their actions and find remorse for the irreparable harm they have caused.
While nothing can bring back their loved one, they seek solace in the hope that justice has been served and that they can begin the long process of healing and rebuilding their lives.
