‘Only anger and hate’: Mark Boyce’s father confronts killer bikie Tobias Sahlstorfer

With a picture of his only child in his arms, a father has fought back tears to confront his son’s second murderer in court.

After seven years of hell without his only son, Mark Boyce’s father has finally had the chance to confront his child’s second murderer.

With tears streaming down his face, Malcolm Boyce held a photo of his son in the South Australian Supreme Court as he told killer Tobias Sahlstorfer he would never forgive him.

“Today, Toby, I have brought my son to court – which is the only thing I have left of him other than the memories – to see that justice has been done,” he said.

“I used to love spending time with Mark. I used to enjoy joking around with Mark too. Everyone could tell Mark was my son as we looked similar, we had a great sense of humour and had a love for cars and motorbikes.

Malcolm Boyce, father of Mark Boyce, with a picture of his son after giving a victim impact statement. Picture: Brenton Edwards

“Following Mark’s death, I lost interest in life. I don’t joke around at all now. My life completely changed when he passed away due to your brutal beating.

“I feel depressed, stressed, sad and fly off the handle easier now. I know he will never visit me like he used to. I have come to terms with never being a grandparent as he was my only child and I know Mark wanted to have children.

Murder victim Mark Boyce. Picture: SA Police

“I have to somehow live through every day of the year knowing that I won’t be able to celebrate Father’s Day, Christmas, my birthday, his birthday or have any other family celebration with my son.

“I have a vivid picture of Mark in the hospital bed before he died. I keep thinking about how I was there with him in hospital and couldn’t do a thing. That will be with me until the day I die.”

Mr Boyce told the court he had to miss the majority of the murder trial because he needed a quadruple bypass.

“My doctor informed me that my condition arose due to my high stress levels over the last seven years,” he said.

“Toby you have shown no remorse. There is no forgiveness towards you whatsoever. Only anger and hate.

“You took the life of my only son.”

Sahlstorfer, 34, of Gulfview Heights, was found guilty at trial of having murdered Mark Boyce near his Elizabeth South home in January 2017.

Hells Angels bikie Tobias Sahlstorfer was found guilty at trial of having murdered Mark Boyce. Picture Supplied

Tobias Sahlstorfer was convicted of the crime and will be sentenced next month. Picture Supplied

He and two other men – one of whom has also been convicted of murder, but whose identity is suppressed – kicked, punched and stomped Mr Boyce to death.

However, Mr Boyce was not their target and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time – their actual target, who was a friend of Mr Boyce, has since passed away.

Earlier on Friday afternoon, Mr Boyce was emotionally overwhelmed when he was told, before the hearing began, the Sahlstorfer was not in the cells.

“You’re kidding … I’ve waited seven and a half years for this,” he said, becoming visibly upset.

Justice Laura Stein apologised to Mr Boyce, promising she would have the error investigated.

“I’m not sure what’s happened, but Sahlstorfer has not been brought from prison … I will get to the bottom of it, but I can only apologise for it,” she said.

She offered to have Sahlstorfer present in court by video link, but prosecutors said Mr Boyce wanted to exercise his legal right to deliver his impact statement face-to-face.

Malcolm Boyce, father of Mark Boyce, with a picture of his son outside the Supreme Court on Friday after giving a victim impact statement. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Justice Stein said that was entirely appropriate and she would ensure it occurred.

“I have no difficulties with that, and I will get to the bottom of what happened this afternoon,” she said.

“Again, I apologise … I’ve no doubt a further delay will be difficult.”

Two hours later, both Malcolm and Mark’s mother Kathy Mallia delivered their victim impact statements.

Appearing in the court via audio visual link, Ms Mallia said Sahlstorfer “chose Mark as your victim”.

“I don’t seek your remorse – I feel it does not exist in your DNA,” she said.

“I watched my only child slowly die, cradling him in my arms. I heard his breathing change through the stages of death.

“I have lost my only child, am I still a mum?”

She said that in the years following Mark’s death, she faked her way through life, suffering from post traumatic stress disorder.

“My forgiveness does not mean acceptance. I bear no hatred, for that would be like drinking poison and waiting for others to die,” she said.

“I live my best life for, but without, Mark.”

Justice Stein will sentence Sahlstorfer next month.

Outside court, Malcolm Boyce said he “finally had justice”.

“I believe in karma,” he said.

“This does give me a little bit of closure.

“But Mark didn’t deserve this.”