Sonny Mooney attacks innocent man because he believed he was involved in his niece Nilly Mooney’s death

The uncle of a popular Mackay teen, tragically killed in a shocking hit and run, has unleashed a violent home invasion against an innocent man he believed was linked to her death.

Nilly Mooney was killed when she was struck but a vehicle at Beaconsfield.

The uncle of a popular Mackay teen tragically killed in a shocking hit and run at Beaconsfield unleashed a violent home invasion against an innocent man, who he believed was linked to her death.

Nilly Mooney was struck and killed as she searched for her phone on Nicklin Drive about 3pm on March 1, 2020.

Nilly Mooney

The driver of the vehicle, Jessica May Goulding, later pleaded guilty to failing to remain at the scene and render assistance over the harrowing incident. She was jailed for three years, to serve 12 months, and will be released in August.

Defence barrister Scott Moon told Mackay District Court that at the time “my client’s view was that she (Nilly) was murdered”.

No one was charged with murder over the 15 year old’s death.

On June 22, 2020, Sonny Mooney had been drinking a lot – a full bottle of 40 per cent vodka and 10-pack of premix bourbons – when he spotted the victim’s car and believed he was responsible.

“Which of course is erroneous,” Mr Moon said.

“That is the context and the background to how this event unfortunately unfolded.”

Hundreds of mourners paid tribute to 15-year-old Nilly Mooney, who was killed in a hit and run on March 1. Photo: Zizi Averill

So while armed with a knife he unleashed a violent home invasion at North Mackay.

“He violated the sanctity of the (victims’) home in which they had a right to feel safe and secure,” Crown legal officer Harriet Hall-Pearce said.

“He attacked (one of victims) in front of his son and continued to threaten him while he was on the ground.”

He pleaded guilty to burglary with intent, two counts of assault occasioning bodily harm and stealing smokes and a lighter.

The court heard Mooney had a 13-page criminal history with relevant entries for violence.

Judge Julie Dick said Mooney’s offending was persistent, adding it was her suspicion the main reason was alcohol.

“This offence isn’t about retribution, it isn’t about getting money back, it’s pretty senseless really, so I’ll put that down to the alcohol,” Judge Dick said.

“It was at night time, the man had just got home, it was in front of his son.”

She urged Mooney to take part in any and all courses offered through parole.

Mooney was jailed for three years – which Judge Dick said was standard for a home invasion – with immediate parole release.

Convictions were recorded and the 395 days were declared time already served.