Balin Stewart’s parents take aim at youth justice laws after son’s killer sentenced

Balin Stewart’s heartbroken parents have taken aim at Queensland’s failing youth justice system after learning their son’s killer would be freed after serving three-and-a-half years in custody.

Balin Stewart’s heartbroken parents have taken aim at Queensland’s failing youth justice system after learning their son’s killer would be freed after serving three-and-a-half years in custody.

Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart laid the blame squarely at the feet of legislators, acknowledging the courts and judges had their hands tied by the sentencing options open to them.

“Nothing brings Balin back and we weren’t looking for any number that can satisfy what we’ve lost,” Mr Stewart said of the seven-year sentence imposed on his son’s teenage killer.

“The court … could only work within a framework that the government allows them to work within.

“I said it this morning and I’ll say it again, that we are disillusioned with the youth justice system in Queensland.”

Michael and Kerri-Lyn Stewart outside court after their son’s killer was sentenced. Picture: NCA NewsWIRE / John Gass

During the sentencing hearing in the Brisbane Supreme Court, Justice Elizabeth Wilson acknowledged the couple’s “dignity and grace” as they sat through two weeks of harrowing evidence at trial.

“Today was obviously incredibly tough,” Mr Stewart said.

“The obvious question is how do we feel, we’re still numb. We’re not looking for a number. Our lives are destroyed for life so we’ve got a life sentence. And I’ve said it previously, there’s no winners.

“His family is destroyed, our family is destroyed and through the Balin Stewart Foundation we are determined to educate teens about the consequences of carrying a knife and how disruptive they are.”

Mr Stewart shook his head when asked about a statement of apology read by the defendant, replying: “It’s a little bit late isn’t it? Too little, too late.”

“You might have heard me in court that I’ll never forgive him,” he said.

“How could I, as a father losing a son who is barely at the age of 16.”

Mr Stewart said he did not relish addressing his son’s killer but he felt a duty to reveal the consequences of the tragedy “so people can understand the gravity of what taking a life does to family and friends”.

Balin Stewart died in January 2022 after he was stabbed in the heart by another teen.

Mrs Stewart pointed to the dozens of supporters who came to court with the couple.

“It’s not just us, every person here is feeling it and going through counselling, aunties, uncles grandparents, friends, it’s just such a ripple effect that it has,” she said.

“And like Michael said, not just on our family, on his family as well.”

Balin, who was just 16 when he died in January last year, would have celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday September 8.

His parents said they would commemorate his life by hosting the Balin Forever Festival on Saturday, an all ages event with ticket sales helping fund the work of the Balin Stewart Foundation which aims to prevent knife crime.

Tickets to the event can be purchased through the foundation’s website at www.balinstewartfoundation.org.au.