Travis James Murdoch released from jail following death of Kevin Kourtis at Riverstone in 2020
A young man who was acquitted of murder after Riverstone man Kevin Kourtis was killed in 2020, will now be released on bail. Here’s why.
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A young man who had charges of murder withdrawn – after Riverstone man Kevin Kourtis was killed in 2020 – will now be released on bail following over three years behind bars.
Travis James Murdoch, 24, was found not guilty of murder, in company assault with intent to rob (with armed weapon) and was instead found guilty in April of entering a dwelling with intent with company.
Murdoch faced Sydney Supreme Court on Friday seeking bail and will be sentenced later this week.
The court heard Murdoch, from St Marys, was held on remand following the fatal stabbing of Greek national Kevin Kourtis, 39, in May 2020.
Murdoch and four other men stormed the home with masks and weapons for a drug rip off and set upon Mr Kourtis as he opened his front door.
The court heard one man was holding a bolt action rifle and another was armed with a 30cm knife.
They barged their way in after Mr Kourtis answered and he was forced into the kitchen where he was threatened, assaulted and killed.
Murdoch fled the scene in a silver 2008 Subaru Forester with two others.
CCTV footage taken from a home near the attack shows the car speeding away.
Images released by police showed the same car burnt out at Boronia Park in North St Marys days later.
Police performed CPR on him until paramedics arrived, but Mr Kourtis died at the scene after suffering multiple stab wounds.
Each offender was sentenced, as heard in court.
Justice Robertson Wright said bail was a risk given Murdoch had been behind bars for most of his adult life.
“One won’t know how he performs until he gets back into the community – but the right structures are there,” Justice Wright said, noting Murdoch had work lined up with his father.
Murdoch was supported by his mother and partner in court.
The court heard Murdoch had matters of violence on his prison record – one as recent as May – which his defence lawyer said did him “no credit”.
“It’s a violent environment, he’s a young man in a max security prison,” his lawyer said.
His lawyer said Murdoch was forthcoming with police after they posted a wanted social media post of him.
Justice Wright said the three years and 21 days Murdoch had spent on remand reflected general and specific deterrence.
Murdoch was released on bail and will be sentenced on Friday, July 7.
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