Nowra: Josh Edwards to be sentenced after murder of Michael Kerr

The sister of a man murdered in a violent South Coast robbery over a small sum of cash and a mobile phone has opened up in court over her trauma as the offender prepares to be sentenced.

Josh Edwards was arrested at a Warilla address. Picture: NSW Police

The sister of a man murdered in a “senseless” violent South Coast robbery over a small sum of cash and a mobile phone has opened up in court over her trauma as the offender prepares to be sentenced.

Michael Kerr, 51, was stabbed during a robbery in Nowra’s CBD by then 22-year-old Josh Edwards in the early hours of January 4, 2022.

Edwards – and two 17-year-old co-accused – fled with a petty $30 in cash and a mobile phone, leaving Mr Kerr unconscious with severe stab wounds.

He was rushed to Shoalhaven Hospital where he later died.

Edwards – now 24 – appeared in the Supreme Court in Nowra before Justice Belinda Rigg on Tuesday, where Mr Kerr’s sister, Maryann Sandona, gave an emotional statement.

Michael Kerr died shortly after he was found with stab wounds. Picture: NSW Police

“No parent should have to bury their child,” she said.

“We no longer feel safe in Nowra.”

The crime scene established on the corner of Nowra Ln and Worrigee St on January 4, 2022. Picture: Dylan Arvela

Ms Sandona said she missed her brother and was horrified his life was taken “over something as senseless as a wallet and mobile phone”.

Edwards was arrested by the Homicide Squad at a Warilla property on January 22, 2023 – more than a year after the fatal robbery.

He has since pleaded guilty to murder, aggravated robbery, attempted robbery in company and driving a stolen vehicle.

Edwards was refused bail and has remained in custody since.

Joshua Edwards will be sentenced in the Supreme Court in Nowra. Picture: John Appleyard

The two 17-year-olds were also arrested and charged. They remain before the courts.

Defence barrister Scott Fraser said his client displayed genuine remorse, despite the violence.

“[Edwards] deals with mental disabilities, PTSD, depression and anxiety,” he told the court.

Mr Fraser argued these issues would make a long custodial sentence “difficult”, saying his “time in custody would be felt more harshly” than others.

However, Crown prosecutor Christopher Taylor said the severity of the crime could not be ignored, arguing Edwards was “on a mission to rob innocent people”.

“Mr Kerr was vulnerable and defenceless,” he said.

“There was a considerable degree of violence used and the violence was intentionally inflicted.

“[Edwards] demonstrated a complete disregard for other people’s safety.”

Justice Rigg said she would sentence Edwards in the same court on Tuesday.

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