Dad’s heartbreaking regret over Brodie’s death

BRODIE Moran’s devastated dad has revealed his heartbreaking regret over the eight-year-old’s death in a poignant tribute to the murdered little boy.

BRODIE Moran’s devastated dad has revealed his heartbreaking regret over the eight-year-old’s death in a poignant tribute to the murdered little boy.

In a statement released by police, Lee Moran described his son as a very loved, kind, considerate and caring boy, adding: “My deepest regret is that I wasn’t there to prevent his murder.

“People will always have their own assumptions as to what led up to my beautiful son’s death,” he said.

“But the truth is there is no other story. At no point did I, or anyone around Brodie and Joanne, feel that he was in danger,” he added.

Mr Moran thanked people for all the warm and heartfelt sympathy shown since Brodie died in Tootgarook on the Mornington Peninsula on March 8.

MUM CHARGED WITH MURDER OVER BOY’S DEATH

Brodie and dad Lee Moran.

Mr Moran said while he and his partner Joanne separated in July 2015, he never stopped loving, caring and supporting his son both emotionally and financially.

He also enjoyed a weekly FaceTime session with the little boy.

The heartbroken dad added: “If I could be half the person my son was I would be proud.

“He lived a life in his eight short years that many others may not live in a lifetime,” he said.

“When remembering Brodie it is with happiness of his warm cheeky smile and loving caring nature, and this is a gift he has left us all.”

COMMUNITY STRUGGLES TO COMPREHEND THE LOSS

BRODIE Moran’s smile and infectious laughter will live on as a community grapples with the eight-year-old’s death.

Neighbours say the boy was very happy and was often seen playing outside and with his mum Joanne Finch, who was always friendly and waved when she saw them.

Lee Moran with his son, Brodie.

Brodie’s classmates thought he was sick when he didn’t ­attend Tootgarook Primary on Thursday, but behind the police tape at his home, a ­horror story had unfolded.

Flowers, soft toys, balloons and cards were dropped off throughout the day as complete strangers, friends, family and classmates struggled to comprehend the loss, many crying at the scene.

“We love you Brodie”, “Brodie you beautiful little man” and “A sweet little innocent” read some messages.

Tearful parents hugged their children and stood in silence reading the tributes.

Marie Kelly, who lives opposite Brodie’s home in Alma St, saidthe boy’s mother “was a very nice lady” who loved gardening.

“Her little boy was the same age as my granddaughter, I think he’s played with her once or twice,” she said.

“She was a nice person and he was a happy little boy, I can still see him riding his little scooter around.”

Joanne Finch is charged with murdering her son, Brodie. Picture: Facebook

Joanne Finch, Lee Moran and their son Brodie.

Family friend Donna Hesterman remembered a vibrant little boy.

“RIP Beautiful Brodie, at 8 to have your life taken away is just tragic,” she posted on Facebook.

“Your smile and infectious laughter will be how I remember you.”

Tootgarook Primary principal Wayne Whitworth said support was offered to those within the school community to deal with the difficult time many faced.

“Our thoughts are with the family following this tragic event,” he said.

Brodie has been described as always happy.

Neighbours are grieving the death of eight-year-old Brodie.

The community is devastated by Brodie’s death.

Locals with children at the school have discussed holding a beach ceremony next week to remember Brodie.

Neighbour Reg Chadwick said the boy deserved the grief that was enveloping the community because his young life should not have ended.

“I wanted to come here and pay respect to the little boy that’s gone,” he said outside Brodie’s house on Friday.

“There is a great deal of sadness in the community. It is a relatively small community and will take people a great deal of time to get over this.”

Mum and neighbour Kelly Wood said it was an ­absolute tragedy.

Neighbours have described Joanne Finch as a very nice, friendly lady. Picture: Facebook

Neighbours are shocked at Brodie’s death.

Brodie was allegedly murdered by his mother.

“When it’s that close it affects you, it definitely affects you,” she said. “I saw the police tape there on Thursday and just waited to see what had happened — you fathom the worst and hope for the best.

“I’ve seen the mother with the child trick-or-treating. They’re a normal family, trampoline out the front.”

Antoniella Bernovic, who has lived in the street for 19 years, said the family was ­always friendly and waved when they saw her.

“I’ve seen the little boy a few times out the front jumping on the trampoline — he ­always seemed happy enough,” she said.

“I can’t believe something like this can actually happen on your doorstep.

“They are friendly. Every time I see them they wave and say hello; you wouldn’t have picked it,” she added.

[e-mail]