‘Anyone who bullied the Kelly family should be ashamed’

OPINION: Can you imagine the horror of having your child’s memorial repeatedly destroyed? Not once, but over and over again.

Megan Palin

less than 2 min read

July 28, 2016 - 11:05AM

Stuart and Thomas Kelly. Picture: The Project/YouTube

OPINION

ANYONE who has bullied the Kelly family over Sydney lockout laws should be ashamed.

They were just an ordinary family who had lost their cherished son Thomas in the most extraordinary of circumstances and wanted to do everything they could to prevent another family from experiencing the same pain they did.

I spoke with the Kellys on several occasions earlier this year and their grief was understandably still very raw.

They had spent Christmas overseas because they couldn’t bear to spend it at home without Thomas, who was killed aged 18 by drunk Kieran Loveridge in an unprovoked attack.

Thomas Kelly. Picture: Media Police

Stuart Kelly. Picture: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

Upon returning, low life vandals desecrated Thomas’ memorial in Kings Cross because they blamed the Kellys for having lobbied for stricter laws against alcohol and drug violence to make the streets safer.

Every time the memorial was rebuilt by compassionate locals, vandals would tear it down again. Can you imagine the horror of having your child’s memorial repeatedly destroyed? Not once, but over and over again.

Critics who really want to see change can lobby councils or governments. There is nothing positive to be achieved from attacking a grieving family.

Madeleine Kelly with her two brothers Thomas (right) and Stuart.

Now we have learned that the family’s youngest son Stuart — who was just 14 when his brother and “best friend” was killed — was heavily bullied over the lockout laws, even receiving hate mail and having to drop out of university early.

On Monday, at just 19 years of age, this precious, articulate young man took his own life.

That a beautiful family which had experienced extreme tragedy could become the target for such hate highlights a severe and sickening problem with Australia’s psyche.

The Kelly family did not deserve to be subjected to any of this. They deserved compassion, understanding and support.

They were just an ordinary, loving family who had suffered the greatest loss of all — which has now been multiplied by two.

My heart breaks for them.

May you rest in peace, Thomas and Stuart Kelly.