Mitchell Barbieri’s sentence cut by 11 years for murder of NSW cop Bryson Anderson
THE family of NSW cop Bryson Anderson say they’ve been “kicked in the guts” by a decision to drastically slash his killer’s sentence.
THE family of murdered NSW police officer Bryson Anderson say they’ve been “kicked in the guts” by a decision to drastically slash his killer’s sentence.
The man convicted of the stabbing murder of the decorated Detective Inspector had his jail sentence slashed on appeal on Monday.
Mitchell Barbieri, 21, was serving 35 years with a non-parole period of 26 years for using a hunting knife to stab Detective Inspector Anderson twice on December 6, 2012.
But the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal imposed a new sentence — 21 years and three months with a non-parole period of 15 years.
Outside court, the victim’s son, Cain, wiped tears from his face. Insp Anderson’s brother, Warwick Anderson, said he was shocked and let down by the decision to show leniency towards a “spineless and cowardly act”.
“We came here today and were — to use my father’s words — kicked in the guts by the decision that came down today,” he said.
“How any informed member of the community could possibly think a sentence of 15 years for someone who stabs to death a policeman who turns up to help other people is what the community expects is absolutely beyond belief.”
Barbieri, who the court heard was mentally-ill at the time of the stabbing, was jailed alongside his mother, Fiona, two years ago.
The 47-year-old was convicted of manslaughter after grabbing a mallet and attacking officers when they stormed her Oakville home, northwest of Sydney.
She was jailed for 10 years with a non-parole period of six months.
In cutting Barbieri’s term, Justice Carolyn Simpson cited mental illness.
“His mental illness diminished his moral culpability to a very significant degree,” she said.
“His evidence persuades me that the applicant is genuinely remorseful, that he has accepted responsibility for his conduct, and that this indicates that he is unlikely to reoffend.”
The NSW Supreme Court previously heard officers attended the family home to find the pair had barricaded themselves inside following a dispute with neighbours. The court heard Barbieri fired a number of arrows at those living next door.
When Insp Anderson forced his way through the back door of the house, he was confronted by Barbieri. The fatal wound penetrated the officer’s lung. He was pronounced dead at Hawkesbury Hospital later that day.
Insp Anderson is survived by his wife, Donna, and their three children. His widow said in a statement after his death: “Our family cannot adequately express the devastation that follows the loss of Bryson.
“Commensurate with our sense of loss is the pride we have in a man who has given his life in the service of the people of New South Wales. Bryson has been recognised as an outstanding police officer and he has been commended for his work on many occasions.”
She said her husband was a loving father, son, brother, uncle and friend.
“Our family would like to thank his colleagues who were present with Bryson yesterday and those police, ambulance and hospital staff who worked so hard to save him.
“Bryson will never be replaced, however he has left a legacy that will endure. His passing is not only a loss to his family and friends but also a loss to the people of New South Wales that will never be overcome.”
