Sister of stabbing victim James Callahan revals what sparked fatal Newcastle brawl

The young man who was stabbed to death near a popular nightspot has been remembered as a “remarkable friend”.

A young man stabbed to death near a popular nightspot in Newcastle had told people "don’t f**king litter” before he was killed, family have revealed.

James Callahan, 22, was allegedly attacked on Beaumont St, Hamilton in the early hours of Sunday morning after he made a comment to a group of strangers about “littering”.

The keen fisherman and wildlife enthusiast had only recently finished work and is believed to have gone to the street for a meal.

Alleged Newcastle stabbing victim James Callahan, 22. Picture: Supplied

Two people – 27-year-old Jason Talbot and Alivia Murial Briggs, 33 – have since been arrested and charged with murder.

Mr Callahan’s sister, Sandie Callahan, posted a tribute to “my baby bro” on social media on Tuesday night as the family grieved his loss.

“You loved your fishing & always dressed like a dag. Your last words were ‘don’t f**king litter’,” she wrote.

In another post, she promised to “protect all the reptiles I can for you”.

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James Callahan died on Sunday. Picture: Supplied

A floral shrine has been growing on Beaumont St – a popular hospitality destination in Newcastle – as Mr Callahan’s friends and community members mourn his death.

Friend Stephanie Nunn wrote on a fundraiser page that Mr Callahan “could light up the universe with his smile and loved looking after his mates”.

“He was a loved son, a brother and a remarkable friend,” she wrote.

“He loved to enjoy the things Newcastle had to offer whenever he got the chance. He loved his fishing and those who he would fish with loved his company.

“He loved and cared for the ocean and any wildlife he came across.”

The young man had finished work before the incident. Credit: Facebook

Two people have been charged with murder. Credit: Facebook

Superintendent Kylie Endemi on Tuesday told a media conference Mr Callahan was allegedly set upon because “he simply made a comment to a group of people about littering”.

“The result of that comment, we will allege, (is) that a group of people physically attacked him,” she said.

“We will then allege that the victim left the area with a friend walking up Beaumont Street, we further allege that a group of people attacked this victim on a second occasion.”

Supt Endemi said footage of the incident which has circulated on social media was “shocking” and “distressing”, adding the force’s thoughts were with Mr Callahan’s family.

“They are living a family’s worst nightmare at the moment, losing their 22-year old-son through certainly – what we will allege – no fault of his own.”

Footage was circulated online. Picture: Supplied

Mr Talbot, of North Lambton, was arrested at Waratah police station about 11am on Tuesday and was charged with murder.

Ms Briggs was arrested at a bus stop in Bankstown, in Sydney’s southwest, on Monday afternoon and was also charged with murder.

They appeared at Newcastle and Bankstown local courts respectively on Tuesday, where they did not apply for bail.

Both of the accused were remanded in custody ahead of their next court dates in January.

The incident has outraged the Newcastle community, and some have organised a celebration of Mr Callahan to be held at Stockton on Sunday night.

Superintendent Endemi said: “no one should have a knife in a public place, it only leads to tragedy”.

Investigations under Strike Force Mannum continue, and anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.