Jack Beasley’s parents react to his killer remaining behind bars after stressful Christmas holidays

The parents of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed and killed have endured an unbearable Christmas break while waiting for his killer to be released from jail.

The family of a 17-year-old killed on a night out in Surfers Paradise in 2019 are relieved after the release of one of his murderers was cancelled at the last minute.

Jack Beasley died from stab wounds to the chest after he was attacked by a group of teens on December 13, 2019.

His parents Brett and Belinda Beasley have endured an anxious wait over the holiday season after they were told one of his attackers would be released on January 15 despite only serving four years of his seven-year sentence.

Five days after the anniversary of Jack’s death, the family were told they had 21 days to submit a defence, but after just four days, a decision was made.

“We’re pretty upset about it,” Mr Beasley told Today on Wednesday morning about the killer’s potential release.

Brett and Jack Beasley (right), who was stabbed to death on a night out on the Sunshine Coast on December 13, 2019. Picture: Facebook

One of Jack’s killers was due to be released on parole in two weeks, but the decision was overturned. Picture: Facebook

“It’s put a lot of stress on our family and friends, especially this time of year, it’s just after Christmas, stress we didn’t need.

“We just got over December with Jack’s anniversary and stuff, so it was pretty heartbreaking when we heard the news.”

After a last-ditch effort to convince the Parole Board to reconsider the decision, the family were called on Tuesday afternoon to say the killer’s parole was cancelled.

“Parole Board Queensland this morning cancelled a decision,” the board said in a statement posted to its website on Tuesday.

Mr Beasley and his wife Belinda are relieved the decision has been overturned but are still rattled by the experience. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Tertius Pickard

The board said it would continue to review its business processes to “support victims” and “prioritise community safety”.

Asked how the family is feeling after the decision, Mr Beasley said his wife was “still upset” but grateful for the community getting behind them during a challenging time.

A petition to show support for overturning the decision attracted 422 signatures in less than 24 hours and was only online for 30 minutes before the Beasleys received word the decision had been scrapped.

Queensland Police Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler, joined by Mr and Mrs Beasley, announced the expansion of a wanding device trial last year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dan Peled

“It shows you the power of speaking out, but this decision should never have happened in the first place,” Mr Beasley said.

“We were getting a signature on the petition, one every 60 seconds, so it was going pretty strong and the love and support we have is unbelievable.”

The offender now has 14 days to appeal the decision, but the Beasleys are hopeful he will remain behind bars.

“We understand that everyone’s eligible for parole at some stage … but we just hope and pray that when he does come out the community is safe,” Mr Beasley said.

“Our son Jack is never going to come home. This guy was going to get out and celebrate his 21st birthday.”

The Beasley family have successfully campaigned for the strengthening of police powers to allow officers to use “wanding” technology to detect knives in crime hotspots across Queensland – otherwise known as “Jack’s Law”.