NewsBite

Father of murdered student Joshua Hardy says McDonald’s a tragic reminder

THE father of a university student murdered outside a Melbourne McDonald’s restaurant says the fast food chain is a constant reminder of his son’s death.

Darwin man Joshua Hardy, 21, was killed in a street bashing outside a McDonald’s in Melbourne
Darwin man Joshua Hardy, 21, was killed in a street bashing outside a McDonald’s in Melbourne

THE father of a university student murdered outside a Melbourne McDonald’s restaurant says the fast food chain is a constant reminder of his son’s death.

Joshua Hardy, 21, was killed in an unprovoked attack outside McDonald’s on St Kilda Road in 2014.

Former bank employee Kyle Sirous Zandipour, 29, was in May found guilty of his murder.

The McDonald’s where Joshua Hardy was killed. Picture: Mark Dadswell
The McDonald’s where Joshua Hardy was killed. Picture: Mark Dadswell

“That big yellow M stands for something different — it’s the place where my son was murdered,” David Hardy told Zandipour’s plea hearing at the Supreme Court this morning.

Joshua Hardy had been put into a cab by friends after a 21st birthday in St Kilda.

But for unknown reasons he got out of the taxi and walked to the McDonald’s on St Kilda Rd about 12.30am.

Darwin man Joshua Hardy, 21, was killed in a brutal bashing.
Darwin man Joshua Hardy, 21, was killed in a brutal bashing.

He had asked to borrow a phone belonging to one of Zandipour’s friends but was pushed away.

Zandipour then kicked and stomped on Mr Hardy — a complete stranger — in what the court was told was a “truly frightening display of violence”.

After the verdict last month, David Hardy warned of the tragic consequences of just a few moments of madness.

Kyle Zandipour arrives in the prison van at the Melbourne Supreme Court. Picture: Nicole Garmston
Kyle Zandipour arrives in the prison van at the Melbourne Supreme Court. Picture: Nicole Garmston

“Two young lives are shattered. Friends and family of all involved are broken,” he said.

“Everyone loses when it comes to social violence, so please step back and think because actions have consequences.

“Tragic and devastating consequences for all involved. Thank you and God bless.”

Zandipour pleaded not guilty to murder but was found guilty by a Supreme Court jury.

Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/national/victoria/courts-law/father-of-murdered-student-joshua-hardy-says-mcdonalds-a-tragic-reminder/news-story/05bddf6e1500218c82ff3be12b0b945d