Second chance for Beau Wayne Kelly, who caused one-punch death at Hobart nightclub

A young Hobart man who was just 18 when he caused the one-punch death of a university academic at Mobius nightclub has been released from prison on parole.

Beau Wayne Kelly caused the manslaughter death of a university academic, with a one-punch attack delivered at Mobius nightclub. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

A young Hobart man who was just 18 when he caused the one-punch death of a university academic has been released from prison on parole.

Beau Wayne Kelly, who was jailed for manslaughter in April 2020, is now 23 years old and expecting a baby with his partner after a previous attempt at parole.

Kelly caused the death of Stewart Williams, a 54-year-old University of Tasmania academic, by punching him once to the face – in a moment of “drunken bravado” – at Mobius nightclub in February 2019.

He was jailed for five years, with a non-parole period of half that time.

In its newly-published decision, the Parole Board of Tasmania said Kelly was previously granted a parole order, but it was revoked last November after he was charged with driving and destroying property offences.

The board said Kelly had engaged in problematic use of alcohol from a “very young age” and was reportedly highly intoxicated when he attacked Dr Williams – but that he’d reportedly stopped drinking since then.

“The applicant’s offending was terrible. He punched the victim once to the face. The blow must have been delivered with considerable force as it caused multiple facial fractures and for the victim to fall backwards,” the board said.

“The bleeding caused by the facial injuries ultimately lead to the victim’s death.

“His conduct immediately after the assault demonstrated an absence of concern about the victim.”

The board noted Dr Williams’ family was devastated by his death, and that he had left three children behind.

However it noted Kelly’s genuine remorse, that he had “reflected considerably” upon his conduct and the impact on Dr Williams’ family, and that he’d engaged in therapy while in jail.

The board also said Kelly’s behaviour in prison had generally been good, and that it was appropriate to give him another chance at parole.

Kelly will remain on parole until April 2026, and is currently being monitored by an electronic monitoring bracelet.

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