The family of a young father-to-be, who tragically lost his life at Sydney’s Royal Easter Show, is mourning a life abruptly ended in a senseless act of violence.
A teenager, initially charged with murder, was found not guilty but later admitted to manslaughter, claiming he did not intend to inflict serious harm when he fatally stabbed Uati ‘Pele’ Faletolu in April 2022.
The knife struck the heart of the 17-year-old, who was taking a break from his work as a ride attendant to meet with friends.
“My brother’s life was significant,” his sister expressed through tears.
“Ensuring someone is held accountable is the only form of justice we have,” she added.
The deadly encounter occurred by chance when the assailant and his two friends, reportedly part of a rival group, unexpectedly met Uati.
Within 10 seconds, the then 14-year-old lunged through a gap in his friends, knifed Uati once and then bolted.
The teen typed a note into his phone after the stabbing with the words “I didn’t beat him up, I took his soul”.
Prosecutors argued the teen’s motivation to kill was underlined by self-stated animosity towards people associated with Uati’s street gang.
In November, Justice Peter Garling dismissed the post-killing statements as the boasts of an adolescent trying to bolster an image of being a gang member.
A jury at an earlier trial was discharged after it could not reach a verdict in May.
Justice Garling will deliver the sentence on December 19.
