A Melbourne man has been slammed for the “cowardly” beachside murder of a young tradie who was defending his ex-girlfriend.
Jack Ledlin, 21, appeared before the Supreme Court of Victoria on Friday for sentencing over the murder of carpenter Cameron Smith in Melbourne southeast in November 2020.
He had pleaded not guilty to murder, instead indicating he would plead guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter, which the prosecution rejected.
His lawyers had argued the then 19-year-old accepted responsibility for Mr Smith‘s death but did not have “murderous intent” during the fight.
But after less than 24 hours of deliberations, a jury found him guilty in September this year.
Mr Smith, 26, had travelled to watch the sunset at Seaford beach with his ex-girlfriend, Natasha Stroumos, when the two men crossed paths.
Cam Smith, 26, was stabbed to death at Seaford. Picture: Supplied/9 News
They didn’t know each other, but Ms Stroumos had previously had a “trivial” run-in with Ledlin’s girlfriend Scarlett Taylor at a New Year’s Eve party in 2019 over a can of alcohol.
Ledlin, Ms Taylor and two other men hurled abuse at the couple before one of Ledlin’s co-offenders began throwing punches near the Seaford Railway Station.
The trio circled and bashed Mr Smith in a “cowardly three-on-one” before Ledlin stabbed the young tradie in the heart with a bladed weapon – most likely a knife.
They ran from the scene while Mr Smith lay dying on the roadside.
Jack Ledlin was jailed for a minimum period of 16 years.
In emotional testimony to the court, Mr Smith’s family said they felt they had been robbed of a life with the “wonderful, kind and intelligent man”.
His dad, Michael Smith, reflected on bringing his son home from the hospital as a baby and then seeing him in the morgue.
“The haunting images will be with him for life,” Justice John Champion said.
Ms Stroumos said the 3½ years of their relationship were the “best years of her life”, comparing the time since the murder as a “waking nightmare”.
She told the court that she had “vivid memories of screaming” and couldn’t shake the memory of having someone she loved die in her hands.
“This testimony is a powerful reminder of the impact of your actions,” Justice Champion said.
“You have caused that enduring grief.
“Four of you ran away leaving Cameron Smith helpless and dying on the ground.”
Cam Smith’s sister, Taylah, said she had fond memories of her brother who was a ‘great man’. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Daniel Pockett
The court was told that Ledlin met the diagnostic criteria for anti-social personality disorder and was “unable to function in society” after a deprived upbringing.
“Dr Bath opines you developed a world-view where you have to be strong to survive,” Justice Champion said.
“You have persecutory thoughts and a limited ability to manage conflict.”
Ledlin was jailed for 22 years and will be eligible for parole after 16 years.
“Nothing this court can do or say will lessen the impact,” Justice Champion said.
“Once again, this court must clearly denounce the needless street violence occurring in our community all too frequently.”
Read related topics:Melbourne