UPDATE: A teenager has been sentenced to 17 years in prison for the brutal murder of a Melbourne doctor, Ash Gordon, who was fatally stabbed while attempting to perform a citizen’s arrest. The incident occurred in the early hours of January 13, 2024, when Gordon confronted a group of thieves outside his Doncaster home.
The now 18-year-old killer, who cannot be named due to his age at the time, was found guilty of murder in June after claiming he acted in self-defense. However, during a hearing at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday, Justice Amanda Fox dismissed this defense, emphasizing the unprovoked nature of the attack on an unarmed, barefoot man.
Around 5:30 AM, police discovered Gordon on Eildon Street, less than a kilometer from his home, where he had succumbed to multiple stab wounds inflicted by a hunting knife. Justice Fox revealed that the teenager had broken into Gordon’s house on two occasions, intending to steal the keys to his Mercedes AMG. On the second break-in, Gordon awoke to find the intruders and chased them down the street before being attacked.
The judge noted that Gordon’s actions were not aggressive but rather a desperate attempt to protect his property. “Dr. Gordon was not intending to harm you when he got out of the car,” Justice Fox stated. “He was likely angry, given he had just been burgled.”
The court also heard disturbing details of the attack, including another assailant kicking Gordon in the face as he lay dying. Justice Fox condemned this behavior as “despicable” and highlighted the severe emotional toll on Gordon’s family, describing him as a “kind, hardworking, cheerful, intelligent, and compassionate man.”
Gordon’s family has been left devastated by the sudden loss, with Justice Fox stating that the trauma they face is “never-ending.” The judge expressed concern over the growing trend of youth violence, particularly with weapons, stating, “This case tragically highlights the danger that is caused to the community by young people carrying knives.”
Despite having no prior criminal history and coming from a supportive family, the teenager’s exposure to violence in his past was noted as a factor in his actions. However, Justice Fox found no evidence of remorse, as the young man continues to assert his innocence.
The teenager will serve a minimum of 12 years before being eligible for parole, a decision that underscores the court’s message regarding the seriousness of violent crime. This case serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of violence and the impact on innocent lives.
As the community processes this tragic event, the urgent conversation around youth violence and knife crime continues. Authorities emphasize the need for preventive measures to protect citizens from such senseless acts.
