by The man who killed Angry Andersons son could be released within four years after a court found demonic beliefs and drug-induced psychosis led him to beat his best mate to death.
Mathew Flame, now 22, was suffering an acute psychotic episode when he beat and kicked Liam Anderson to death in a park on Sydneys northern beaches about sunrise in early November 2018.
Anderson, 26, left a friends nearby home in pursuit of his psychologically distressed best mate before he was set upon. His final ordeal was extended, gruelling, terrifying and horrifically painful, NSW supreme court justice Richard Button said on Wednesday.
The psychotic episode was sparked after Flame, who had been partying all night with Anderson and other friends, took a 10th MDMA capsule about 5am. After his friend caught up with him, Flame hit Anderson with his fists, feet and possibly a large rock found at the scene, Button said.
Even accepting he could see with his eyes the appearance of his friend, I accept he believed the recipient of his actions was demonic, the judge said. There was never the desire to bring to an end the life of a human let alone a close friend.
Button, noting the case cried out for a finding of special circumstances, jailed Flame for a minimum of five years and six months but with time already served he could be released in 2024. His maximum sentence of eight years will expire in November 2026.
Gary Angry Anderson, who fronted the rock band Rose Tattoo for decades, watched the sentencing from a balcony in the courtroom.
Two years ago, our Liam had his life taken his life, Anderson told reporters outside the court on Wednesday. Two years ago, our family and those who love him started a lifetime sentence.
During his trial this year, Flame pleaded not guilty to murder on the grounds of mental illness, before a jury found him guilty of manslaughter due to the effect of the psychosis. While in custody, he developed the chronic and severe mental illness of schizophrenia, for which he now takes medication.
Flame was still psychotic when confronted by police, believing they too were demons and was frothing at the mouth while in custody. He realised what hed done hours later and Button was of the view Flame was deeply remorseful and bitterly regretted what he had done.
