In a tragic case of violence on the streets of Eltham, a gang attack resulting in the death of Bartosz Wyrzykowski has left a community in mourning. Bartosz, known affectionately as Bartek, was fatally stabbed by a 16-year-old assailant in February 2022. Despite attempts by one of the attackers to appeal his manslaughter conviction, a panel of judges has upheld the verdict.
The incident unfolded as Bartosz, accompanied by his girlfriend, walked along Lionel Road in Eltham. Suddenly, a group consisting of Jack Davies, Yusuf Aydin, Benedict Paul, and the unnamed 16-year-old launched a vicious assault. Witnesses, including parents picking up their children from a nearby nursery, were horrified as Bartosz was chased and ultimately stabbed to death.
Last year, the 16-year-old assailant was found guilty of murder, while the other three attackers were convicted of manslaughter. Jack Davies, now 21, recently sought to appeal his manslaughter conviction and the accompanying 11-year prison sentence. However, the appeal judges determined that there were no grounds to suggest the conviction was unsafe, nor was the sentence manifestly excessive.
During the trial, it emerged that there had been prior animosity between Yusuf Aydin, the driver of the car from which the attackers emerged, and Bartosz. Despite Bartosz’s attempts to flee and the outnumbering of the assailants, he was unable to evade the fatal blow delivered by the teenage attacker wielding a machete-style knife.
Bartosz’s tragic death has left a profound impact on his family and the community. Described as a “wonderful boy with a heart of gold” by his grieving mother, Bartosz’s absence has left an irreparable void in their lives. The pain of losing him is felt deeply every day, as his family grapples with the realization that he will never return.
As the community continues to mourn Bartosz’s untimely death, the denial of the appeal serves as a reminder of the consequences of senseless violence. The case underscores the importance of upholding justice and ensuring accountability for those responsible for such heinous acts.