In a harrowing incident, Andrew Sullivan, 42, tragically lost his life after being assaulted in a lift by a group of young men. As he attempted to escape from them, one of the assailants brandished a kitchen knife and inflicted fatal wounds, leaving Sullivan bleeding on the floor. Despite immediate assistance, he succumbed to his injuries in hospital shortly after.
Desiree Schmidt, Sullivan’s partner of nine years, expressed her ongoing trauma, stating she has not used an elevator since that fateful night. In the wake of this senseless act of violence, Sullivan’s grieving family gathered at the Supreme Court of Victoria for the sentencing hearing of his murderer, Kloud Allen. They voiced their demand for stricter knife crime laws, highlighting the devastating impact of such violence on families and communities.
Sullivan’s sister urged for substantial changes to current legislation, insisting that knife-related crimes are too frequent and require harsher penalties to deter future incidents. Allen, aged 24, faces up to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and a separate armed robbery charge that occurred just days prior. On January 16, 2024, Allen, along with two teenagers, sought revenge following an unrelated confrontation when he encountered Sullivan in the lift.
As Sullivan entered the elevator around 11:30 pm, he was unaware of the impending danger posed by Allen and his accomplices, who were discussing a prior fight. Attempting to calm the situation, Sullivan was suddenly attacked; Allen stabbed him as he attempted to flee. Following the assault, Allen evaded capture by fleeing to Queensland, where he was later apprehended and extradited to Melbourne.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Allen had a troubled background, struggling with substance abuse from a young age. His lawyer portrayed him as remorseful, sharing an apology extended to Sullivan’s family, and described the tragic incident as the worst mistake of Allen’s life. However, the prosecution emphasised the need for the court to send a strong message against knife violence, highlighting that such incidents leading to death are alarmingly common.
Family members, some travelling from Samoa for the hearing, expressed their anguish, describing how Sullivan’s gentle nature contrasted starkly with the violent manner in which his life ended. Schmidt, tearfully affirming the depth of their love, emphasised the daily burden of grief she now carries without him.
As the proceedings drew to a close, Allen was remanded in custody, awaiting sentencing. The court’s decisions in the case will not only affect Allen’s future but will also contribute to the ongoing conversation around the urgent need for significant reform in knife crime legislation in Australia.