A judge has ruled that Roger James Kilby, 40, is not a vigilante following a violent confrontation that led to the death of Andrew John Anthoney in Peak Hill, New South Wales. Kilby, who had previously stolen a mobile phone from Anthoney, returned to confront him nine days later after a night of drinking and dancing at the local RSL. He had heard accusations of child abuse related to the phone, which sparked the fatal altercation.
Kilby admitted to murder, which occurred as a heated verbal disagreement escalated into violence, culminating in “a sustained and very violent assault” described by Justice Dina Yehia. After the attack, Kilby left Anthoney unconscious and was observed behaving erratically, expressing panic about his actions.
During sentencing at the NSW Supreme Court, Kilby received a maximum of 18 years in prison, with a non-parole period set at 12 years and six months, which means he could be eligible for release by September 11, 2035. The judge noted that Kilby’s actions were impulsive and not indicative of someone seeking to administer justice. Instead, they stemmed from the heightened emotions of the moment.
Kilby’s sentence was backdated to the date of his arrest in March 2023, when he surrendered to the police. The judge acknowledged his expressions of genuine remorse, as well as his efforts towards rehabilitation while in custody. Kilby has pursued an engineering certificate, participated in various community engagements within the prison, and even had his artwork publicly displayed, indicating strides towards personal improvement.
In a letter to the court, Kilby expressed his regret to the community and his aspiration to become a better person. Throughout the hearing, he remained stoic while clad in prison attire from Bathurst prison.
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