The mother of murder victim Michael Purse has branded her son’s killer a “small, insignificant coward” who should never be allowed back into society.
Mark-Bry Andrew Leedham, 29, appeared in South Australia’s Supreme Court on Monday after being found guilty of murdering Michael Purse at a Kilburn unit in 2019.
Mr Purse, 32, was last seen in Adelaide’s CBD in February 2019, and his disappearance was declared a major crime four months later. His body has never been recovered.
During Monday’s hearing, family members of Mr Purse delivered emotional victim impact statements, expressing their anger and heartbreak.
“This was a savage, torturous murder by a small, insignificant coward who has no place in society ever again,” read a statement from Mr Purse’s mother, Donna Ipers.
She described the pain and terror her son suffered as a lasting trauma now shared by his family and friends, saying Michael “will be loved and remembered long after Leedham is gone and forgotten.”
Police believe Mr Purse was lured from Adelaide’s casino to a Kilburn unit, killed, and then placed in a hatchback that was later seen traveling north of Adelaide.
‘Lives changed forever’
Mr Purse’s uncle, Warren Purse, spoke of the family’s profound grief and frustration over Leedham’s lack of remorse.
“Our happy, normal lives have now changed forever,” he said, also criticizing Leedham’s disruptive and contemptuous behavior during court proceedings.
“I have genuine concerns that when Leedham is eventually released, he will reoffend.”
Leedham’s lawyer, David Moen, told the court his client had written a letter to Auxiliary Justice Kevin Nicholson, but admitted Leedham showed no remorse and was prepared to “die in jail with honour.” Moen also noted Leedham’s traumatic childhood and said an appeal against the verdict had been filed.
Prosecution: No remorse, no insight
Prosecutor Michael Foundas described Leedham’s letter as revealing “an extraordinary lack of insight” and no recognition of the gravity of his actions, arguing that Leedham not only delivered the fatal blow but also participated in the body’s disposal.
Outside court, Michael Purse’s father, Jeffrey Purse, condemned Leedham’s claims of moral superiority, calling him “a cruel, evil person.”
Jeffrey Purse recounted how his son was subjected to a prolonged assault while restrained, stabbed, and then left to die without aid.
Despite extensive police efforts, Mr Purse’s remains have not been located. His father admitted the family holds little hope of finding his body unless by chance.
Leedham is scheduled to be sentenced next month.
