FAMILY ‘DON’T HATE KILLERS’

MALACIAH Thomas’ family say they do not hate his killers.

In a victim impact statement read out at Cardiff Crown Court, his sister Ashanti Thomas said: “We don’t hate those who caused Malaciah’s death. [That would mean] they would be in our head and we don’t want to give them any of our time. We have no opinion of them.”

Ms Thomas said it was “impossible” to describe the impact her brother’s killing had on herself and her mother.

She added: “Those involved in his murder have taken enough from us and they do not deserve to know how we are feeling. That is private to us and we want to keep those feelings private. We just want to remember Malaciah as he was – a loving son and brother, who was happy and planning his 21st birthday celebrations when he died. Instead of celebrating his 21st birthday, we were mourning his death. Instead of celebrating my mum’s birthday in August, we were arranging his funeral.”

“All we can say about those who took Malaciah’s life is that they are cowards. Instead of talking to Malaciah one-onone about any disagreement they may have had, they have turned up in a group armed with knives. [They knew] they couldn’t beat Malaciah up any other way. They only had one intention.”

Ms Thomas said her brother prioritised his friend Chloe Xuereb’s safety over his own as he rang her from his car to warn her of the potential danger.

She added: “He was brought up to protect himself and look after others. The people who have taken Malaciah’s life have caused a massive ripple effect, not just for Malaciah’s family and friends, but also for their own families. I don’t think they ever thought of the consequences of their actions. It is not for us to say what we think should happen to the defendants. All those involved know what they have done and they have to live with the part they have played in Malaciah’s death.”