Matthew Leveson’s memorial site has been found stripped bare on the eve of his funeral.
Matt’s father Mark Leveson, who has been waiting more than a decade to lay his son to rest, took to social media to share his devastation at the vandalism.
“The night before Matty’s funeral we visited his memorial tree in the National Park to find it vandalised,” he wrote on Twitter alongside a picture of the decimated memorial. “Butterflies taken, gifts taken, memorial plaques taken, fresh flowers taken.”
He added: “Nothing is left!”
Matt’s mother Faye also commented on the emotional post, writing: “My heart is broken. How could someone do this on the eve of Matt’s funeral?”
The late 20-year-old’s remains were found beneath a cabbage-tree palm in the Royal National Park on May 31, 2017.
The Levesons took the tree to plant in their backyard and, with the help of park workers, established a memorial at the bushland site.
Matthew was last seen leaving a Sydney nightclub in the early hours of September 23, 2007. He was accompanied by his then 40-year-old partner, Michael Atkins.
Atkins was later captured on CCTV buying a garden mattock and gaffer tape, but when questioned by police he denied being there. Later that week, Matthew’s car was found at Waratah Oval in Sutherland. Inside, police found a Bunnings receipt for a garden mattock and gaffer tape — Atkins’ fingerprints were all over it.
He was charged with murder in 2008 but acquitted in 2009.
Matt’s parents take aim at Michael Atkins, who was acquitted in 2009 of their son’s murder. Post continues…
Mark and Faye recently announced that after nearly a decade, a funeral would be held for their late son at Woronora Chapels at Linden Street, Sutherland on Friday, March 9th, 2018.
“Matty’s funeral service is now arranged. Wow, after all this time, we can give him the service he deserves,” they wrote on Twitter.
“At the families request, please wear bright colours or a splash of Matty’s favourite colour; purple, thank you.”
Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
