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The David Cassai story

New Year's Eve 2014 marks the second anniversary of one-punch victim David Cassai's death.

On a night when most people will be celebrating the start of a new year, the family and friends of David Cassai will be toasting his life and remembering a son, brother and dear friend whose life was cut short by the split-second action of one aggressor.

In the early hours of December 31st 2012, David was fatally king-hit in an unprovoked brawl in Rye - an attack that would impact scores of people, and set a legacy unlike no other.

David Cassai was fatally king-hit on New Year's Eve 2012. Photo: Supplied
David Cassai was fatally king-hit on New Year's Eve 2012. Photo: Supplied

In a determined bid not to let David’s senseless death be in vain, the 22-year-old's family and friends have spent the past two years raising awareness about the perils of street violence and the tragic consequences of one-punch attacks.

A short documentary, the David Cassai Story, is the latest push in the 'Stop. One Punch Can Kill' campaign, an anti-violence crusade launched by David's mother, Caterina Politi, in the wake of the tragedy.

The brainchild of David’s close friends, Vincent Petrilli and Jack Wright, the emotional and moving tribute delivers a simple yet powerful message.

"Our fist can be the most powerful and lethal weapon," said Vincent.

In the ten-minute video, which has attracted more than 25,000 hits online, David’s family and close friends remember him as a beautiful, funny and loyal young man who was the life and soul of a party.

David Cassai's death inspired the anti-violence campaign 'Stop. One Punch Can Kill'. Photo: Supplied
David Cassai's death inspired the anti-violence campaign 'Stop. One Punch Can Kill'. Photo: Supplied

However, behind the grieving faces of his loved ones it is the ground swell against violence that has inspired this film.

"We want to bring the issue to young peoples' attention and show the ripple effects that one split-second decision can have," Vincent said.

"It doesn't just affect one person, it affects not only their family and friends, but the wider community."

Volunteers Vincent and Jack, who co-produced and edited the video, devote their time to visit schools and share David's story in the hope of preventing a similar tragedy.

David, his mother, Caterina and sisters Luisa and Elisa Cassai. Photo: Supplied
David, his mother, Caterina and sisters Luisa and Elisa Cassai. Photo: Supplied

Students gain a unique and thought-provoking insight into the utter devastation a single, often senseless, act of violence can bring to not only the victims’ family and friends but also the perpetrators.

"We want to plant that seed in young peoples' heads so that they do stop and think about the consequences of their actions," Vincent said. "If it saves one life then David doesn't die in vain."

The presentations are designed to educate young people about responsible drinking, the dangers of alcohol and substance fuelled violence, whilst offering advice about how to walk away from a potentially dangerous scenario.

Vincent and David in happier times. Photo: Supplied
Vincent and David in happier times. Photo: Supplied


The message, Vincent said, seems to be getting across.

"We've had a really good response,” he said. "A lot of the kids have come up to us afterwards and shown that they respect what we are talking about and appreciate the fact that we are bringing this issue to their attention."

As for David, the friends said he would be proud of the work and achievements in his memory.

"He'd say: 'they've done well'. That was his saying 'you've done well'," the friends joked.

"I think he would be happy that something so negative has been made into a positive because he was such a positive person," Jack said.

Friends, David and Jack, share a hug for the camera. Photo: Supplied
Friends, David and Jack, share a hug for the camera. Photo: Supplied

As the sun set on 2013, the first anniversary of David's death, his friends raised their glasses in his honour - a special moment of reflection accompanied by David's favourite song 'Don't you worry child'.

"He was the life of the party," Jack said. "He was one of the most genuine and lovely blokes I've met in life.

"He was inclusive, happy and never had an issue with anyone. He was the glue of the group. He would bring everyone together. He was the happiest person I’ve known and horrendously funny and excitable."

"He was one of those people that made you feel involved,” Vincent added.

"If people had know him ten years or they had just met him, it wouldn't matter, the outpouring of grief was the same for everyone."

New Year's Eve 2014 marks the second anniversary of David Cassai's tragic death. Photo: Supplied
New Year's Eve 2014 marks the second anniversary of David Cassai's tragic death. Photo: Supplied

This year, the group will spend New Year's Eve separately, but each will be united as they pause to pay tribute to a dear friend lost but never forgotten.

"NYE is now to us a celebration of David's life and a toast to David," Jack said. "We'd be doing him a disservice by not remembering him.

"We know he would want us to have a few drinks or maybe ten because that's exactly who he was. He loved New Years' ever."

Anti-violence campaigners, Georgia Vague, David's girlfriend Esha Nandhra and Vincent Petrilli spread awareness. Photo: Supplied
Anti-violence campaigners, Georgia Vague, David's girlfriend Esha Nandhra and Vincent Petrilli spread awareness. Photo: Supplied

Victoria has introduced some of the toughest penalties for one punch deaths in Australia.

Whether you throw the offending punch or are simply part of the brawl, Victoria’s judicial system is exercising its might and coming down hard on perpetrators - violence will not be tolerated.

One punch killers can receive a maximum of ten years behind bars.

David and sisters, Luisa and Elisa Cassai. Photo: Supplied
David and sisters, Luisa and Elisa Cassai. Photo: Supplied


Dylan Closter, 20, was jailed for nine years and three months with a minimum of six years for Mr Cassai's manslaughter.

Tyrone Steven Russell, 23, had his sentence almost doubled for his role in the deadly brawl – a warning that no one is spared in the crack down on street violence.

Thomas Francis McCluskey-Sharp, 26, will be sentenced this month for his role in the fight.

Stop. One Punch Can Kill volunteers. Photo: Supplied
Stop. One Punch Can Kill volunteers. Photo: Supplied