A tragic incident unfolded in Bristol, as 17-year-old Mali Bennett-Smith was sentenced to a minimum of 10 years and five months for the murder of his older sister, Luka Bennett-Smith. The court heard that Mali had stabbed Luka to death at their home in the St Andrews area of the city. According to Mali, he had asked Luka if he could practice a headlock on her, a move they had done before. However, instead of releasing her when she tapped him as they had agreed, Mali continued to hold her and then proceeded to stab her multiple times.
The horrifying details emerged during the trial at Bristol Crown Court, where Mali admitted to feeling frustrated and resentful towards his sister, whom he described as “annoying” and a bully. After committing the heinous act, Mali called the emergency services to confess to the murder, stating that he had “hated her [Luka] my whole life.” The judge, William Hart, lamented the tragic loss, highlighting the unimaginable pain endured by the parents who now mourn the loss of two children—one to death and the other to incarceration.
Mali Bennett-Smith’s upbringing on a remote farm in New Zealand, his struggles with dyslexia and dysgraphia, and his subpar social interactions due to homeschooling were all factors brought to light during the trial. His defence lawyer, Ray Tully KC, highlighted Mali’s remorse and the challenges he faced in managing his emotions and frustrations, particularly towards his sister. It was revealed that Mali’s detachment from reality, often immersed in video gaming, contributed to his inability to cope with his feelings towards Luka.
Judge Hart emphasized the brutality of the act, noting the aggravating factors such as the use of a knife and Mali’s clear intent to kill. The court’s decision to lift reporting restrictions on naming the defendant further underscored the gravity of the crime. Despite Mali’s above-average IQ, it was his struggles with processing speed and emotional regulation that seemingly culminated in the tragic loss of Luka’s life and the devastation of their family.
Detective Inspector Nadine Partridge of Avon and Somerset Police expressed sympathy for Luka’s family, acknowledging the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives. The community’s shock and disbelief at the events that transpired underscore the need for greater awareness of mental health issues and support for individuals struggling with emotional regulation and social integration. As the Bennett-Smith family grapples with the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, the hope is that justice is served, and lessons are learned to prevent such tragedies in the future.