Warned: one punch can kill | Ipswich News | Local News in Ipswich

Paul Stanley whose son Matthew died after he was bashed outside a party.

WHEN Matthew Stanley went to a party in Alexandra Hills in September 2006, no one was prepared for the outcome of that night.

The 15-year-old rising touch footy star was bashed outside the party, and died as a result of his injuries.

His attacker was jailed for two-and-a-half years.

Now his father, Paul Stanley, travels around the country to share his son’s story and to warn teenagers about the dangers of violence.

Last Monday he spoke at Corinda State High School.

“It’s about 100,000 students I’ve spoken to,” he said.

“Some of the schools are doing a lot of work (to prevent it).”

Mr Stanley said the talks were emotionally draining for him to do but from the feedback he’d received it seemed like the message was getting out there.

“Whether it lasts a week or a day (it’s worth it),” he said.

“Occasionally we get the kids who cry or walk out.

“In March last year (I had) a student come up and just hold on to me afterwards. It turned out his 19-year-old brother had been killed (in a similar way).

“This thing of youth violence, it’s crazy. Now a punch is just a prelude to a kick in the head.”

Corinda State High School deputy principal, Anne Mclauchlan, said many of the students had been moved to tears by Mr Stanley’s speech.

“They were very quiet afterwards, they took it on board,” she said.

“I hope obviously that it will make them think twice about how they will act if they’re in that situation.”

“Now a punch is just a prelude to a kick in the head.”– Paul Stanley