British father, 30, is stabbed to death in a car outside an Australian motel months after moving to the countryside for a better life – as shocked witnesses describe his desperate pleas for help
A British father of two who moved to Australia a few months ago to build “a better life for his family” has been stabbed to death in a motel car park.
Shocked witnesses heard Royce Mallett, 30, from Haswell, County Durham, shout “help, help” as an attacker plunged a knife “into his heart” in Albury, New South Wales.
A woman staying at the motel who gave only her name as Michelle said a passerby tried to apply pressure to the stab wound while speaking to emergency responders.
The family man was rushed to Albury Hospital, where he sadly later died. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old suspect fled on foot, before being arrested by police less than two hours later.
Mr Mallett’s heartbroken family are now preparing to fly to Australia and are trying to raise £20,000 to help repatriate his body to the UK, a process they say could take several months.
Royce Mallett, 30, was stabbed to death in Australia, leaving behind his partner and two young children (pictured)
The British father of two had only recently moved to Australia in search of a better life for his family
His mother Felicity Mallet, who is in “complete shock”, said her late son is expected to return to the UK in five weeks, along with his five-year-old daughter Rose and his son Roman, who turns two in a few weeks.
Witness Michelle, who was shocked by the tragedy, told Border Mail: ‘I heard a commotion and I went outside. There were a few people around, a man was trying (to put pressure on the wound).
“As far as I know, he was in his car with a friend. Whatever happened, this man took him to his heart.”
She added that the arrested man had been staying at the motel for two or three weeks and had been seen in the area before. Mr Mallett is believed to have stayed at the hotel occasionally.
Others who witnessed the horrific incident were in tears as they tried to help Mr Mallett.
Now Mr Mallet’s family are desperately trying to raise money to bring him back to the UK.
A GoFundMe page said: ‘Royce was a kind man with a good heart who went to Australia to make a better life for his family. He was a wonderful father to his 2 young children who adore their dad.
“Words cannot express how sad we all are as a family. We just want our Royce back home where he belongs.”
Tributes to Mr Mallett have been posted en masse on social media since the shocking news of his death.
The family man (pictured) was rushed to hospital in Albury but sadly passed away there.
His friend Robbie Matthews added: ‘Absolutely devastating news. Sleep well Royce Mallett. And to think you went to Australia to find a better life.’
According to supervisor Paul Smith, the two men may have known each other.
He said: ‘It is a very unfortunate situation that we are faced with. We have a deceased 30-year-old. We have a man in custody who is assisting us with our enquiries. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this offence.’
Officers are seeking CCTV footage of the man arrested at Wodonga Place, Dean Street and Olive Street, where he was arrested. Police have not disclosed whether a knife was found.
Witnesses are requested to contact police.