Last time I checked, rehabilitation is more effective when supported by close friends and family. Rehabilitation is still an objective of the corrections process, isn't it? And Fifita is a close mate of Kieran Loveridge, isn't he?
Journos jumping up and down about Fifita's message rubbing the memory of tragic events in the face of Thomas Kelly's family, yet having no qualms in squeezing as much milage as possible out of this story themselves. Are they personally connected in any way, or just cashing in?
Fifita would have been wiser to be more sensitive to the issue, but his message was one of supporting a friend, not the friend's crime. Certainly wasn't directed towards the Kelly family in any way. NSW Police issuing a consorting notice is completely inappropriate aka bullshit. Exactly like the govt response to the 'plague' of violence.
My deepest sympathies are still to Thomas Kelly and family, but ethically I'm 100% against witch-hunting.