During their sentencing on Thursday, Justice Peter Davis said the incident was “truly horrific” and photos of the Kefu home “frankly looks like a war zone”, with blood smeared throughout.
“But we know it is, in fact, a result of your violent invasion and attack upon the occupants of a family home in a quiet Brisbane suburban street,” he said.
Davis said that when the teenagers entered the home, there was intention to use both the sickle and a knife they brought, if necessary. During a conversation earlier in the night in the car, they discussed: “If someone wakes up, you just stab them”.
“Neither of you fled,” Davis said. “You both stood your ground and responded by attacking Mr Kefu with your weapons.
Davis said any of Mr Kefu’s actions towards the pair were justified as he had to defend his family against life-threatening violence.
Davis said it was not suggested the teenagers targeted the Kefu home because of Mr Kefu’s fame or long career.
Earlier this year, the prosecution had argued for a sentence of no less than 10 years’ detention. The defence teams argued for their clients to receive a sentence of about six years in detention, of which they would only serve half. Both teenagers have been in detention almost three years.
Davis found parts of the attack in the home were particularly heinous, including the slashing and stabbing of Mr and Mrs Kefu.
He said one of the teenagers had committed several vehicle offences – but was not convicted for them – before the home invasion. The other had no previous convictions.
The teenagers were sentenced to eight and seven years’ detention, respectively, and required to serve half of their sentences.