A judge has condemned the brutal murder of a “blameless peacemaker,” sentencing the perpetrator to 20 years in prison.

Mayiik Ring, a beloved 32-year-old family man, was tragically killed while attempting to mediate a dispute between his girlfriend and the assailant. The incident occurred at a reserve in Melbourne’s west.

Unbeknownst to Ring, his girlfriend, Nyaiek Anyang, was expecting a child at the time of his death. He succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.

Malwal Aweng, 28, was convicted of Ring’s murder following a second jury trial in April.

The fatal confrontation took place late at night on December 30, 2022. Aweng and his girlfriend were seated on benches alongside Ring and Anyang near the St Albans community center when the conflict erupted.

An argument broke out between Aweng and Anyang.

Ring tried to intervene and resolve the situation, but the fight became physical.

Aweng grabbed a knife from his girlfriend’s bag and slashed Anyang across the neck, before thrusting the blade once into Ring’s abdomen.

Ring stumbled to the community centre for help but collapsed at the entrance and was taken to hospital.

He died from his injuries about midnight on December 31.

Aweng, who was on bail at the time, fled after stabbing Ring and was later arrested and charged with murder.

He had admitted manslaughter, but denied he intentionally tried to kill Ring.

Two juries were empanelled this year, with the first unable to reach a verdict.

Aweng was found guilty of murder after his second jury trial on April 9, and he also pleaded guilty to intentionally causing injury to Anyang.

He stood and appeared to become emotional as Justice Andrew Tinney jailed him for a maximum of 25 years today for the “vicious” and “entirely uncalled for” murder.

“These were two blameless victims who did nothing to deserve your attacks on them,” the judge said.

“Mr Ring in particular was a peacemaker … It is disturbing that for so little reason you sought to escalate a minor disagreement.

“You took away the life of a much-loved and valued member of the community, you removed him from the life of his partner and his unborn child.

“It is a tragedy for which you are fully responsible.”

He noted Aweng’s “significant and concerning criminal history”, which included punching a man to the ground in 2017 outside Melbourne’s State Library and stomping on his head as he lay unconscious.

Justice Tinney said the protection of the community had loomed large in his determination of an appropriate sentence.

He also described the stabbing of Anyang as “very dangerous conduct” and noted her injuries “will always serve to her as a reminder of what happened that night”.

Aweng, who was supported in court by six family members and friends, will be eligible for parole in 19 years and has already served two years and seven months of his sentence.