By Jenny Suo
The husband of murdered Melbourne woman Jill Meagher has asked Facebook users to stop inciting hatred online as it could jeopardise the court process.
Facebook has refused a request from Victoria Police to take down the pages - targetting the man charged with Ms Meagher's murder.
Ms Meagher's death has not only upset those who knew her, but an entire community, some of whom are taking to the internet to attack accused killer Adrian Ernest Bayley.
“They're trying to incite hatred and violence - one of them calls for his hanging,” says Tim Cartwright of Victoria Police.
Now, police and Ms Meagher's family are concerned Bayley's upcoming trial will be jeopardised by one that's already taking place on social media.
“I would just like to mention that negative comments in social media may hurt proceedings so please be mindful of that,” says Ms Meagher’s husband Tom.
Police asked for six offensive pages to be removed but Facebook refused
“They've declined to do that at this stage, [it’s] pretty disappointing,” says Mr Cartwright.
The online abuse is the antithesis of the support shown in a 30,000 strong march through Melbourne yesterday.
The marchers walked down the same road Ms Meagher was last seen alive on, to support her family and unite against violence.
Ms Meagher's mother, Edith McKoen, was touched by the local community.
“Just thank you, just simply thank you, I hope they put more cameras in here, keep them safe. Just thank you everybody for all your support,” says Ms McKoen.
In a Melbourne lane way a mystery street artist painted a 20m mural, while plans are underway to make Melbourne's streets safer at night.
“People are coming out of pubs and clubs, they cant get a taxi, they’re walking the streets, its not lit, there's no one to keep an eye on them,” says Stephen Jolly of Yarra Council.
The community hopes changes to the city and its laws will make Ms Meagher the last victim, not just the latest
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