Rosie Batty

The distraught mother of an 11-year-old boy savagely stabbed and beaten to death by his father, Greg Batty, after cricket practice.

The incident happened in Tyab, Victoria in Australia as parents and children watched on in horror.

Rosie Bassey spoke to reporters on Thursday morning and revealed her estranged husband had a history of violence and mental illness.

She also paid tribute to her son.

54-year-old Greg Batty was shot by police at the scene and later died in hospital.

Rosie told reporters that Greg had suffered from an undiagnosed mental illness for two decades.