Is Ned Kelly, Ned Smelly or Ned Merry?

"One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter'

Ned Kelly, the son of poor Irish Catholics, was a heroic anti-establishment figure who fought corrupt British colonists in the 19th Century.

Or was a smelly, bloodthirsty criminal out for British blood?

Australia's most notorious bushranger could be seen as both hero and a villain. In Kelly's 56-page note to fellow bushranger Joe Byrne he notes the systematic harassment that the Kelly family faced from the Victoria Police, not to mention the corruption that was rampant in Colonial authorities. Kelly and his gang's crimes can be forgiven because of the unrighteous justice system in Victoria. Although Ned Kelly's actions could be seen as murderous and savage, Kelly during the encounter with 4 policemen shot 3 in the private parts and left them to slowly bleed out, taking their lives and their dignity with them.

Was his defence for his freedom worthy for the 3 policemen dead? Or were the circumstances and the broken injustice system a fair reason to fight back?

Yes.