Tributes flow for QC
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The chairman of the Victorian Bar Council today paid tribute to Peter Hayes, QC, saying the law had lost a “courageous and determined advocate” who would be sorely missed. Michael Shand, QC, made his remarks this morning outside Owen Dixon Chambers West - Mr Hayes’ chambers - in Melbourne’s legal precinct following Mr Hayes death in Adelaide. “We were very sorry to learn of Peter’s passing,” he said. “Our thoughts go out to Peter’s family and friends.” Mr Shand said Mr Hayes had been a member of the bar for 34 years - 18 of those as Queen’s Counsel. “He was a courageous and determined advocate and will be missed by many,” he said. ‘Terrible waste’ Prominent Melbourne barrister and former head of the National Crime Authority, Peter Faris, QC, said Mr Hayes’ “pointless” death was a tragedy. The outspoken QC told the theage.com.au: “It’s a shocking tragedy and a terrible waste and a completely pointless death as far as I’m concerned. “I feel terribly sorry for his family and his friends.” Mr Hayes, QC, died in an Adelaide hospital, 11 days after being found unconscious in an Adelaide hotel room. The high-flying QC, who represented Steve Vizard’s former bookkeeper Roy Hilliard, had been in a coma in the Royal Adelaide Hospital’s intensive care unit after being found unconscious in a hotel on May 11. |