THE BYRON SHIRE Volume 25 #34 Tuesday, February 1, 2011 Mullumbimby 02 6684 1777 Byron Bay 02 6685 5222 Fax 02 6684 1719 editor@echo.net.au adcopy@echo.net.au www.echo.net.au 22,500 copies every week
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MULLUMBIMBY JUNIOR RUGBY LEAGUEE SIGN-ON Page FEATURE 17
Celebration for unity Day one: Jai’s inquest Eve Jeffery
On day one of the inquest into the death of Jai Morcom, Deputy State Coroner Hugh Dillon acknowledged the presence of Jai’s mother, father and siblings in the courtroom. ‘Today some of Jai’s family and friends are present,’ he said. ‘To Jai’s family, I would like to offer my sincerest, respectful condolences for the loss of a boy very dear to you.’ Counsel assisting the coroner, Michael Wigney spoke at length summarising both the proceedings and the evidence to be given during the hearing. He said that more than 100 witness statements had been given in both audio and video recordings. Mr Wigney said that the evidence to be given would show that an autopsy has established that Jai died of a sub-arachnoid hemorrhage in the brain but the cause of the bleed was not able to be defined in the process. There are two possibilities for the occurrence of the condition; it may happen spontaneously, usually from a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, or it may Three youngsters enjoying Australia Day on Wednesday. More on the celebrations inside. Photo Jeff Dawson be the result of a head injury. It is these two avenues that have been the crux of the medical investigation and to this point, is has been Sargent from Tourism NSW said commitment will mean they are the suggested that evidence does not lean Hans Lovejoy either way. how impressed they were that this first videos to be done. ‘I understand $1800 (plus GST) is a Byron United’s ‘My Byron Day’ community pulled together to raise ‘No blame’ for death campiagn will now receive Tour- so much. It shows that we have a lot big ask for small bsuinesses, but have Mr Wigney said that the purpose of of resilience and initiative.’ a look at your figures in the last two ism NSW funds. Further to matching the $180,000, weeks and ask yourself can you af- the inquest was not to lay the blame Minister Jodi McKay made the announcement on ABC radio this week. there are plans to offer travel incen- ford not to be a part of a business-led for the fight during the school’s recess at anyone’s feet, but find out the cause ‘I’ve met with Byron United and I tives for airlines in March, she said, as recovery. ‘Can you afford not to be a part of of Jai’s death. have absolutely given them a guar- well as vouchers that can be redeemed He also said that it was not the purthe biggest advertising campaign Byantee that we will be matching their at local businesses. pose of the proceedings to question ‘We are are still appealing to busi- ron Bay has ever put together? funding.’ Minister McKay added, ‘We do the integrity of Mullubimby High The TV and website campaign, ness to come forward who want to be need to look at the creative around School, its teachers, staff or students. which aims to entice more visitors to involved,’ she said. Jai’s father Steve Drummond arrived ‘We are anticipating a lead time of the campaign and what is best for BU the Shire, was a response to a noticeearly at the courthouse; he had no legal able drop in tourist numbers to the four weeks to get the campaign to air,’ and the region as a whole… she said. ‘This means the television ‘The fact that they got together and representation but notified that court Shire from last year. Byron United’s (BU) Sevegne commercial and website will be up have $180,000 that they are willing that he would have questions to ask Newton told The Echo she was very and running but it will take approxi- to put forward is fantastic, and I cer- witnesses during the inquest. Jai’s mother Kim and Jai’s siblings pleased with the meeting on Friday. mately two months to film individual tainly give them credit for what they were supported by a large groups of ‘Both Lyndel Gray and Andrew videos. First in to reconfirm their have done.’
Tourism NSW matches funds for ‘My Byron Day’
friends and family. The parents of one of the older students named in relation to the incident sat at the back of the public gallery, the boy’s father stony faced and his mother visibly distressed at the mention of their son’s involvement in the melee. The couple have arranged legal representation for the boy will most likely appear as a witness later in the week. The Echo spoke to Sue Drummond, Steve Drummond’s sister, during the morning break. Sue said that that Steve, who has also lost both of his parents in the last 12 months, was holding up considerably well. ‘He’s made of strong stuff,’ she said. ‘He’s doing this for Jai. I am really proud of him.’ The media had set up at the courthouse from early in the day, the trees outside providing shade for about six camera crews and journalists packed the small media area inside the courtroom. Kim Morcom was shown a side door by a security guard during the morning teabreak and was able to exit away from waiting crowd. After morning tea the first witness, Detective Sergeant Terry Frost, who is the officer in charge of the investigation took the stand. Detective Frost said that he was responsible for compiling the brief of the investigation and for overseeing the interviews with students, staff, nurses and medical and ambulance staff. It was he who called in the homicide team on the afternoon of August 28, 2009. ‘We ascertained the main participants and witnesses in the afternoon. The students were taken to Byron Bay police station and some were read their rights.’ The inquest expects to hear from students and other witnesses this week and medical experts next week. Mr Dillon said he would accept oral submissions on Thursday January 10 and hoped to deliver his finding the next day.
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