The family of surfer Guy Haymes provided impactful victim statements during a sentencing hearing held on Friday. Jayson Brett Dal Molin has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Mr. Haymes, stemming from a violent altercation related to a $50 dispute that occurred in 2024.
The hearing was temporarily halted due to technical issues with the audio-visual link, leading to a rescheduling for Dal Molin to appear in person on April 13.
Mark Haymes, the brother of the well-known Sydney surfer, recounted the emotional turmoil of making the decision to turn off his brother’s life support following a severe injury sustained during the conflict over the money. Dal Molin was in court at the Downing Centre District Court on Friday, having previously pleaded guilty to causing the death of 59-year-old Guy Haymes.
Details presented in court revealed that the fatal incident took place on February 27, 2024, when Dal Molin attacked Mr. Haymes during a confrontation at a Manly apartment. After the assault, Mr. Haymes remained in a vegetative state for 15 days before succumbing to his injuries.
In his victim impact statement, Mark Haymes described the heavy burden of making decisions for his brother after the brutal attack. “I faced the heart-wrenching responsibility of making decisions on his behalf,” he stated. He recounted how medical professionals concluded that there was no chance of recovery for Guy, and he ultimately made the choice to discontinue life support in accordance with Guy’s wishes.
According to agreed facts presented in court, the argument began after Dal Molin awoke from smoking marijuana and accused Mr. Haymes, along with two other men at the apartment, of taking his money. He then proceeded to strike the older man repeatedly.
During the proceedings, Dal Molin appeared visibly unsettled while victim impact statements were being read. Mark Haymes expressed the ongoing grief he experiences in unexpected moments, noting, “Certain songs from our childhood trigger my emotions, causing me to become overwhelmed.” He also mentioned that he has found it difficult to engage in social gatherings due to the pain of discussing his brother.
In a letter presented to the court, the elderly parents of the victim shared their ongoing nightmares and feelings of insecurity following their son’s death. They expressed, “The loss of our child is a burden that no parent should have to endure.” The crime has significantly impacted their sense of community trust.
The court proceedings faced further delays as both the prosecution and defense were caught off guard by Dal Molin’s late request to testify at the sentencing. After discussions, it was decided he could provide evidence through a video link, pending no technical issues. However, due to audio problems, Judge Jennie Girdham opted to postpone the hearing, stating, “If I had known Mr. Dal Molin would testify, I would have required his presence in the courtroom.” The case will reconvene for sentencing on April 13.
