Witnesses refuse to talk over fatal stabbing of Corio man Jayme Sykes

Three witnesses who have refused to give statements to police will be compulsorily examined in court over the fatal stabbing of a Corio barber in Geelong.

Corio man 20-year-old Jayme “Chugs” Sykes was fatally stabbed on Little Malop St last year.

Three associates of a man accused of fatally stabbing a beloved Corio barber have refused to give statements to police, a court has heard.

Colac man James Farquhar, 26, was charged with one count murder over the death of Jayme “Chugs” Sykes, 20, in Geelong last year.

Police allege Mr Sykes was stabbed in the early hours of October 27 on Little Malop St.

He was taken to Geelong hospital where he later died.

Mr Farquhar, 26, appeared at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court via video link from the Metropolitan Remand Centre in Ravenhall on Tuesday for a brief hearing.

His lawyer told the court the matter was ready to be fast tracked to the Supreme Court.

He indicated Mr Farquhar intends to plead not guilty to the charge.

“At this stage, I’m reluctant to go too far into it,” his lawyer said.

However, an application was made by the Office by Public Prosecutions on Monday to compulsorily examine three witnesses who have refused to make a statement to police.

This application was granted by magistrate Michelle Hodgson.

The court heard on Tuesday that the three men are associates of Mr Farquhar.

The defence told the court they had received a trial date for July but examination of witnesses would now delay the matter by a number of months, possibly until next year.

The court heard the OPP cannot apply to compulsorily examine witnesses once the matter moves to the County or Supreme courts.

Rochelle Irwin, representing the OPP, told the court the witnesses were relevant to the proceedings.

Family and friends at the scene in Little Malop St. Picture Brad Fleet

In days following Mr Sykes’ death, family and friends gathered at the popular night-life strip where he was allegedly stabbed to lay flowers and written tributes.

He was remembered as a larger than life character with a beautiful heart and was farewelled by more than 500 mourners at a funeral service in November last year.

Three witnesses will be compulsorily examined at a court hearing on April 23.

Magistrate Ronald Saines remanded Mr Farquhar in custody to front court for a further committal mention on May 11.

Originally published as Witnesses refuse to talk over fatal stabbing of Corio man Jayme Sykes