‘Special soul’: Tributes flow for judge in Guy Sebastian case

A popular and highly respected judge overseeing the embezzlement trial of Guy Sebastian’s former manager has died suddenly in hospital.

Sydney’s legal community is in mourning after the NSW District Court Judge presiding over the trial of Guy Sebastian’s former manager died in suddenly in hospital.

Judge Peter Zahra SC suffered a stroke on Thursday, two days after the trial of Titus Day began in Sydney.

District Court judge Peter Zahra died on Sunday. Picture: Nine news

Mr Day has pleaded not guilty to 50 counts of fraudulently embezzling $900,000 worth of royalty, performance and ambassador payments that were allegedly meant to go to Sebastian.

The trial was adjourned to Monday, and when jurors returned to court, they were told a new judge would be appointed.

“Unfortunately, Judge Zahra passed away yesterday,” Judge James Bennett told the jury on Monday.

“He’s a very good friend.

“Everyone here is feeling the loss as you can imagine.”

Titus Day has pleaded not guilty. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Mr Day has denied stealing money owned to Mr Sebastian and claims the singer owes him money. Picture NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Mr Sebastian was due to continue giving evidence when the trial resumed on Tuesday, but he tested positive to Covid-19 and entered isolation for a week.

Judge Bennett said the trial would resume on May 16.

News of Judge Zahra’s death has sent shockwaves through legal circles.

He has been remembered as a fair and intelligent man.

Judge Zahra spent almost three decades working as barrister, firstly as a Crown prosecutor and then as a public defender.

In 2001 he was appointed the state’s senior public defender and he became a District Court judge in 2007.

Judge Zahra presided over numerous highly publicised cases, including the sentencing of disgraced former Hey Dad! and child sex offender Robert Hughes.

Guy Sebastian was the first witness called to give evidence in the trial. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

In a statement, Judge Zahra’s family said his death would create a void that would be difficult to fill.

“Dad was a special soul and touched the lives of everyone he met,” the family said.

“He had a big heart and wanted to see everyone achieve more than what they ever thought possible.

“In honour of our dad and his life, we encourage everyone to have a hot chocolate and share a dad joke in his honour. Those who knew him would know he loved a good (bad) joke.”

The death of Judge Peter Zahra is a huge loss for justice in NSW. Thoughts with my legal friends and his family.

— Kelly Fedor (@KellyFedor) May 9, 2022

NSW Attorney-General Mark Speakman said he was saddened to learn of Judge Zahra’s death.

“I express the state’s gratitude not only for Judge Zahra’s work as a judge of the District Court but his significant contribution and service to the law and legal profession over many years,” Mr Speakman said.

“His Honour was considered an outstanding leader in the public defender chambers — hard working, a fine advocate and dedicated to developing and maintaining the highest standard in the work undertaken by the public defenders. He was also a well-respected legal author on drugs and criminal law.

“On behalf of the people and government of NSW, I offer my sincere condolences to his Honour’s wife, daughter and sons, his extended family and his many friends and colleagues.”

Originally published as ‘Special soul’: Tributes flow for judge in Guy Sebastian case